1214 81st Street South, Birmingham, AL 35206
www.ruffnermountain.org – 205 833-8264
POSITION TITLE: Conservation Land Manager
SUPERVISOR: Director of Operations
GENERAL OBJECTIVE:
The Conservation Land Manager is responsible for planning and implementing
stewardship and land management activities on the Ruffner Mountain Nature Center’s
properties in order to carry out the mission, the Master Plan, and Strategic Plan of the
organization.
Stewardship activities include, but are not limited to, writing and implementing land
management plans, establishing and maintaining GIS data, trail maintenance and
development, controlling invasive and non-native plant species through hand work and
herbicide application, posting and securing property boundaries, interaction with
adjacent land owners, assisting in the preparation of stewardship budgets, conduct
biological monitoring, coordinate and supervise land stewardship staff and volunteers
and projects.
In addition, the Conservation Land Manager will work in cooperation with Ruffner
Mountain Nature Center staff on other activities including teaching educational
programs for children and adults, occasionally assisting in the care of captive live animals,
participating in special events, and volunteer projects.
MAJOR JOB DUTIES:
-Serve as the staff liaison to both the Stewardship/Land Management Committee and the
Conservation Subcommittee
-Routinely revise and update the Conservation Plan for Ruffner Mountain and insure
that the goals of the plan are implemented.
- Develop, publish, and maintain the overall Land Management Plan in cooperation with
the Stewardship/Land Management Committee and the Conservation Subcommittee.
The Land Management Plan includes but is not limited to the areas of: trail maintenance
and development; plant and animal biodiversity and habitat protection; risk management
assessment as it relates to the land and plans for correction of issues; and recreational
use assessment and planning.
- Oversee the development of various native plant initiatives, including a teaching
greenhouse and garden and a production greenhouse site.
1214 81st Street South, Birmingham, AL 35206
www.ruffnermountain.org – 205 833-8264
- Direct supervisor and coordinator of all land stewardship volunteers and staff.
-Work with development staff to identify and prepare grants in support of stewardship
and land management efforts.
- Prepare written reports and maintain logs and records of stewardship activities.
- Oversee the purchase and maintenance of land management equipment, tools, supplies
and vehicles.
- Oversee research on the mountain internally, through external collaborators and with
interns.
- Create and maintain computer records in the form of GIS database; create and update
species lists for flora and fauna found on the mountain.
- Teach natural and environmental science programs to children and adults and assist,
and assist in the development of educational program content especially as it relates to
conservation.
- Perform other organizational and administrative tasks as requested.
Machines, Tools and Equipment Utilized but not limited to:
- Four wheel drive truck, or off road service vehicle.
- Gas and electric power tools including but not limited to: chainsaw, weed eater, drill,
lawn mower, hedge trimmer, saw, leaf blower.
- Non powered tools including but not limited to: shovel, hoe, rake, saw, hammer,
screw driver, clippers.
- Office equipment such as computer, printer, copier, fax machine, calculator, telephone.
- GIS and GPS software and equipment and compass.
QUALIFCATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree, Master’s preferred but not required, in a field of conservation
biology, ecology, natural resource management, and environmental science or related
field.
1214 81st Street South, Birmingham, AL 35206
www.ruffnermountain.org – 205 833-8264
- 3- 5 years of related work experience, or a combination of equivalent graduate school
plus work experience.
Special Skills and Abilities:
- Maintain a valid driver’s license. Maintain first aid and CPR certifications.
- Maintain a pesticide application certification.
- Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs, to bend and stoop, and to walk 3 miles on uneven
terrain.
- Near and far sighted vision, natural or corrected.
- Ability to hear and perceive the nature of sounds as they relate to the outdoor
environment and for verbal communications related to interactions with visitors and
coworkers.
Work Environment:
- Works outdoors in weather extremes approximately 75% of time.
- Works indoors in office environment approximately 25% of time.
- Works with herbicidal and pesticidal chemicals.
COMPSENATION: The Conservation Land Manager is a full-time position with health,
dental, vision, and life insurance benefits. Salary range is $27-30k