Director of Conservation Ecology

The Mojave Desert Land Trust seeks a Director of Conservation Ecology to lead stewardship efforts for nearly 26 million acres in the Mojave and Colorado Desert ecosystems. Responsibilities include managing an interdisciplinary team, developing strategic conservation plans, overseeing habitat restoration, and engaging with communities and stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have strong scientific knowledge and leadership skills to promote ecosystem health and biodiversity.
About the position

The Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT) is seeking a passionate and experienced individual to fill the role of Director of Conservation Ecology. This position is pivotal in overseeing MDLT's comprehensive stewardship approach for its protected and priority lands, which spans nearly 26 million acres in the Mojave and Colorado Desert ecosystems. The Director will lead an interdisciplinary team dedicated to land management, habitat restoration, plant ecology, and ecosystem science, ensuring that conservation actions are informed by current science and best practices. The role requires a deep understanding of contemporary conservation and a commitment to advancing bold actions that promote ecosystem health and community engagement. As the Director of Conservation Ecology, you will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic plans that align with MDLT's mission and conservation priorities. You will provide leadership to a team of 16 staff members across three primary programs: Land Stewardship, Plant Conservation, and Ecosystem Science. This includes overseeing the management and restoration of conserved lands, ensuring the preservation of ecological integrity, biodiversity, and natural habitats. You will also guide the plant conservation program, maximizing the impact of MDLT's Mojave Desert Seed Bank and Native Plant Nursery. In addition to strategic leadership, the Director will develop a new environmental monitoring program to assess the long-term health and resilience of ecosystems and wildlife populations. Engaging with local communities, tribes, landowners, and stakeholders will be crucial in promoting conservation practices and coordinating with MDLT's Community Conservation Initiatives. The role also involves cultivating partnerships with government agencies, conservation organizations, and academic institutions to leverage resources and support collaborative initiatives. The Director will oversee a broad project portfolio, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and preparing reports and proposals for stakeholders. This position is not only about managing projects but also about advocating for policies that promote sustainable natural resource management and representing MDLT in public forums and community meetings. The ideal candidate will possess a blend of scientific knowledge, leadership skills, and a passion for conservation, ready to make a significant impact in the Mojave Desert region.

Responsibilities
• Develop and implement strategic plans for stewardship and ecosystem health in alignment with the organization's mission and conservation priorities.
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• Provide leadership to the conservation ecology team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and stewardship.
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• Oversee the management and restoration of conserved lands, ensuring the preservation of ecological integrity, biodiversity, and natural habitats.
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• Develop and implement adaptive strategies to address environmental threats, invasive species, and habitat degradation.
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• Ensure MDLT land stewardship adheres to Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices while encouraging community engagement.
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• Guide the plant conservation program to maximize the impact of the Mojave Desert Seed Bank and Native Plant Nursery.
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• Develop a new environmental monitoring program to assess the long-term health and resilience of ecosystems and wildlife populations.
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• Collaborate with research institutions, universities, and partners to conduct ecological research and integrate scientific findings into conservation practices.
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• Engage with local communities, tribes, landowners, volunteers, and stakeholders to promote conservation practices.
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• Cultivate and maintain partnerships with government agencies, conservation organizations, academic institutions, and community groups.
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• Work with development and fundraising teams to secure grants, funding, and donations for conservation programs and projects.
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• Monitor and advocate for policies and regulations that promote sustainable natural resource management and land stewardship.
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• Represent the organization in public forums, coalitions, and community meetings.

Requirements
• Proven experience in conservation ecology, land management, or a related field, with a strong understanding of desert ecosystems.
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• Demonstrated leadership skills with experience managing interdisciplinary teams.
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• Strong project management skills, including experience overseeing large-scale conservation projects and compliance with grant agreements.
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• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and foster collaboration.
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• Experience in developing and implementing strategic plans and adaptive management strategies.
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• Knowledge of ecological research methods and data analysis techniques.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience working with non-profit organizations or land trusts.
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• Familiarity with fundraising and grant writing processes.
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• Knowledge of local environmental policies and regulations.
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• Experience in community engagement and outreach initiatives.

Benefits
• Competitive salary between $75k and $90k per year.
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• Opportunities for professional development and training.
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• Flexible work environment with a focus on work-life balance.