Land Protection Manager

Job Opportunity: Land Protection Manager

The Land Protection Manager is a critical contributor to the mission of the Georges River Land Trust. He/she/they are responsible for Georges River Land Trust’s strategic goal of preserving 500 acres a year in the watershed.

This is a full-time, permanent position reporting directly to the leadership of GRLT with tremendous potential for growth and career development. Land protection is the driving force in our organization given the significant contribution it can make to the mitigation and adaptation to the effects of climate change.

The Georges River Land Trust was founded in 1987 to conserve the ecosystems of the Georges River watershed region. To date, we have protected almost 5,000 acres of forestland, fields, farms, and waterways and maintain 60+ miles of trails. We aspire to be a guiding resource for the residents of the 19 communities who want to protect the natural resources in the Georges River watershed.

The Opportunity

The Land Protection Manager works directly with private landowners, partner organizations, communities, and state agencies to accomplish lasting conservation in the Georges River Land Trust service area (the watershed of the St. George River).

As the Land Protection Manager, you will have a central role in our proactive, climate-responsive strategic plan to double our conserved lands by 2030. Through a process combining science and advanced mapping, we have identified priority parcels within focus areas in our watershed that we are laser focused on conserving.

From inception to completion, you will lead and manage the acquisition of fee properties. You will also direct the work of administrative professionals, contractors and legal consultants.

This position demands knowledge and experience in land purchase for permanent conservation including prospecting, lead development and qualification, solicitation and negotiation with landowners, real estate transaction management and closings and grant writing. Land conservation candidates include fee-simple and donated conservation easements, as approved by the GRLT Board.

Land Conservation Responsibilities

The Lands Protection Manager is responsible for conserving new lands in priority focus areas in the Georges River watershed. This includes initiating and managing fee title acquisitions (donations and purchases) including P&S agreements, correspondence, baselines, filings, funding, legal services, etc.). It also includes establishing and managing conservation easements, both donations and purchases (including easement drafting, correspondence, filings, funding, legal services, etc.).

The position requires respect for and compliance in all land transactions with LTA Standards and Practices, including participation in site assessments, preparing conservation documentation, conducting due diligence investigations, writing reports and any other evaluations for current and potential prospects. Maintaining a comprehensive file of accurate and updated documents for each potential, active and inactive land conservation project, including documentation of contact by letter, electronic mail, call or text message.

The Lands Protection Manager provides consultation and education to landowners, family members and advisors on land conservation options. They manage sensitive and personal information regarding GRLT’s land conservation projects with the highest standards of confidentiality.

Administration & Policy

The Lands Protection Manager will lead in the creation of land protection strategies, multi-year plans, policies, and procedures, in compliance with the Land Trust Alliance Standards & Practices. This will include developing, monitoring and updating an annual work plan and budget.

They will lead and engage the support necessary for the implementation of plans including GRLT’s Lands Committee, legal counsel involved in the creation and evaluation of conservation easements, landowners and the Stewardship manager in the interpretation and resolution of violations to conservation easements and they will prepare, manage, and apply for state and federal grants.

Partnerships & Education

While meeting land conservation needs for local communities, the Lands Protection Manager will serve as a consultant to other organizations and towns regarding conservation options and tools. They will periodically need to provide photographs and prepare text and maps concerning land conservation projects for GRLT publications, public information meetings or grant applications.

Essential Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

Qualified persons will be intelligent and effective communicators, planners, and organizers, must demonstrate mature judgment and be knowledgeable and experienced with the acquisition of land. The successful candidate will also demonstrate knowledge and experience in working with conservation easement amendments, protection, and enforcement.

• Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced training or degree in natural resource policy, environmental or real estate law, real estate or related field preferred.
• Familiarity with national conservation and stewardship issues, trends, and policies, including the Land Trust Alliance Standards & Practices
• Awareness and familiarity with the local geography and culture of Midco-Coast Maine
• Knowledge of general land conservation strategies and familiarity with the legal, financial, and scientific considerations involved in land conservation
• Demonstrated knowledge of real estate transactions including but not limited to appraisals, title work, environmental due diligence investigations, surveys, maps, closing procedures, aerial photos, zoning, tax, and policy issues.
• Physical fitness appropriate for extensive examinations of land and excellent field work skills including use of maps and GPS
• An ability to anticipate challenges and hindrances in the conservation process and ability to proactively manage around them.
• A well-organized work style capable of managing a dynamic project portfolio
• An ability to keep accurate, detailed, and confidential records.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; grant writing capabilities
• Familiarity with donor and project management databases (LGL and Landscape)
• Professional, outgoing, positive, energetic, and people-oriented approach, including the ability to inspire and motivate action and success in others.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of people, including GRLT board members and staff, contractors, landowners, volunteers, the public, donors, and other prospects
• Emotionally mature, motivated, collaborative, problem-solver
• Ability to complete projects, meet deadlines and work within established budgets
• Strong technical proficiency with established software (e.g., Microsoft Word & Excel, G-Suite, GIA, ArcGIS) and with the rapidly-evolving software enhancing local analysis and presentation
• Ownership of a smartphone and a car (with valid driver’s license and evidence of insurance)
• Weekend and night work may be necessary

Compensation

Salary will be commensurate with experience, ranging from $50,000 to $60,000. Benefits package includes health insurance, vacation, sick time, paid holidays, and retirement package.

Inclusion

Georges River Land Trust is an equal employment opportunity employer. We value employees who can collaborate effectively for the good of the whole organization while achieving their program goals. Our tightly-knit team respects the individual strengths of our members and shares accountability in an open, friendly culture. We leverage our constraints positively and work together to transform challenges into opportunities.