Program Associate, Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve - The Nature Conservancy

Lompoc, California, USA

The Program Associate position will be hybrid, commuting to the Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve (8101 Jalama Road, Lompoc, CA 93436) at least once a week (and more frequently as needed).

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Grounded in science, we develop innovative solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity; respect for people, communities, and cultures; and a collaborative, nonpartisan approach. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world. 

The California Chapter is TNC’s largest state program and one of the largest, most dynamic conservation organizations in the country. With approximately 275 employees, from financial analysts and fundraisers to ecologists and economists, we are currently invested in 14 strategies to address the biggest challenges facing California and the world, including numerous community-based projects designed to increase the pace, scale, and effectiveness of conservation. Over the past six decades, we have protected 1.4 million acres, 5,000 miles of streams, and 3.8 million acres of ocean habitat in California and off the coast. 

The California Chapter believes that we are most effective when we are embedded in our state’s communities, politics, media, and environmental issues. For this reason, and to reduce our carbon footprint when meeting in person, all staff live in California, including those in a home office.

Finally, we are passionate about holding the middle ground in American civic life and doing our part to make conservation a shared national value. The hallmark of The Nature Conservancy is its “big tent” approach, engaging people across the political and ideological spectrum to find solutions that last. We welcome everyone. Everyone in our organization should therefore be adept at working with people who may not share their personal values or opinions. We ask all employees to embrace the critical strategic position of our brand and organization as non-partisan. It is the foundation of our success.

The Program Associate provides project management and communication support to the large and dynamic Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve team in implementing the Preserve’s strategic plan and conducting day-to-day team management activities.

The Program Associate’s primary responsibility (in support of the Preserve Director) is to provide the tools, processes and structure needed to organize and manage the Preserve’s diverse activities. They create and manage a team-oriented work environment and foundational systems that enable the team to achieve Preserve objectives. They will help the team navigate novel and complex issues, identifying questions, researching and providing recommendations for the best approach. They will partner with workstream leads to provide project management support on a range of topics from restoration, stewardship, preserve management and operations to on-the-ground science. To successfully provide project management and team support, a Program Associate will deploy various tools ranging from spreadsheets to project management software to track timelines, deadlines, and deliverables for key projects. They will schedule, manage and organize team meetings, proactively communicate, and design and execute retreats and other events. They will be a key player in creating, tracking and managing the Preserve’s budget and will be a liaison between the Preserve team and the California Chapter’s Finance and Operations team members.

At any given time, the Program Associate may also lead on projects to enhance the Preserve team’s ability to deliver on its objectives. The Program Associate is a critical liaison between the Preserve team and the California Chapter’s fundraising team, coordinating overall fundraising activities and assisting in the creation of materials such as reports and brochures in support of fundraising activities.

In short, the Program Associate is the “glue” that holds the Preserve team together and connects the team to other parts of the TNC California Chapter. 

Do you have exceptional collaboration and communication skills? 

Do you have experience with project management and project management tools and approaches? 

Are you looking for work you can believe in? 

At TNC we strive to make a difference every day. This is an exciting opportunity to use your project management skills to contribute to the ongoing mission of nature conservation!

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of work experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience, i.e. GED/high school diploma and 9 years of work experience.)
• Experience communicating with internal and external stakeholders both in writing and verbally.
• Experience planning and managing complex projects with a diverse set of stakeholders.
• Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

Each person who works at TNC contributes to our goal of protecting nature for future generations. Another one of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe feel that their unique contributions are valued. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “You’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.” To learn more, head to YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.  

We’re proud to support the health and wellbeing of the people we employ. We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare coverage, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, and other benefits that support work-life balance. 

If you’re interested in working with us, please apply—we’d love to hear from you.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.

Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

The starting pay for this position is within the range of $68,640 – $80,375 for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA and state of employment is California. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including the candidate's location, qualifications, skills, and experience. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

To apply for job ID 56049, submit your materials (resume and cover letter) online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/by 8:59 PM PST on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.   Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people with diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, gender identities, military or veteran status or other status protected by law. 

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.