Disney Wilderness Preserve Manager

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Disney Wilderness Preserve Manager is part of the Stewardship and Field Programs (SAF) Department of The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) Florida Chapter. The position is based at the Disney Wilderness Preserve (DWP), Poinciana, FL. The 11,500 acre preserve is one of four campus preserves that the TNC Florida business unit operates as part of the Center for Conservation Initiatives (CCI). The Disney Wilderness Preserve serves as a critical link in a network of conservation lands that protect Central Florida's ecosystems and the headwaters of the Everglades system.

DWP requires active land management through prescribed fire, control of invasive species, and habitat restoration to maintain its unique biodiversity. In addition, DWP serves as an innovative research platform in service of TNC’s conservation strategies, science, and partnerships with state and federal agencies as part of the Center for Conservation Initiatives. CCI is a state-wide center of excellence with a mission to advance conservation knowledge and action and inspire the next generation of conservation leaders.

This mission is accomplished through four initiatives that focus on supporting conservation through outreach, education/training, science/strategy, and land stewardship. These initiatives are delivered through on-the-ground programs at CCI preserves, virtual programs, and community engagement.

The Disney Wilderness Preserve Manager provides management oversight of DWP. They supervise DWP staff responsible for stewardship, facility maintenance, and outreach and volunteer activities. The DWP Manager ensures that facilities maintenance needs are addressed and coordinates daily facility operations with the preserve staff. They also work to ensure programs are supported and aligned with achieving CCI’s mission by working in matrix teams across CCI.

In addition, the Preserve Manager works with the CCI Training & Education Coordinator and outreach staff to develop and implement education and training courses and materials. This position works to ensure onsite visitors and neighboring communities understand the ecological and economic importance of protected areas and natural systems and The Nature Conservancy’s role in their conservation through outreach programming, as well as the importance of protecting and conserving flora, fauna, and the benefits to people.

In addition, they work with the Stewardship Initiative lead and the DWP’s Land Conservation Coordinator/Manager to support the implementation of stewardship projects on the preserve. They identify and successfully obtain grant funding to support CCI programs and provide philanthropy, and government relations (GR) support as needed. In addition, this position will have other duties as assigned.

If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join our Chapter as the Disney Wilderness Preserve Manager! Not only will you fulfill conservation objectives in the beautiful state of Florida, but you’ll contribute to conservation goals through many networks!

We’re looking for a passionate, dedicated person to lead our Chapter and work within our Division. Systems Leadership, creativity, and the ability to influence without authority are key in this role. Come join TNC.

Management of the Disney Wilderness Preserve (60%)

• Manages DWP’s work plans, activities, and other reporting requirements
• Serves as the contact for events at DWP aimed at developing relationships, raising funds, highlighting conservation work, and increasing public awareness.
• Assists with fundraising and cultivating relationships with Central Florida area residents and other donor relations as needed
• Works with Tiger Creek Preserve staff to share resources and staff time for achieving operational needs
• Responsible for the day-to-day operations and facility management of DWP
• Works with maintenance staff to identify priorities and solutions for facilities upkeep
• Develops an annual budget proposal and monitors monthly revenue and expenses to ensure alignment with budget.
• Manages DWP’s sustainability efforts, working towards…