Sunny Valley Preserve Director
USA The Nature Conservancy
New Milford, Connecticut
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JOB DETAILS
LOCATION
New Milford, Connecticut
POSTED
2 days ago
The Sunny Valley Preserve Director leads the stewardship, operations, and public use of TNC's Sunny Valley Preserve, ensuring the land, infrastructure, and visitor experience are managed safely and effectively, advancing TNC's conservation goals and aligning with Land Trust Alliance Standards. This role is responsible for the day-to-day and long-term care of a complex, 1,850-acre landscape of natural and working agricultural lands, and for translating conservation intent into on-the-ground management.
We're Looking for You:
The Sunny Valley Preserve Director is based at Sunny Valley Preserve in Bridgewater and New Milford, CT and oversees stewardship of an 1,850-acre portfolio of natural and working agricultural lands. The role leads land management, agricultural operations, infrastructure maintenance, and public access with the goals of ecological resilience, regenerative practices, and meaningful visitor engagement.
The Director oversees a wide range of land and property management activities, including a large inventory of buildings, trails, and agricultural facilities; manages legal, safety, and reputational risk; and responds to complex or high-risk situations as they arise.
The role builds and maintains productive relationships with partners, neighbors, agencies, and community members, and communicates regularly with varied audiences about preserve management and priorities.
The position reports to the Director of Land Management and collaborates closely to define strategies for the Preserve. This position requires residence in close proximity to Sunny Valley Preserve to manage emergencies. TNC housing is available on site.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
Responsible for stewardship and operations at a complex preserve that comprises multiple parcels and a large inventory of infrastructure, with work that requires coordination across boundaries and close collaboration with partners, agencies, lessees and internal teams.
Land Stewardship and Natural Resource Management
- Lead and oversee comprehensive land stewardship activities across natural and agricultural systems to support conservation outcomes, ecological resilience, and safe public access.
- Apply ecological knowledge, field experience, and legal understanding to guide land management decisions, including interpretation of deeds, easements, and restrictions; habitat restoration; invasive species management; and oversight of tools, equipment, and vehicles required for safe operations.
- Oversee advanced aspects of land management, including permitting, insurance coordination, and flood, erosion, and climate-related risk management.
Agricultural Operations
- Oversee agricultural operations at Sunny Valley, including dairy management, soil health, forage crops, produce cultivation, and agricultural certifications. Guide both established and emerging agricultural practices, ensuring operations support conservation goals, regenerative outcomes, adaptive learning, and risk management requirements.
Buildings and Infrastructure
- Oversee the maintenance, repair, and improvement of preserve infrastructure, including buildings an office, utilities, trails, bridges, fencing, and signage. Manage contractors and vendors, ensure compliance with safety and building standards, and support long-term care of physical assets.
Operations, Systems, and Administration
- Establish and maintain effective operational systems to support preserve management, including scheduling, procurement, contracts, leases, and budget oversight. Ensure resources are used efficiently while maintaining high standards of performance and safety.
Community Engagement, Partnerships, and Communication
- Build and maintain strong relationships with community members, neighbors, partners, agencies, and stakeholders. Engage the public through site visits, meetings, presentations, and informal communication, and represent TNC professionally in local and regional forums.
- Lead and steward a legally obligated preserve advisory board.
Risk Management and Complex Situations
- Manage complex, high-risk, and sensitive situations involving legal issues, tenants, recreation, hunting, agriculture, public safety, and natural emergencies. Exercise sound judgment and make independent decisions based on experience, analysis, and context.
Supervision and Safety
- Hire, supervise, and support staff, contractors, and volunteers engaged in field work, construction, and visitor services. Ensure safe working conditions and adherence to safety protocols across all preserve
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