Join our team at the Conservancy!
Position Description: Land Protection Specialist
Overview:
Countryside Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit land trust dedicated to land conservation in and around the Tunkhannock Creek Watershed of northeastern Pennsylvania. The Conservancy is at the forefront of land use issues in the region and has permanently protected nearly 2,000 acres from development. The Conservancy owns and manages 14 preserves with 10+ miles of hiking and biking singletrack plus over 5 miles of Trolley Trail. The staff is a close-knit team that works effectively and efficiently with tremendous support and guidance from its Board of Directors. The ideal candidate for the Land Protection Specialist position will be outgoing, diplomatic, well-versed in natural resource and land issues, able to manage multiple projects at once, and have a passion for the outdoors.
Summary of Position:
The Conservancy seeks an organized, hard-working and motivated individual to coordinate and implement its land protection, stewardship, and Trolley Trail programs. The Land Protection Specialist will work with landowners, Conservancy colleagues and board members to develop, manage and close land protection projects, and initiate new projects in priority areas. The Land Protection Specialist will also lead the Conservancy’s stewardship activities, including landowner communications and monitoring.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
This full-time position will report to the Executive Director, and will be the primary staff liaison for two working committees: the Land and Water Protection & Stewardship Committee and the Trolley Trail Committee. The Land Protection Specialist will be responsible for:
Developing and closing land & trail projects
- work with Board, staff, advisors, County agents and others to prioritize key properties and areas for conservation
- contact landowners and respond to landowner inquiries, present conservation options, and work with landowners to develop plans to protect their lands; assist with drafting of conservation & trail easements; support the Executive Director in negotiating and finalizing land & trail projects
- track land & trail projects and regularly report project status to Board; maintain files
- coordinate and prepare materials needed for project closing including: deed, title search, mapping, photography, baseline documentation, easement, etc.
Stewardship
- maintain relations with easement landowners and neighbors of Conservancy-protected lands
- conduct and/or supervise monitoring of conservation easements and preserves
- coordinate the development of management plans for all Conservancy-owned properties
- work with stewardship field staff and volunteers to implement management activities including but not limited to invasive plant control, planting, posting, trail maintenance, etc.
- promote public awareness of Conservancy-protected properties through creation and installation of signage, educational visits, nature walks, etc.
Qualifications:
Degree or equivalent experience in natural resource management, land use planning or related field;
Fluency with MS Office. Digital mapping (particularly ArcGIS) and graphics skills a plus;
Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects; attention to detail, excellent organization and record-keeping skills;
Demonstrated field experience in outdoors areas such as: ability to identify flora and fauna, proficient use of GPS, proficient use of maps and surveys;
Familiarity with land-protection tools such as conservation easements, real estate and land law is desirable;
Demonstrated experience with writing and managing land acquisition and trail construction grants;
Ability to work with a wide range of people; tact and discretion in handling land projects;
Valid driver’s license and vehicle;
Ability to work outdoors in all terrains, seasons and weather conditions; and
Must attend a few evening meetings each month; occasional weekend site visits and meetings.
Compensation:
Commensurate with experience; plus benefits, including health insurance, retirement plan, paid holidays and vacation time
Hours:
Full-time, salaried
How to Apply:
Submit cover letter, résumé and salary requirements to:
Amber Trunzo, Operations Coordinator via email to amber.trunzo@keystone.edu