Santa Lucia Conservancy · 13 hours ago
Associate Director of Ecological Management
Carmel, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
$125K/yr - $125K/yr
10+ years expThe Santa Lucia Conservancy (SLC) is a nonprofit land trust dedicated to protecting and managing the natural resources of the Santa Lucia Preserve. They are seeking an Associate Director of Ecological Management to lead their ecological management team, overseeing programs related to restoration, grazing, and fuel management while ensuring strategic goals are met and resources are effectively utilized.
CommunitiesEnvironmental ConsultingNon ProfitSocial Impact
Responsibilities
Plan and Manage Ecological Management Program - 50%
In collaboration with the Executive Director, set ecological goals and desired future habitat conditions consistent with Conservancy plans, regulatory requirements, and best available science
Provide operational leadership for the Conservancy’s ecological management program, ensuring goals, activities, staffing, and resources are effectively planned, coordinated, and delivered across restoration, grazing, fuel management, and monitoring programs
Lead the financial planning and management of the Ecological Management Department, including annual budgets, expenditure tracking, and multi-year cost forecasting
Partner with the Grants Manager and program staff to identify, pursue, and secure funding aligned with ecological management priorities; provide programmatic oversight once grants are awarded
Oversee grant implementation and compliance in coordination with Finance and project leads, ensuring timely reporting and deliverables
Oversee fuel and vegetation management programs to ensure they balance ecological integrity and wildfire resilience in accordance with approved plans and agreements
Direct short- and long-term planning cycles (daily, weekly, quarterly) for ecological management activities, ensuring alignment across programs and efficient use of staff and contractor capacity
Provide leadership and oversight for a rigorous biological monitoring program, integrating consultants, field surveys, remote sensing, and drone-based data collection to inform management decisions
Guide interpretation of ecological data with staff and collaborators, using current statistical methods and adaptive management principles to refine strategies over time
Synthesize program outcomes and monitoring results for adaptive management, board briefings, and funding proposals
Staff Supervision & Development - 25%
Supervise, mentor, and evaluate the Conservation Ecologist, Restoration Program Manager, and Conservation Grazing Program Manager
Actively promote and foster a cross-departmental culture of collaboration among ecological management, outreach, development, and finance
Coordinate staff training and professional development in ecological monitoring, restoration, grazing, and fire and fuel management
Encourage inter-program learning and teamwork, ensuring staff understand how individual projects contribute to broader organizational goals
Community & Partner Engagement - 25%
Support landowner engagement and community collaboration related to ecological stewardship and wildfire preparedness
Maintain strong coordination with SLC departments, Preserve entities (Community Services District, Ranch Club, Santa Lucia Preserve Co.), and external collaborators
Represent SLC resource management endeavors by delivering presentations, leading field tours, and sharing research outcomes that demonstrate the Conservancy’s leadership in conservation and climate resilience
Regularly produce scientific publications and/or technical reports, white papers, and professional presentations highlighting SLC’s innovative programs and practices
Partner with the communications and engagement team to share ecological management outcomes, monitoring results, and drone-based applications with the broader community
Qualification
Required
Demonstrated success in innovation, teamwork, and inclusive leadership
Demonstrated success in communicating scientific or controversial topics to diverse audiences; being relatable
Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in ecological management, restoration, or conservation science. Experience with eradication of invasive plant species, conservation grazing, rare plant and wildlife management, and features of regional geography desirable
Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience supervising multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects and programs including managing budgets, grants, or fundraising partnerships in collaboration with development or finance staff
Advanced degree in conservation, ecology, environmental science, range management, or a related field
Demonstrated expertise in adaptive land management, ecological monitoring, and integrated fuel management
Demonstrated experience and expertise in public speaking; able to represent SLC's science effectively to diverse audiences
Valid driver's license, safe driving record, and current insurance required
Preferred
Experience implementing or managing drone-based monitoring, remote sensing, or GIS-based ecological assessment tools
Benefits
Health
Dental
Vision
FSA
Life insurance
A 401(k) with up to a 6% employer match
12 paid holidays
Vacation
Paid sick leave
Company
Santa Lucia Conservancy
Santa Lucia Conservancy is a nonprofit organization that offers conservation grazing, invasive weeds and science-guided management services.
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase