Community Forest Land Manager

The Community Forest Land Manager works to manage the DLLT community forest for conservation, economic, and recreational purposes.  The Land Manager should possess strong field skills, a dedication to sustainable forestry and wildlife conservation, and a solid understanding of land management principles and best practices. This position is under the direct supervision of the Executive Director and is supported and guided by Board Committees and the Board of Directors. It combines practical hands-on work, office planning, and public-facing duties.

The Community Forest Land Manager executes the day-to-day operations that include planning and supervision of timber harvests, road maintenance, carbon projects, forest and wildlife projects, DLLT’s Forest Management Plan, DLLT’s Wildlife Management Plan, budget preparation, recreation infrastructure, and maintenance of trails, primitive campsites, and boat launches.  In addition, they 1) oversee numerous monitoring and compliance activities (such as maintaining Forest Stewardship Certification), 2) ensure that all laws and regulations applicable to DLLT forest resource operations are adhered to, and 3) manage audits related to forestry, carbon, recreation, and wildlife.  The Land Manager oversees seasonal staff and volunteers.

The Land Manager practices the highest standards of science and data-driven management of natural resources, promotion of wildlife habitat, forestry practices, and recreation infrastructure. They are also a public face of the organization in the community and to statewide and national forestry and conservation groups. They must display the highest standards of professionalism, have effective communication skills, and be able to maintain positive relationships with fellow staff, community members, contractors, and our many forestry and conservation partners.

This position is full-time and requires intermittent evening and weekend hours and travel.  

Preferred qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resource management, environmental science, or a similar field.
• Three to five years of professional experience, preferably in conservation-focused roles like land management or restoration projects.
• Proficiency in GIS (Geographic Information Systems), data collection, data management, spatial analysis, map creation, and ensuring data accuracy within GIS.
• Licensed to practice forestry in the State of Maine
• Voluntary certification from the Society of American Foresters can enhance job prospects and demonstrate professional competency.

A more detailed job description can be found at www.downeastlakes.org. Please send your resume and cover letter to landmanagersearch@downeastlakes.org. The review of applications is to begin immediately. Dealine is August 13, 2025. We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position.

The Downeast Lakes Land Trust is an equal-opportunity employer.