Overview

The Land Protection Specialist will work with the Lands Team to implement Midcoast Conservancy’s land conservation efforts including planning, completing land transactions, and funding projects. Reports to the Executive Director. Benefits include sick leave, all Federal holidays, 3 weeks of vacation, retirement plan, and health insurance. Periodic work on weekends and evenings required. Work-related mileage will be reimbursed. 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.

Duties:

• 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 all of the organization’s goals for land, water conservation and community; including climate resilience, habitat connectivity, public access, working landscapes and other goals
• 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 to ensure they meet Midcoast Conservancy’s goals, and the national land trust standards and practices while also meeting 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 Senior Stewardship Manager to address easement violations, including working with appropriate board committees.
• Work with the Executive Director and Deputy Director 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 of protected properties.
• 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.