Conservation Planner

Our Mission:

We advance the conservation of lands and waters in Maine to ensure ecological wellbeing and foster thriving communities. 

We understand that as in nature, diversity builds resilience. We uphold a working culture where unique identities and experiences are welcomed and appreciated. Our team is empathetic, committed and collaborative.  We seek employees that are not only capable and talented, but who care about supporting and respecting each other. We seek people who are interested in imagining creative solutions and continuous learning.

Position Overview: 

The Conservation Planner will play an integral role in advancing the Trust’s land protection work related to climate change, including advancing protection of tidal marshes and marsh migration space, and helping build a strategy for landscape-scale land protection. Working under the Associate Director of Planning, you will maintain up-to-date data (including geospatial data) on land protection outreach priorities, involving coordination with tidal marsh restoration efforts, assistance with geospatial analysis of conservation priorities, and possible assistance with developing conservation site plans and other aspects of project management for ongoing land protection projects. An ability to establish effective, close working relationships with a wide range of people and organizations is essential.

You’ll be a good fit for this position if:

You’re someone who embodies a genuine passion for our mission at MCHT – conserving lands and waters in Maine to ensure ecological well-being and foster thriving communities. You have exceptional relationship-building skills and can collaborate with fellow MCHT staff, stakeholders, partner organizations and Maine’s community.

Your enthusiasm for our cause should be infectious, extending not only to our mission but also to the core values that define us as an organization. If you’re ready to make a lasting impact, join us in our mission as we work towards a vibrant and healthy future for Maine.

Essential Job Functions:

• Work closely with the Associate Director of Planning and Project Managers to maintain datasets relative to MCHT’s strategic goals and track implementation of conservation plans.
• Work with Project Managers to update conservation plans, develop landowner outreach priorities, maintain updated landownership data within prioritized areas, and develop maps and/or web-based tools to share outreach data with Project Managers and partners.
• Be an integral part of MCHT Marshes for Tomorrow team to prioritize conservation of tidal marshes and associate migration space.
• Collect and interpret data important to MCHT and communities related to priority species, habitat, recreation, socio-economic, and community needs.
• Develop, maintain, and enhance the productive working relationships that are a hallmark of MCHT’s conservation programs and form alliances with new partners. Responsible handling of confidential, sensitive, and personal information is critical.
• Serve as a knowledgeable and respected conservation planning specialist for MCHT and for our partners including the local land trusts. The Planner will be expected to be familiar with GIS, planning and community outreach and organizing techniques.
• Be able to discuss MCHT’s mission, goals, and land conservation tools at a variety of forums, including meetings with stakeholders, and with partner organizations and agencies, and community groups.

Qualifications:

• Excellent writing, editing and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collect, manage, manipulate, analyze, and interpret data important to MCHT and communities including data related to priority species, habitat, recreation, socio-economic, community needs.
• Ability to manage a large and diverse project load, complete assignments, meet deadlines and work within established budgets.
• Proven record of accomplishment in relationship management.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Experience working successfully with people of all backgrounds and ages.
• 7+ years of direct work experience, or in conservation planning, land trust/land protection work, natural resource management, forestry, etc. Experience with climate change issues and conservation finance preferred. A combination of bachelor’s degree and 3 – 5 years of experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of Maine’s geography, communities, culture, flora, and fauna preferred.
• Excellent ERSI’s ArcGIS software skills.
• Ability to effectively operate computers and assigned software, Microsoft Office, Adobe, Google Earth, and Terrain Professional.

How and where you will work:

Most work is performed in a normal office environment not subject to extremes of noise, temperature, odor, etc. Operates computer, printer, and other office equipment. Work requires extended sitting and repetitive motion in the use of computer, keyboard, and mouse. Field work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions, and generally involves climbing, walking, bending, and crouching. Operates GPS, compass, camera, and related tools. Regular travel is required.

We have offices in Topsham, Rockport, MDI, and Whiting, Maine and the location of this position is flexible. We have a hybrid work model with 2 office days and 3 home days.  No matter your office location, you will work once a month in Topsham to connect and collaborate with the team who sits here.

This is a permanent, full-time position with a benefits package including insurance, generous vacation and sick time, and a retirement plan.  The annual starting salary range for this role is $66,800 to $74,500 and will depend upon experience.

If you are interested in joining our team, please send your COVER LETTER and RESUME to search@mcht.org  with “Planner” in the subject line by August 29, 2024.

To review the full job description please follow this link: Conservation Planner Job Description

To learn more about Maine Coast Heritage Trust and our work visit our website at https://www.mcht.org/

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job.  The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

*External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Maine Coast Heritage Trust is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to creating an inclusive culture where employees from diverse backgrounds can thrive and support our mission. We recruit, hire, train, promote, compensate, and administer all personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sex stereotyping, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.