Director of Conservation Ecology

Become our next

Director of Conservation Ecology

About Mojave Desert Land Trust

The Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.  Our mission is to protect the Mojave and Colorado Desert ecosystems and their natural, scenic, and cultural resource values.  Our service area spans nearly 26 million acres.  Since 2006 we have secured permanent and lasting protection for over 120,000 acres. 

MDLT is at an important inflection point. We are striving to meet significant environmental challenges in the desert with bold action to protect and restore land for the wildlife and people who call it home.

About our Team

We are a team of highly motivated and passionate people who care deeply about our mission and one another.  At MDLT, we believe in and support workplace diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. It is our belief that a diverse and inclusive workforce leads to better discussions, decisions, and outcomes for everyone. In recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs.  If you have the skills, the passion to make an impact, and enjoy an enthusiastic work environment where differences of opinion and diverse backgrounds are respected and welcomed, then we want to hear from you!

Job Summary

The Director of Conservation Ecology will oversee MDLT’s comprehensive stewardship approach for its protected and priority lands. As an integral part of the organization’s three-pronged, science-driven approach to our focus on ecosystem health, conservation strategy, and community engagement, the Director will lead an interdisciplinary team focused on land management, habitat restoration, plant ecology, and ecosystem science. This holistic stewardship will involve a foundation of science and desert ecology and will utilize MDLT resources such as its seed bank and native plant nursery, and dedicated field staff to conduct durable enhancement and sound management of desert conservation lands. Conservation management actions will be informed by current science and established best practices, and their effectiveness will be continually assessed by data collection and analysis as part of a larger collective of partner agencies, research institutions and conservation groups. The Director is expected to work closely with MDLT Chief Conservation Officer and fellow Directors to pursue funding opportunities, engage in pertinent public policy, and help develop an efficient, measurable and scalable land stewardship strategy and standards for MDLT lands and priority areas in the desert. At the core of this position is a fundamental understanding of contemporary conservation and the willingness to advance bold conservation actions with savvy, optimism and innovation.

Primary Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement strategic plans for stewardship and ecosystem health in alignment with the organization’s mission and conservation priorities.

Provide leadership to the conservation ecology team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and stewardship. The conservation ecology team consists of 16 staff within three primary programs: Land Stewardship, Plant Conservation, and Ecosystem Science. The three primary managers of those programs will report directly to the Director of Conservation Ecology.

Conservation Ecology: Oversee the management and restoration of conserved lands, ensuring the preservation of ecological integrity, biodiversity, and natural habitats in service to desert connectivity and climate resilience.

Develop and implement adaptive strategies to address environmental threats, invasive species, and habitat degradation.

Ensure MDLT land stewardship that adheres to Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices in a manner that also encourages community engagement and meaningful volunteer experience.

Guide plant conservation program that maximizes the Mojave Desert Seed Bank and Native Plant Nursery impact for the broader conservation strategy. MDLT operates a substantial, on-site plant nursery that is utilized for plant propagation, restoration, and research, and MDLT is in the process of building a new seed bank facility adjacent to the plant nursery.   

Monitoring and Research: Develop a new environmental monitoring program to assess the long-term health and resilience of ecosystems and wildlife populations, and to inform MDLT’s conservation actions.

Collaborate with research institutions, universities, and partners to conduct ecological research and integrate scientific findings into conservation practices.

Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with local communities, tribes, landowners, volunteers, and stakeholders to promote conservation practices and in coordination with MDLT’s Community Conservation Initiatives.

Organize, lead or participate in programs and workshops focused on natural resource conservation, sustainable land management and species-specific protection.

Partnerships and Collaboration: Cultivate and maintain partnerships with government agencies, conservation organizations, academic institutions, and community groups to leverage resources and support collaborative conservation initiatives.

Work together with development and fundraising teams to secure grants, funding, and donations for conservation programs and projects.

Policy and Advocacy: Monitor and advocate for policies and regulations that promote sustainable natural resource management, conservation easements, and land stewardship. Work closely with MDLT Public Policy Officer to advance conservation initiatives.

Represent the organization in public forums, coalitions, and community meetings.

Project Management, Reporting and Compliance:

Oversee the execution of a broad project portfolio consisting of grants, contracts and other agreements that may range from $25,000 to $5,000,000 or more. The overall impact of MDLT’s conservation work relies on the successful fulfillment of these commitments.

Prepare reports, proposals, and presentations for board meetings, donors, funders, and other stakeholders to demonstrate progress and impact.

Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, conservation easements, grant agreements, and organizational policies.

Qualifications

Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in ecology, environmental science, natural resource management, or related field.

A minimum of 5 years of experience in natural resource management, conservation biology, or ecological restoration, with a proven track record of leadership and project management.

Strong understanding of ecosystem dynamics, biodiversity conservation, habitat restoration principles, and environmental monitoring techniques.

Experience in developing and implementing strategic plans, managing budgets, and leading interdisciplinary teams.

Excellent communication skills, including the ability to engage and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders through public speaking, writing, and interpersonal interactions.

Proficiency in data analysis, GIS software, and other relevant technology for natural resource management.

Why our employees love working at MDLT

MDLT is the type of organization where you can balance great work with great life.  Every day we go to work filled with passion to be excellent, to creatively problem solve and to innovate. 

We offer a competitive salary ($75 to $90K) and an excellent benefit package including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance Benefits
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a generous company match
• Generous paid time off – extensive vacation, holidays, administrative time, personal time, and sick time - (additional paid holiday break between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day)
• Flexible work schedule
• Teleworking/Cell Phone Stipend
• Flexible Savings Account (FSA) Pre-tax savings for medical expenses not covered by insurance
• Dependent Care Savings Account Pre-tax savings for childcare services

Employment Status and Location

This is a Regular Full-Time position normally scheduled to work 40 hours per week.  The work schedule is generally Monday – Friday, eight hours per day with flex scheduling for occasional weekends or evenings. Must reside within reasonable commuting distance of our Joshua Tree headquarters building.  This position is eligible for very limited remote work (1 to 4 days per month).  The incumbent in this position will be officed at the MDLT headquarters building.  Additionally, this position will require travel throughout the MDLT service area in the Mojave and Colorado Deserts.  Some out-of-state travel will be required to attend events and meetings.

How to Apply

Please email Lani Brown, Director of Operations & Human Resources (lani@MDLT.org).  Include a thoughtful cover letter addressing your reasons for interest and how your experience prepares you for this position as well as a current resume.  Please include at least three professional references (2 must be current or former supervisors) with telephone and email contact information.  All applications are held in confidence; references will not be contacted until later in the search process with the candidate’s prior knowledge. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the successful candidate is selected.