Do you care about the lands of midcoast Maine? Are you outgoing and a self-starter? Do you want a job that matters working for an innovative conservation organization? Midcoast Conservancy has an opportunity to help support our mission to protect and restore vital lands and waters on a scale that matters as our Land Conservation Manager. 

Midcoast Conservancy is an innovative conservation organization located in Edgecomb, Maine that works to protect and restore the vital lands and waters of midcoast Maine on a scale that matters.  Midcoast Conservancy is now one of the largest conservation organizations in Maine, with over 15,000 acres of land conserved, 3 watersheds protected, and 2,200+ members supporting our efforts.  

Position Overview

The Land Conservation Manager will work with the Lands Team to implement Midcoast Conservancy’s land conservation efforts including planning, completing land transactions, and funding projects. Qualified applicants may also be involved in the analysis and implementation of conservation and ecological data for conservation planning purposes to support our 30x30 Conservation Initiative. Benefits include sick leave, all State holidays plus the week between Christmas and New Year, 4 weeks of vacation, a retirement plan, and health insurance. Periodic work on weekends and evenings is required. Work-related mileage will be reimbursed. The position is based out of the Midcoast Conservancy office in Edgecomb with some field work.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with the Lands Committee and the Board to ensure priority land protection projects are completed, helping conserve key landscapes in the Midcoast Region.
• Engage with landowners to develop conservation plans, easements, and baseline documentation.
• Implement annual work plans and budgets with the Lands team, the Co-Executive Director of Conservation, and others. 
• Ensure land protection is aligned with all of the organization’s conservation goals for land, water, and community; including climate resilience, habitat connectivity, public access, working landscapes, and other goals.
• Exhibit a passion for Midcoast Conservancy’s mission to protect and restore vital lands and waters on a scale that matters, and a willingness to embrace the organization's guiding principles: Inclusive, Collaborative, Community-focused, Sustainable, Holistic, and Science-based.

Land Conservation

• Implement landscape-scale conservation priorities that align with Midcoast Conservancy’s goals, including ecological and human community values.
• Identify conservation projects that will be top priorities over the next 3 years.
• Work with landowners to develop acquisition projects and write conservation easements to ensure they meet Midcoast Conservancy’s goals, and the national land trust standards and practices while also meeting the needs of individual landowners.
• Ensure all steps for acquisition and easement projects are professionally completed including landowner negotiation, title work, environmental hazard assessments, baseline documentation, and required record keeping, from inception to completion.
• Collaborate with the Lands Committee and Board to take projects through an organizational pipeline including intake, timely follow-up, tracking, prioritizing, and advancing projects to completion.
• Occasionally work with the Stewardship Manager to address easement violations, including working with appropriate board committees.

Fundraising

• Collaborate with the Co-Executive Director of Conservation and the Director of Development to plan and implement fundraising strategies, including grants, for land acquisition, easements, and stewardship.
• Develop relationships with funders, and potential land donors and identify new potential grantors.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Working knowledge of real estate transactions, land conservation tools, and the ability to successfully complete land protection projects.
• Adept at negotiation and creative problem-solving.
• Ability to adapt, perform under pressure, and work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Experience working with diverse people and building positive relationships with landowners, communities, local government, and other stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail and record keeping.
• Valid vehicle driver's license and personal vehicle with proof of insurance.
• Ability to lift 30 pounds and walk properties with landowners.                                                                                                    
• Skilled in the use of ArcGIS, Google Earth, and GPS and the ability to produce maps for all audiences.
• Competent with standard computer software, including MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and email.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 3 years of experience working on Land conservation transactions including conservation easements and land acquisitions.
• Strong background in Environmental Science, Resource Conservation, Ecology, or related field.
• Ability to communicate clearly and succinctly in both verbal and written communications. Strong writing skills, especially in terms of clarity and persuasive storytelling.
• Available to work or attend meetings outside normal business hours (occasional nights and weekends.)