We’re hiring! Full-time Conservation Coordinator

The Merrill W. Linn Land & Waterways Conservancy seeks applicants for the following position in Central Pennsylvania.

TITLE: Conservation Coordinator

SUMMARY:
The Conservancy is a land trust, which protects woodlands, agricultural lands, streams and wetlands. We maintain multiple walking trails on protected property for public enjoyment and work with partner organizations to promote community engagement with conservation principles. The Buffalo Creek Watershed Alliance, a subsidiary committee since 2002, monitors Buffalo Creek’s water quality and promotes stream protection and revitalization programs within the watershed.

The Conservation Coordinator is a new full-time role tasked with driving the Conservancy forward to optimize our conservation operations tasks. The successful applicant will work with our volunteer committees using digital tools to implement processes that promote conservation goals through land transfers and conservation easement development in Union, Snyder, upper Northumberland, and part of Lycoming County. In addition, the Conservation Coordinator will contribute to running our non-profit operations that manage donors, volunteers, and financial processes and may develop and participate in outreach events. As the only full time staff, the successful candidate will solve problems as they arise and work collaboratively with our volunteer committees, easement holders, and Board of Directors. The Conservation Coordinator will report directly to the Board President.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Conservation Coordinator (CC) works with the Site Stewardship Committee and Board of Directors to ensure that all the conservation easements held by the Linn Conservancy are monitored annually for compliance. Further, the CC will advise the Board of Directors regarding future conservation priorities and opportunities. The CC will also review requests by landowners of eased properties, work with landowners interested in donating a conservation easement, advise easement holders on improved stewardship of their lands, and work with staff on communications with landowners and other interested parties.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Background knowledge in conservation science, forestry, ecological restoration, wildlife management, or similar field.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Attention to detail. Ability to work accurately, independently, and efficiently.
Ability to interact and communicate with people in one-on-one and group situations.
Experience in developing work plans, and successfully executing work plans.
Effective time management strategies.
A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Ability to walk a minimum of 4 miles over rough or uneven terrain.
Clearly demonstrated experience and skills related to the performance of the above responsibilities.

PREFERENCES:
• Self-starter, problem solves and troubleshoots to provide creative solutions.
• Familiarity with non-profit organizations.
• Ability to navigate or way find through unmapped terrain.
• Ability to map locations and develop handouts showing the mapped location.
• Proficiency with Google Suite, in learning software and social media platforms.
• Dedicated to continuous improvement and willingness to promote a culture of learning, empathy, grace, flexibility, and patience.
SALARY & BENEFITS:
• Base Salary of $45,000 to $52,000, based on experience.
• Flexible work schedule with substantial in-person obligations.
• 4 week starting paid vacation plus multiple holidays.
HIRING PROCESS & TIMELINE:
• To be considered, please email your résumé and cover letter to [email protected]
• Arrange for letters of recommendation to be sent in, upon request.
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
• Interviews will be in person.

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More detailed responsibilities of the CC will include, but are not limited to, some combination of the following conservancy roles, as directed by the Board of Directors:

Conservation Easement Monitoring (with Site Stewardship Committee)
Develop and implement a plan for the annual monitoring of all conservation easements held by the Linn Conservancy in coordination with the Site Stewardship Committee.
Supervise volunteer site stewards to complete annual site inspection reports.
Prepare reports and correspondence based on monitoring for relevant parties.
Maintain conservation easement inspection files (both digital and physical).
Ensure easements continue to meet Land Trust Alliance criteria.

Review Requests for Approval of Permitted Activities on MLC Conservation Easements (with Site Stewardship Committee)
Promote effective communication with easement owners and ensure all requests are processed in a timely manner.
Review the request to determine allowances by the easement document and evaluate the impact of the activity on the conservation values of the easement.
Prepare a recommendation for review and discussion with the Executive Committee, Site Stewardship Committee, and/or Board of Directors.
Conduct site visits, as needed, to ensure the activity is being implemented as approved, and as appropriate.
Prepare reports and notes documenting the process and follow-up to each request.

Evaluate and negotiate new Conservation Easements (with Site Stewardship Committee)
Respond to landowner requests for information about new conservation easements.
Suggest a variety of conservation alternatives to interested property owners
Conduct site visits and undertake basic research on a property’s conservation values.
Coordinate with Site Stewardship Committee to prepare draft documents – including, but not limited to, drafting conservation easements and baseline documentation reports.

Site and Trail Management (with Site Stewardship Committee)
Work with the Site Stewardship Committee to help select and train volunteer site stewards and trail stewards for MLC easements with public trail access.
Coordinate trail improvement projects.
Organize and work with volunteers on trail improvement projects.

Budgeting/Planning (with Treasurer and Executive Committee)
Prepare a yearly work-plan based on the organizational strategic plan as requested.
Support the preparation of budget figures for easement monitoring, and other projects as directed by the Treasure, or Board of Directors, upon request.
Assist Site Stewardship Committee or Membership and Development Committee with grant writing, reporting, and fundraising, as requested.

Communications (in coordination with Public Relations and Engagement Committee)
Provide photos from site visits and text to be used on the Linn Conservancy’s social media accounts.
Write at least one article quarterly for the organization’s newsletter.
Maintain a photo file and documentation for each easement and project as necessary.
Development (in coordination with the Membership and Development Committee)
Help meet and surpass annual operating and special projects financial goals through strategic marketing and donor strategies.
Work closely with the Board of Directors to help design annual giving appeals and online giving strategies.
Encourage donor-centered cultivation and appreciation across the organization to foster the increase of donor support and retention.
Assist the Board of Directors in developing donor solicitations and grant proposals.
Work with the Board of Directors to successfully communicate, market, and promote events.