Land Conservation Grants Specialist

The New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) seeks a dynamic individual to join the LCHIP team as a Land Conservation Grant Specialist (LCGS), leading LCHIP’s land conservation and stewardship grant programs.

LCHIP’s LCGP is responsible for working with community groups across the state to support long-term conservation of natural and cultural resources. The LCGS ensures all LCHIP-funded conservation projects adhere to statutory requirements, organizational policies, and best practices in land conservation, and oversees the long-term stewardship of conserved properties benefiting from past LCHIP awards.

OVERVIEW

The LCGS will work directly with LCHIP’s land conservation partners from project development through proposal evaluation and project completion, and with LCHIP Board Members and industry professionals to conduct comprehensive reviews of all conservation grant proposals submitted.  The LCGS is also responsible for overseeing long-term stewardship of lands conserved with LCHIP assistance. Thus, the LCGS’s ability to develop a positive, professional relationship with individuals and organizations, and to maintain that relationship over time, is essential.

PROFILE

The successful LCGS will

• demonstrate an aptitude for understanding and interpreting various forms of technical writing, including legal and statutory language.
• possess, or commit to independently acquiring, a general knowledge of best practices in land conservation.
• value the opportunity to work directly with community groups and individuals to expand capacity and support the preservation and conservation of New Hampshire’s unique heritage.
• demonstrate initiative, attention to detail, and strong verbal and written communication skills.
• employ effective time and project management techniques to maintain efficient workflow.
• be well organized, energetic, and personable.
• thrive as an integral member of a small, high-energy, and collaborative team.
• bring two to five years’ relevant work experience, although demonstrated personal aptitude, a commitment to land conservation, and a willingness to apply oneself to the position will be equally valued.
• hold a degree in natural resource management, forestry, or a closely related field.

*Each additional year of relevant work experience may be substituted for one year of required formal education.

DETAILS

• This is a salaried, 37.5 hours/week position based in Concord, NH that is available immediately
• The position may require very occasional evening or weekend activities
• A hybrid work schedule is available following a successful orientation period
• A clean driving record and a dependable, insured vehicle are required for regular statewide travel which is reimbursed at the federal mileage rate
• The willingness and physical ability to visit project sites is required and may include hiking for several miles in rough, steep, or wet terrain and/or adverse weather and exposure to heat, cold, rain, ticks and other insects, etc.

COMPENSATION

The Land Conservation Grant Specialist will receive a highly competitive compensation package to include

• annual starting salary between $55,000 – $63,000, commensurate with experience.
• 29 paid personal days off per year (9 holidays and 4 weeks personal time) with generous additional paid medical leave
• access to the excellent health, dental, and life insurance benefits afforded to classified state employees (CY 2024 employee contribution to health and dental insurance premiums are $572/year single, $1716/family)
• Enrollment in the NH Retirement System’s (pension) Defined Benefit Plan and deferred compensation (457 B) plan.