Conservation Easement Manager

The Hudson Highlands Land Trust, Inc. (HHLT) seeks a responsible, independent Conservation Easement Manager to manage our conservation easements (e.g., annual conservation easement monitoring, review of landowner requests, and responses to field issues such as potential violations). The work is done according to the Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices and HHLT policies.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
HHLT is looking for someone who loves the environment and is ready, willing and able to learn the skills necessary to take on the stewardship of our conservation easement portfolio while also assisting in new project acquisition. We look forward to working with the successful candidate and will provide the training and support to help the individual grow into the position.

As the Conservation Easement Manager gains experience, they will be responsible for:

Stewardship of conservation easements

• Meet, develop, and maintain relationships with landowners of conserved properties.
• Annually visit (monitor) HHLT’s conservation easement portfolio — both in-person and through reviewing remote imagery.
• Respond to landowner questions and requests to activate rights reserved in the conservation easement.
• Maintain stewardship records (online, electronic, and hard copies) and coordinate stewardship-related administrative tasks (i.e., proper documentation and filing of all baseline documentation reports, current condition reports, activation of reserved rights, and easement correspondence).
• As needed, work with the Director of Conservation on any suspected or actual conservation easement violations.
• Prepare current condition reports for conservation easements.
• Ensure HHLT’s conservation easement stewardship and defense practices meet or exceed the Land Trust Alliance Standards & Practices

Acquisitions

• As needed, prepare reports detailing the existing conditions for new easement properties, including conducting site visits, processing digital photographs, creating maps with GIS, and compiling a written report.
• Forward executed conservation easements and amendments with the NYS Department of Conservation.

GIS

• If unfamiliar, learn Geographic Information Services (GIS) technology
• Create maps for monitoring reports, field, and office use.
• As needed, work with the Preserve & Natural Resources Manager to create maps for meetings, publications, public policy work, grant applications, and display at HHLT events.

Other responsibilities

• As needed, work with the Preserve & Natural Resources Manager to address fee-owned property issues (e.g., encroachments, responses to natural disasters, etc.)
• Implement new technologies related to our work.
• Gather data, prepare maps/memos, and assist in preparing project review materials.
• Work with appropriate staff to assist with outreach, development, and communication related to conservation topics. This may include educational talks, hikes, and materials preparation.
• This position reports to the Director of Conservation.

HHLT’s COMMITMENT TO EQUITY & INCLUSIVITY

The Hudson Highlands Land Trust values diverse life experiences and perspectives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color; all genders; LBGTQ+; veterans; people with disabilities; and those with diverse experiences with nature.

The Hudson Highlands Land Trust affords all qualified applicants equal employment opportunity without discrimination because of race, religion/creed, color, national origin, sex, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, victims of domestic violence status or marital status.

OFFICE LOCATION

HHLT’s office is located at 20 Nazareth Way, Garrison, NY. Routine travel throughout the Hudson Valley will be required. Limited remote work may be permitted.

Requirements

• Demonstration of a strong interest in, and dedication to, conservation of land and natural resources.
• A combination of practical experience and transferrable skills; and/or a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, environmental science, forestry, conservation, ecology, biology, or a related subject. Field- and career-change candidates welcome.
• Experience working with diverse communities.
• Willingness to be part of a team with shared decision-making and tasks.
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously with great attention to detail.
• Strong organizing skills, including planning, filing, and note-taking.
• Valid driver’s license. Work entails frequent travel to sites throughout the Hudson Valley. (Mileage on a personal vehicle will be reimbursed).
• Ability to lift 30 pounds and hike 5+ miles on steep, off-trail terrain (often alone) in various weather conditions.
• Willing to work occasional evenings and weekends.

ADDITIONAL BENEFICIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• One to two years of related work, internship, volunteer, and/or coursework experience desired.
• Experience with ArcGIS software and GPS data collection. Active interest in learning new technologies.

Benefits

This full-time, exempt position reports to the Director of Conservation and works closely with the Preserve & Natural Resources Manager. A competitive salary ($60,000 to $72,000) will be commensurate with experience and includes an attractive benefits package.