Natural Area Manager

Columbia Land Trust is seeking an East Cascades Natural Area Manager based in White Salmon, WA. The role involves managing natural areas across parts of Washington and Oregon, focusing on land management, habitat restoration, and community outreach. Responsibilities include overseeing conservation efforts, managing property data, engaging with stakeholders, and implementing restoration projects. The position requires collaboration with a stewardship team and engagement with local communities.
Columbia Land trust is hiring an East Cascades Natural Area Manager to join our collaborative 24-member stewardship team! Based out of our White Salmon, Washington office, this position will be responsible for the management of various natural areas across Skamania and Klickitat Counties in Washington and Hood River and Wasco Counties in Oregon. Ranging from 30 acres to thousands of acres, these natural areas encompass riparian habitat, fire-adapted mixed conifer forests and oak woodlands, wetlands, talus, cliffs, and grasslands.

Summary

The Natural Area Manager is responsible for the management of various natural areas across Skamania and Klickitat Counties in Washington and Hood River and Wasco Counties in Oregon. Ranging from 30 acres to thousands of acres, these natural areas encompass riparian habitat, fire-adapted mixed conifer forests and oak woodlands, wetlands, talus, cliffs, and grasslands. This position oversees site-level conservation efforts, ecological stewardship, and ensures compliance with Land Trust standards by performing the following duties:

Essential Duties
• Land Management & Administration
• Habitat Restoration
• Land Protection Support
• Outreach & Engagement
• Organizational Support

Land Management & Administration
• Manages property data using GIS and other software, tracks tax/parcel information, documents site conditions and work performed, ensures regulatory compliance and boundary enforcement, maintains access/easement agreements, and oversees property use and access permissions.
• Prepares and updates management plans, habitat condition assessments, and site maps.
• Installs, maintains, or removes infrastructure such as roads, bridges, gates, and signs.
• Hires and oversees contractors and volunteers for project implementation.
• Manages public use, including state hunting programs and Land Trust public use systems.
• Conducts compliance and project-level effectiveness monitoring.
• Resolves property issues, including boundary disputes, dumping, and unauthorized use.
• Builds relationships with landowners, neighbors, community members, and conservation partners.
• Engages in outreach to understand community needs, address concerns, and raise awareness.
• Supports stewardship staff in site work and may supervise direct reports.

Habitat Restoration
• Designs and implements habitat restoration projects that advance Land Trust conservation objectives, using the best available science and following the Land Trust standards and practices, with input and coordination from partners and community advisors.
• Writes grant proposals and supports fundraising and outreach for restoration projects.
• Manages restoration budgets, grants, contracts, permitting, and regulatory compliance.
• Monitors restoration outcomes and adapts management strategies.

Land Protection Support
• Assesses properties for conservation potential, evaluating ecological resources and stewardship challenges.
• Identifies key conservation features and estimates long-term management costs.
• Reviews and assesses implications of agreements, legal encumbrances, boundary encroachments, and land-use restrictions on our ability to steward conservation values of protected lands.
• Assists with writing and presenting grant applications that fund land acquisitions.
• Contributes to the periodic update of strategic conservation priorities in our Conservation Agenda.

Outreach & Engagement
• Supports fundraising by leading land tours, giving presentations, and contributing to outreach materials and events.
• Builds relationships with community members, rightsholders, tribes, and partner organizations.
• Coordinates volunteer activities such as restoration workdays and site maintenance projects.

Organizational Support
• Supports annual work and budget planning.
• Regularly participates in regional team meetings and training, and coordinates field staff.
• Provides information to the Board of Directors or its committees, as needed.
• Contributes to fundraising, donor relations, and communications efforts.
• Engages in organizational initiatives, such as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Safety Committees.
• Supports the East Cascades Oaks Partnership strategic conservation plan.
• Maintains punctual, regular, and predictable attendance.
• Works collaboratively in a team environment with a spirit of cooperation.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Columbia Land Trust seeks applicants with skills and experience in some of the listed tasks or similar work. Training will be provided to ensure qualified candidates can safely and effectively perform the job. Accommodations may be available for individuals with disabilities to enable them to fulfill essential job functions.

Required Skills & Experience

The following are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability needed to perform the duties of the job. Both professional and personal life experience will be considered.
• A background in land stewardship, forestry, biology, ecology, or traditional ecological knowledge, equivalent to eight years either through related experience and/or education/training.
• Working knowledge of fire-adapted forests and management approaches.
• Ability to identify plants using dichotomous keys and field guides and to assess habitat conditions.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple project budgets, contracts, and workflows simultaneously.
• Ability to manipulate spatial data and generate maps using ESRI ArcGIS Pro and other products.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and similar programs.
• Ability to safely supervise and direct field staff in person and remotely.
• Ability to work respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Comfort making decisions independently consistent with a strategic plan and team values.
• Ability to perform physical work outdoors in various environments and weather conditions.
• Ability to secure an herbicide applicator’s license.
• Ability to work safely in high-risk environments around equipment, herbicides, and prescribed fire.
• Valid driver’s license and safe driving record. Access to a personal vehicle for light-duty field work and regional travel.

Preferred Skills & Experience

Some experience with one or more of the following is preferred, with some training available to help build existing skills to reach the skill level needed.
• Familiarity and comfort with tribal treaties, indigenous lifeways and values.
• Knowledge of Columbia River Gorge and East Cascades ecology and botany.
• Experience planning and conducting prescribed broadcast or pile burns.
• Familiarity with regional silviculture and forest management practices, and logging systems and contracts.

Salary and Benefits

Columbia Land Trust offers a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and a supportive and positive work environment. The full salary range for this position is $68,983 – $89,680 annually.

The Land Trust benefits package includes:
• Paid vacation
• Holidays
• Sick leave
• Health and dental insurance premiums for three-quarter to full-time employees
• Voluntary benefits include Section 125 – FSA and long-term disability
• A match (up to 5% of annual salary) to our 401(K)-retirement plan
• Cell Phone Reimbursement
• Travel Reimbursement

Application Instructions

To be considered for the Natural Area Manager position, please email your resume, a list of three references, and a cover letter addressing the below questions to jobs@columbialandtrust.org. We will not contact your references without notifying you first. In your application, please include:
• A description of your interest in and relevant experience for this position.
• How does this position align with your professional interests or career goals?
• Please read our Equity Commitments and tell us what resonates with you and why.

Mailed applications can be submitted to:

Columbia Land Trust

850 Officers Row

Vancouver, WA 98661