The Connecticut River Preserves Manager is based at TNC’s 1,122-acre Burnham Brook Preserve in East Haddam, CT. This part-time two year position (21 hours per week) manages Burnham Brook and a network of preserves and conservation easements within a defined geography in the lower Connecticut River area, with the goals of enhancing the ability of these places to engage and inspire people for nature and to manage them for resilience to climate change. The position implements a range of management activities and enhances the network of preserves to raise the profile of TNC’s broader conservation work. The Connecticut River Preserves Manager also strategically identifies opportunities for volunteers. As part of the stewardship team, this position reports to the director of stewardship and ecological management, works closely with the volunteer coordinator, and requires regular contact with TNC partners and the public. 

• Develop, implement, and evaluate a visitor engagement program aligned with chapter-wide stewardship strategies that connects people with nature and increases TNC’s visibility. Set up and maintain safe, welcoming, and positive visitor experiences and improve access where possible and compatible with ecological goals. Work proactively to establish positive interactions between TNC and preserve visitors, neighbors, local communities, and other stakeholders. Provide preserve and stewardship related content for social media and other digital platforms.
• Perform routine maintenance of preserve infrastructure (e.g., trails, parking lots, kiosks, buildings) and contract with others to implement. Maintain boundaries, conduct required annual monitoring of area preserves and easements, write and submit reports, and address violations. Keep the buildings’ systems in safe working condition.
• Maintain and improve habitats on preserves in pursuit of objectives laid out in management plans. Oversee management projects that promote healthy and resilient landscapes, accounting for climate change and its associated impacts.
• Develop relationships and strategic partnerships with organizations that have different but complementary capabilities (e.g., education or recreation groups), working toward achieving shared conservation outcomes, including environmental justice, at a regional scale. Includes CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, NGOs, academic and local communities, private and public property owners/managers, and new partners.
• In collaboration with Director of Stewardship and Ecological Management, identify outcomes and track progress toward them. Prepare written reports and regular updates on accomplishments for grant reports, newsletters, and other publications. Manage annual budget and work plan.
• In collaboration with volunteer coordinator, reinvigorate and diversify membership of volunteer preserve committee and set up and lead regular meetings.
• Manage relationships with office tenants and administrative needs for Burnham Brook office. Duties may include communication with tenant, contracting vendors, purchasing, mailing, invoice processing, etc. May support director of finance and operations in negotiation and renewal of office leases.
• Support TNC’s philanthropy and marketing efforts: identify fundable projects, lead donor and member walks, write communication pieces, and share the TNC story with the public. Prepare regular written updates on accomplishments for donor and grant reports.
• Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.