Preserve Manager
Quick answer
The Nature Conservancy is hiring an in-office Preserve Manager in Hot Springs, SD, paying $54,000-$58,000 to lead conservation projects and land management within the southern Black Hills area.
- Role
- Preserve Manager
- Organization
- The Nature Conservancy
- Location
- Hot Springs, SD
- Work setup
- On-site
- Level
- Mid
- Compensation
- $54,000 - $58,000
- Category
- Programs & Operations
The role
The Preserve Manager provides leadership and project management for conservation initiatives within the southern Black Hills conservation area. Responsibilities include ecological land management, budget oversight, staff supervision, and fostering relationships with local landowners and Indigenous communities. The role requires residing near the Whitney Preserve to manage site-specific issues, with on-site housing available for lease. This position involves both administrative planning and physically demanding fieldwork in variable weather conditions.
What you'll do
- Lead conservation projects and implement site-specific ecological strategies.
- Supervise staff, interns, and contractors while managing performance.
- Develop and manage budgets, agreements, and vendor contracts.
- Perform biological monitoring, invasive species control, and fire management tasks.
- Build and maintain relationships with local Indigenous communities and landowners.
What it takes
- Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management or 3 years of equivalent experience.
- Proven experience in managing or leading teams and volunteers.
- Ability to obtain Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) qualification.
- Valid driver’s license and compliance with auto safety standards.
- Ability to perform physically demanding fieldwork, including passing an annual fitness test.
What you'll bring
How we treat you
Competitive benefits package including health care, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) with 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, and an employee assistance program.
Frequently asked questions
Where is this job located and what is the work setting?
This role is based at the Whitney Preserve near Hot Springs, SD, and requires the manager to live within a reasonable distance of the site to address urgent issues. Housing for the manager and their family is available for lease on the preserve.
What is the compensation for this role?
The starting salary range for this position is $54,000 to $58,000, depending on factors such as experience, skills, and location.
What are the key qualifications required for the position?
Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in a natural resources field or 3 years of equivalent experience, plus experience in team leadership and equipment operation. Candidates must also be able to meet the physical requirements for field work and the qualifications for a Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) status.
How do I apply for this position?
The organization uses a rolling interview process, so candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the job posting will be closed.
How to apply
Apply directly on The Nature Conservancy's site. We link straight through — no resume parsing, no profile to fill out.
This listing is aggregated from a third-party source and its summary may be auto-generated, so details can be inaccurate or out of date. ForGood is not the employer and is not liable for the content — please verify everything on The Nature Conservancy's official posting before applying.