Land Conservation Specialist

Midcoast Conservancy

Opening posted: 11/14/2023 | Expires: 02/01/2024

Apply via website Apply via email

SUMMARY

Do you care about the lands of Midcoast Maine? Are you outgoing and a self-starter? Do you want to work for an innovative conservation organization? Midcoast Conservancy has an opportunity to help support our mission to protect and restore vital lands and waters on a scale that matters as our Land Conservation Specialist. 

With headquarters in Edgecomb, Maine, Midcoast Conservancy works to protect and restore the vital lands and waters of midcoast Maine on a scale that matters.  Midcoast Conservancy is now one of the largest conservation organizations in Maine, with over 15,000 acres of land conserved, 56 preserves open to the public, 3 watersheds protected, and 2,200+ members supporting our efforts.  

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Land Conservation Specialist will work with the Lands Team to implement Midcoast Conservancy’s land conservation efforts including planning, completing land transactions, and securing funding for projects. Qualified applicants may also be involved in analysis and implementation of conservation and ecological data for conservation planning purposes to support our 30×30 Conservation Initiative.  This position reports to the Director of Land Conservation & Ecology.

• Works with the Lands Committee and the Board to ensure priority land protection projects are completed, helping conserve key landscapes in the Midcoast Region.

• Works with landowners to develop conservation easements, baseline documentation, and stewardship priorities.

• Implement annual work plans and budget with the Lands team, the Executive Director and others. 

• Ensure land protection is aligned with the organization’s goals for land & water conservation and community engagement; including climate resilience, habitat connectivity, public access, and working landscapes. 

LAND CONSERVATION

• Implement landscape scale conservation priorities including ecological and human community values that align with Midcoast Conservancy’s goals.

• Identify conservation projects that will be top priorities over the next 3 years.

• Work with landowners to develop acquisition projects and write conservation easements that align with Midcoast Conservancy’s goals, comply with national land trust standards and practices, and meet the needs of individual landowners.

• Ensure all steps for acquisition and easement projects are professionally completed, including landowner negotiation, title work, environmental hazard assessments, baseline documentation, and required record keeping, from inception to completion.

• Work with the Lands Committee and Board to take projects through an organizational pipeline including intake, timely follow up, tracking, prioritizing, and advancing projects to completion.

• Occasionally work with the land stewardship team to address easement violations, including working with appropriate board committees.

FUNDRAISING

• Work with the Executive Director and fundraising team to plan and implement fundraising strategies, including grants, for land acquisition, easements, and stewardship.

• Develop relationships with funders, potential land donors and identify new potential grantors.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 3 years’ experience working on land conservation transactions.

• Knowledge of stewardship and ecological management of conserved lands.

• Proficiency with basic MS Office software including Word and Excel.

• Skilled in use of ArcGIS, Google Earth and GPS and ability to produce maps for all audiences.

• Environmental Science, Natural History, or Ecological Management background.

• Ability to communicate clearly and succinctly in both verbal and written communications. Strong writing skills, especially in terms of clarity and persuasive storytelling.

• Valid vehicle driver’s license and personal vehicle with proof of insurance.

• Interest and ability to recruit, organize, motivate and energize volunteers.

• Ability to work effectively with town and state officials.

• Ability to work or attend meetings outside normal business hours (occasional nights and weekends).

• Ability to manage work time and long-term projects efficiently with minimal supervision.

• Ability to work collaboratively with others in a dynamic work environment and exhibit creative problem solving.

Position is based out of the Midcoast Conservancy office in Edgecomb, with some field work. Annual salary is $50,000 – $60,000 depending on experience. Benefits include sick leave, all Federal holidays, 4 weeks of vacation, retirement plan, and health insurance. Periodic work on weekends and evenings required. Work-related mileage will be reimbursed.

Qualified individuals with disabilities and those from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals and are an equal opportunity employer. Ideal start date is February 1, 2024, but negotiable. To apply, submit a resume, cover letter and list of 3 references to Chris Schorn, Director of Land Conservation and Ecology, at .

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.