Land Conservation Specialist

Position Title: Land Conservation Specialist
Reports To: Senior Program Director
Status: Full-time, Exempt
Compensation: Competitive salary based on experience; includes full benefits package
Location: Position based in Rhinebeck, NY; hybrid work structure available

Position Summary

The Land Conservation Specialist plays a central role in forging the future of land conservation across the Hudson Valley Region. This person will lead Winnakee’s conservation easement monitoring program, contribute to our broader stewardship, activation and conservation strategy, and support the stewardship and ecological integrity of conserved lands within Winnakee’s portfolio. The Land Conservation Specialist is a team player who works across multiple departments to ensure landowner relationships, field operations, and data tracking align with Land Trust Alliance Standards & Practices and organizational goals. The role includes significant time in the field, integration with internal database systems (including Landscape), and assistance with stewardship and land activation activities.

Embodying our core values of stewardship, community, trust, integrity, and collaboration, the Specialist will contribute to developing the critical capabilities and systems necessary for Winnakee to be an acknowledged leader in conserving priority landscapes that shape the region’s natural heritage, rural character, community values and critical ecosystem services.

Key Responsibilities

Easement Monitoring & Compliance

• Conduct annual monitoring of conservation easements through field visits and landowner communication
• Prepare clear and timely monitoring reports, correspondence, and digital documentation
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with LTA Standards & Practices
• Support easement acquisition processes including due diligence, baseline documentation, and legal recording
• Assist with amendments and waivers in coordination with legal counsel and senior staff

Land Stewardship & Activation

• Support implementation of ecological restoration and stewardship projects on Winnakee-owned lands as needed.
• Assist with maintenance of trails, signage, and public access infrastructure
• Coordinate and participate in volunteer workdays, community engagement events, and public programming
• Collaborate with Land Activation and Stewardship teams to ensure aligned field practices and compliance with Land Trust Alliance Standards.
• Engage with property owners to identify and secure conservation opportunities that generate local goodwill, financial support, and awareness for our broader Land Activation work.

Data Systems & Recordkeeping

• Maintain accurate land and easement data in Landscape Database, GIS, Terrafirma, and internal tracking systems
• Upload and organize field data, photos, GPS tracks, and reports in accordance with organizational protocol
• Ensure consistency across systems including Landscape, shared drives, and CRM (customer relationship management) tools
• Support reporting to funders and accreditation bodies as needed

Schedule & Field Conditions

• Conduct field work in a variety of weather conditions and terrain, often independently
• Travel to sites throughout Dutchess County and the greater Hudson Valley required
• Occasional evening and weekend hours required to support volunteer events and community outreach

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, natural resources, or a related field
• 1–3 years of professional or internship experience in land conservation, stewardship, or environmental fieldwork
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a collaborative cross-functional team
• Proficiency with GPS devices, field data collection, and digital mapping (ArcGIS and/or QGIS experience a plus)
• High level of organization, accuracy, and attention to detail
• Experience working with landowners or volunteers preferred
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with conservation easements and land trust practices
• Experience with Landscape or other conservation-specific databases
• Commitment to land conservation, community access, and ecological stewardship
• Ability to develop expertise in strategic property identification and prioritization, risk mitigation and community stakeholder engagement over time as these are considered high priority capabilities for program success.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience with landowner communications and public engagement within the conservation community.
• Contribute to the ongoing modernization of our current easement template and the incorporation of new easement boundary marking requirements, working toward effective long term risk management.