The Lakes Region Conservation Trust (LRCT) is a Section 501(c)(3) nonprofit and accredited land trust dedicated to conserving healthy watersheds, thriving biodiversity and vibrant human communities across central New Hampshire. With nearly 30,000 acres conserved, a talented staff, and a growing community of supporters, LRCT has built a strong record of conservation success across 34 towns and is investing in the staff capacity to build a deeper, higher-quality pipeline of future conservation projects.

The Conservation Specialist supports LRCT's conservation work across both land acquisition and stewardship. This position helps advance new conservation projects — from landowner outreach through closing — while also carrying out stewardship responsibilities that keep LRCT's growing portfolio of conserved land healthy and well monitored.

The role reports to the Senior Director of Conservation, who allocates the Specialist's time between acquisition and stewardship work based on organizational priorities, seasonal demands, and project timelines. Working closely with the Land Acquisition and Stewardship teams, the Conservation Specialist will build broad conservation expertise.

Principal Responsibilities:

Land Acquisition

• Conduct initial landowner outreach and maintain communication with prospective landowners as assigned; respond to inquiries and coordinate initial site visits.
• Assist with due diligence for conservation easement and fee acquisition projects, including baseline documentation, title review coordination, and boundary research.
• Help prepare project summaries, maps, and supporting materials for proposed conservation transactions.
• Coordinate with surveyors, appraisers, attorneys, and other consultants on active projects.
• Track project status and deadlines, keeping acquisition files organized and up to date.

Stewardship

• Conduct annual monitoring visits on conservation easements and fee-owned properties, documenting conditions and identifying compliance issues.
• Maintain accurate stewardship records, including monitoring reports, baseline documentation reports, and management plans.
• Support landowner relations on conserved properties, responding to landowner questions and requests.
• Assist with stewardship projects such as boundary marking, invasive species management, trail maintenance, and habitat improvement, coordinating volunteers and seasonal staff as needed.
• Help identify and respond to potential easement violations, escalating complex issues to the Senior Director.

Cross-Functional

• Maintain organized, accurate records in LRCT's land management database and GIS systems.
• Represent LRCT at community events, landowner meetings, and site visits as assigned.
• Participate in project review meetings, providing updates on assigned acquisition and stewardship work.
• Take on additional conservation program tasks as priorities shift throughout the year.

Qualifications and Skills:

We are seeking an individual with exceptional relationship-building and organizational skills. If that describes you, we encourage you to apply even if your background doesn't match every item on this list.

• Enthusiasm for and commitment to LRCT's conservation mission.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, or equivalent experience, plus 2+ years in land conservation, natural resources, or related work.
• Comfortable working independently in the field, including navigating varied terrain and reading maps and property boundaries.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including being comfortable engaging directly with landowners and partners.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly for legal and technical documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and shift priorities across acquisition and stewardship work.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel within the Lakes Region (mileage reimbursed).

Preferred

• Familiarity with conservation easements and land protection tools.
• Experience with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS) and land management databases.
• Knowledge of New Hampshire conservation law and land use policy.
• Experience with ecological monitoring, forestry, or habitat management.
• Knowledge of the Lakes Region and its communities.

Compensation and details

This is a full-time position based in Center Harbor, NH. Salary range is $52,000-60,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits include health and dental insurance, paid time off, and retirement plan. Occasional evening and weekend availability may be required. We are flexible and family-friendly in how we structure the workday.