Conservation Forest and Land Manager

Blue Hill Heritage Trust

Opening posted: 05/09/2026 | Expires: 06/13/2026

Conservation Forester & Land Manager
Organization: Blue Hill Heritage Trust
Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt, Salaried
Location: Primarily in-person (with some evening and weekend work required)
Position Summary
The Conservation Forester and Land Manager (CFLM) works closely with the Land and Stewardship Director (LSD) to manage and steward fee-owned and easement lands held by Blue Hill Heritage Trust. This role plays a key part in maintaining the ecological health and long-term conservation value of the Trust’s properties. We work to conserve the farmland, forest, wetlands, and wildlife habitat needed to sustain ecological and community health in a changing climate. Our goal is to protect the resources and sense of place upon which traditional livelihood depends, and to work with our communities to embrace a stewardship ethic.

The CFLM helps supervise staff and volunteers, develops and implements forest management plans for large forest holdings, and contributes to overall property management planning. Approximately 60% of this role is dedicated to forest management, with the remaining 40% focused on general stewardship activities. Specific time allocation is coordinated with the LSD.

This position reports to the Land and Stewardship Director and collaborates closely with the Executive Director (ED), LSD, and the Stewardship and Outreach Associate (SOA).
Key Responsibilities

Manage the Trust’s large woodland properties to promote forest health and long-term conservation value
Oversee management of blueberry barrens for ecological and cultural sustainability
Coordinate and manage natural resource use across Trust lands
Maintain and manage infrastructure, equipment, and tools
Collaborate on recordkeeping for all properties (fee-owned and easements)
Assist in monitoring conservation easements and fee lands
Support annual reporting, correspondence, and documentation requirements
Contribute to development of management plans for new properties
Assist in trail planning, construction, and ongoing monitoring
Participate in outreach and community engagement activities as time allows
Perform other related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications
Skills & Competencies

Self-motivated with initiative, flexibility, and a positive, team-oriented attitude
Strong leadership and collaboration skills, particularly in stewardship work
Ability to translate strategic goals into actionable plans
Strong decision-making skills in complex, field-based situations
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Strong written and verbal communication abilities
High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple ongoing projects
Discretion and professionalism in handling confidential information
Willingness to contribute across a small team as needed

Technical & Professional Experience

Working knowledge of Maine’s forests and natural resource systems
Experience managing natural resources and working with relevant regulations/agencies
Experience conducting resource inventories and writing management plans
Experience managing projects, contractors, and volunteers
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro and stewardship software (e.g., Landscape)

Certifications & Licenses

Maine Forester License (or ability to obtain within 1 year)
NRCS Technical Service Provider (TSP) qualification (or ability to obtain within 1 year)

Field & Equipment Experience

Experience operating chainsaws, tractors, and hand tools
Comfort working with a variety of stewardship equipment

Physical Demands & Work Environment
This position involves a combination of office and field work. Duties regularly require standing, walking, sitting, and extended use of hands and arms. The role includes frequent outdoor work in varying conditions.

Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
Comfortable operating heavy equipment (e.g., tractors, chainsaws, weedwhackers, sawmills)
Vision requirements include close, distance, and adjustable focus
Work environment noise levels are typically low to moderate

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Additional Information
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Duties may evolve based on organizational needs. This position operates within an “at-will” employment relationship.

A Plus If You Have:

Any large/heavy equipment experience.
Knowledge of local flora and fauna
Wilderness First Aid or Basic First Aid Certification.
Experience communicating with the public and/or working with volunteers.

Training: A variety of training opportunities will be provided, both in the office and in the field.

Supervisor: Land & Stewardship Director

Compensation: $58,000 – $63,000. Satisfaction of contributing to a great cause as part of a medium sized but ambitious community-based organization.

Benefits: 13 paid holidays annually; 10 days of vacation/yr; 12 personal days/yr; health stipend, and retirement contribution after 1 yr of service.

Schedule: Regular 40-hour per week work schedule, with a weekly schedule determined by supervisor. Some weekend and evening hours may be required (weekly scheduling will be accommodated for this time).

To Apply: Please email a resume, cover letter & references to by June 13, 2026. Please put your first and last name, and “Conservation Forester and Land Manager” in the email subject line.

The Blue Hill Heritage Trust is a community-based, non-profit, conservation organization dedicated to conserving the special land and water resources on the Blue Hill peninsula. It was founded in 1985 by local residents and is supported by community donations and grant funding. The Trust has protected over 12,600 acres of diverse conservation land, including both conservation land that it owns and privately-owned land on which it holds legally binding conservation restrictions. The organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and is managed by a full-time Executive Director.

Visit www.bluehillheritagetrust.org for more information.