Position: Conservation Project Manager
Reports to: Executive Director
The Orange County Land Trust is seeking a self-motivated and detail-oriented person to join our team as a full-time Conservation Project Manager. The position will report to our Executive Director. This position is salary full-time.
Position Summary:
The Conservation Project Manager advances the organizations mission by furthering the goals of OCLT’s Land Conservation Plan. The focus of the Conservation Project Manager position is to complete land protection projects to acquire conservation easements and fee interests. This position also represents the organization in conservation partnerships, assists in addressing regional conservation strategies, assists with the writing and administration of grants, and assists as needed with the stewardship of OCLT protected properties.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
Land & Easement Acquisition Projects
Manage all phases of land acquisition projects (fee simple, conservation easement, and agency assists) including: project evaluation; landowner outreach, cultivation and negotiation; coordination with conservation partners; conducting due diligence including project evaluation, rapid assessments and GIS mapping; coordination with legal counsel and OCLT staff; and grant writing and administration related to land protection projects.
Represent OCLT in conservation partnerships and public meetings
Attend meetings and participate in conservation partnerships and external committees. Work collaboratively with partner conservation organizations and municipalities to help develop and maintain cooperative and constructive relationships with landowners, colleagues, and members of the public.
Land Management
In conjunction with other OCLT staff assist with, projects on OCLT preserves and other properties, with the drafting of management plans for OCLT preserves, with baseline documentation reports for acquired properties and easements, and with conservation easement monitoring and compliance.
Project Management
Manage multiple project deliverables and timelines, including preparing reports for tracking the status of projects and grant requirements.
GIS
Manage GIS aspects of land protection projects, assist in land management aspects of GIS, produce maps using ArcGIS, and maintain related GIS data.
Other
Assist as needed with events, educational programs, communication, public outreach, and other activities and duties as assigned.
Required qualifications:
• Bachelor’s or higher degree in environmental studies/sciences, natural resources, forestry, or related field
• Related experience to show a demonstrated ability to successfully complete land protection projects
• Knowledge of Land Trusts and Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices
• Knowledge of natural history, ecology, and/or biology
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to cultivate relationships, diplomacy, and oral and written communication skills
• Ability to navigate in the forest with map, GPS and/or compass, and occasionally alone in remote locations
• Ability to work as part of a team and also independently with minimal supervision
• Attention to detail, ability to manage multiple projects, and track project/grant deliverables
• Functional knowledge of and proven ability to work independently with GIS software, GIS mapping and GPS data collection, and standard office software.
• Valid driver’s license
Additional desired skills:
• Experience in the management of protected lands or the development of trail systems
• Knowledge of existing funding sources for conservation in New York State and Orange County
• Demonstrated ability to write and manage grants
• Familiarity with legal documents (conservation easements, option agreements, deeds, etc.)
• Experience monitoring conservation easement and protected land
• Knowledge of ecological, habitat, water resources protection aspects of the Northeast region; and experience monitoring conservation easements and protected land
Physical Requirements:
• Moderate travel in and around Orange County.
• Ability to traverse on foot off-trail over varied terrain.
• Frequently sits, speaks, reads, writes, and uses a computer keyboard.
• Occasional evening and weekend work.
Benefits Package:
The Orange County Land Trust offers a generous benefits package including the following:
• 15 days paid vacation starting the first year
• 11 holiday days per year
• 12 days of sick leave/personal days per year
• Employees may enroll in the health plan after ninety (90) days of employment, the Land Trust pays a stipend towards premium cost for single coverage of full-time employees; dental coverage is offered and is paid for by employees
• Eligible for enrollment in a retirement plan after one full year of employment
• Training and professional development is encouraged
The Orange County Land Trust, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of board members, other volunteers, contractors and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, board members, other volunteers, contractors, and vendors.
This position is based out of the OCLT’s office in New Windsor, NY.
Application Instructions: Please email cover letter and resume as a single PDF to info@oclt.org with “LAST NAME-Conservation Project Manager” in the subject line by December 3rd, 2021.