Conservation Director

Reports to: Executive Director (ED)

FLSA Classification: Exempt, Full-time, Salaried, At-Will

Salary Range: $60,000 - $70,000       

Benefits: Include paid-time-off, health care reimbursement stipend, and additional benefits identified in the Employee Handbook

General Duties

The Conservation Director (CD) oversees USVLT’s land acquisition and management including leading land acquisitions, oversight of the Land Steward and all stewardship responsibilities, and plays a leadership role in the implementation of USVLT’s Strategic Conservation Plan. The Conservation Director is often called upon to articulate the mission, vision, message and direction of USVLT to diverse audiences. This position collaborates with the Executive Director, Land Committee, and Board of Directors, in identifying lands that meet USVLT land selection criteria for protection and managing the process of completing land protection projects from start to finish. The CD works closely with the development staff, and Development Committee to apply for, request, and fundraise for acquisition, conservation management and oversight responsibilities. The CD also works closely with the Land Steward to manage, monitor, and enhance USVLT properties. 

Responsibilities

The CD must be willing to work both independently and collaboratively on projects preserving the lands managed by USVLT. They will enjoy sharing their knowledge and support with volunteers, donors, community members, and landowners. This position requires occasional work outside of normal office hours (9am-5pm), to represent Upper Saco Valley Land Trust.

Land Management

Under the supervision of the Executive Director and working with the Land Committee and Board, the CD leads, manages, and oversees details and execution of USVLT’s land acquisition programs.

• In partnership with the ED and the Land Committee, identify and prioritize purchased interests based on USVLT’s Strategic Conservation Plan and other relevant factors 

• Lead priority Conservation Easement (CE) and fee land donation projects consistent with USVLT’s Strategic Conservation Plan and as approved by the Land Committee and Board of Directors

• Meet and work with prospective land and CE donors, outline conservation easement donation process & provide information packets, negotiate transaction terms, costs, restrictions, etc.

• Help compile grant materials in a timely way, in order for ED or full Board review of applications, as necessary. In some cases write and prepare grants for submission.

• Help lead negotiations and draft Purchase & Sale agreements and other agreements as necessary

• Provide project summaries to ED and the Land Committee for review

• Draft CEs and other deeds with help from USVLT’s attorney, negotiate “allowed uses” and other terms with landowners or sellers, and provide updates to ED and Land Committee 

• Keep up-to-date on newly recommended boilerplate or template language for CEs, draft new templates when appropriate, with help from USVLT’s attorney

• Help Land Steward or contract staff with the preparation of baseline documentation reports (BDRs)

• Request and manage the title search, survey, and legal review

• Prepare, in coordination with staff colleagues, all budgets, manage all contracted work, and communications required for donated projects

• Facilitate closing on easements, fee lands, and other land transactions

• Work with legal counsel who represents USVLT’s interests in land conservation projects, throughout easement drafting and donation process

• Follow up with donors to ensure sound transactions (e.g., assisting donors’ understanding of appraisal reports, assisting in the preparation of IRS Forms 8283)

• Maintain all records in accordance with LTA standards

• Assist in the development of and execution of webpages, press releases, social media, neighborhood mailings, community forums and other outreach materials relating to high-priority projects

Oversee Easement and Preserve Stewardship Program

• Work with Land Steward to create annual Easement and Preserve Stewardship work plans and meet periodically to ensure adherence to schedule/work plan

• Train and manage USVLT’s Summer Stewardship Intern(s) 

• Manage USVLT’s document retention program by creating organized paper and digital files of all original documents relating to the donation or purchase of the CE or fee interest

• Oversee and advise Land Steward in:

  • Maintaining solid, beneficial relationships with CE landowners
  • Meeting with prospective and current landowners to have open, friendly and frank conversations about future stewardship of their land
  • Recruiting, training, and supervising volunteer monitors
  • Ensuring monitoring program meets Land Trust Alliance standards and practices and other industry Best Management Practices
  • Documenting critical landowner correspondence and annual monitoring reports
  • For Third Party Holder CE’s, compiling, filing, and submitting monitoring reports for approval 

• Work with contract employees (e.g., foresters, wildlife specialists) to facilitate other management strategies and/or write grant-required management plans

• Oversee and advise Land Steward with:

  • Drafting fee land management plans with Land Committee input and approval
  • Budgeting and fundraising for Preserve capital projects (e.g., development of parking lots, kiosks, trails, and other access improvements)
  • Working on Preserve enhancements (e.g., physically assisting in the development of parking lots, building kiosks, putting in trails), or coordinating such work with contract employees or project partners

Administrative/Management:

• Assist ED with periodic re-accreditation through the Land Trust Alliance’s accreditation commission

• With guidance from ED, oversee the Land Steward position(s) and/or other stewardship staff, including Summer Stewardship Intern(s) and periodic contract staff

• Assist ED, Land Committee, and Board of Directors by providing information relating to developments and trends for land protection and stewardship work, including keeping abreast of stewardship and conservation best practices, any newly recommended policies and procedures, or revisions to guidance documents

• Prepare Land Committee agendas and all documents requiring review or approval, help LC chair prepare, execute, and follow up on monthly meetings

• Advance Land Conservation Regionally. Invest in the larger conservation community and by proactively seeking out collaborative projects and by reaching out to other conservation organizations in the Northeast through occasional correspondence and attendance at periodic seminars and field days

• Research, implement and manage a database system for all acquisition projects, potential projects, and easements and preserves, with guidance from ED and help from Land Steward

Other Duties

The USVLT staff is a team, and we all need to assist with other aspects of USVLT’s work, including but not limited to:

• Occasional weekend work
• Staff support for special events and programs
• Assistance in database management
• Attendance at Board of Director meetings if requested
• Helping with USVLT public programs and events 
• Represent USVLT at outreach events
• Office maintenance and cleaning
• Administrative duties
• Other tasks as assigned

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of real estate transactions, including appraisals, title work, due diligence, escrow instructions, closing principles, practices of land conservation, land use planning, and regulations and zoning. 

• Strong attention to detail, balanced with the ability to manage multiple and often ambiguous projects.

• Excellent writing and communications skills, desire to learn, along with the ability to read, understand, and apply legal language.

• Proven ability to navigate complex projects with multiple stakeholders using proactive communication, creative problem-solving, and relationship building skills. 

• Related field experience in natural sciences, conservation, land acquisition (real estate or legal), or similar fields. A bachelor’s degree or master’s degree helpful. 

• Motivated, outgoing individual with demonstrated success leading and working with teams and members of the public.

• Track record of success applying for and receiving grants and other funding related to conservation or non-profit work.

• Comfortable working in both indoor office and outdoor settings, able to traverse up to 5 miles through rough terrain and off-trail, and able to carry up to 50 pounds.

• Strong technology skills including GIS, GPS, digital photography, database (including USVLT’s conservation project database Landscape), and other technology skills.

To apply, please send resume and cover letter to info@usvlt.org