Stewardship Director

Background

Downeast Coastal Conservancy (DCC) is a nationally-accredited land trust conserving land in coastal Washington County, Maine, with roots dating back more than 35 years. Based out of Machias, DCC owns and protects more than 7,000 acres and 72 miles of shoreline in Downeast Maine.  For more information about DCC, please visit www.downeastcoastalconservancy.org.

Position Description

The Stewardship Director reports to the Executive Director. The position is full-time (40 hours/week) including some required evening and weekend work. The employee works with the Executive Director (ED), the Land Steward (LS), and the Stewardship Committee to identify, assess, and prioritize stewardship needs at DCC properties and to develop and implement plans to address those needs.

The Stewardship Director will work independently or with staff members, volunteers, contractors, and vendors to monitor easements and fee lands by following Land Trust Alliance standards; oversee habitat conservation; coordinate volunteer management of invasive species; carry out trail maintenance or creation individually or with the help of staff, volunteers, or contractors; organize work parties; work with community groups to expand volunteer capacity; create GIS maps; oversee seasonal property maintenance; develop and execute property management plans; support staff in stewardship related grants; and perform other tasks as requested to support the mission of DCC.  In addition, the Stewardship Director will supervise the Land Steward position, and coordinate annual operations for the stewardship staff (both permanent and seasonal).

Field work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions and requires climbing, walking, bending, crouching, lifting, reaching, and other physical abilities. Winter work typically includes management plan development and review, GIS projects, monitoring report filing, annual work-plan creation and determination, mailing monitoring invitation letters to landowners, assisting ED with newly acquired property policies/documentation, some trail maintenance when appropriate, and other work as requested to support the mission of DCC.

The position requires a working knowledge of conservation biology and land management, proficiency in GIS, excellent volunteer management skills, strong organizational skills, and a passion for the outdoors.

The Stewardship Director will be a team player who is an effective communicator, is comfortable working with many different constituencies, can manage multiple priorities and volunteer work schedules, and be self-directed.

Basic Responsibilities

Conservation Easements

• Work with the Land Steward to monitor each easement annually, or ensure that a volunteer completes the monitoring
• Respond to landowner inquiries in cooperation with LS
• Document and pursue violations in cooperation with ED
• Foster healthy landowner relations
• Recruit, organize and supervise volunteer easement monitors
• Ensure annual monitoring reports are filed for each easement

Preserves

• Monitor each preserve annually, or ensure that a volunteer completes the monitoring
• Perform or coordinate trail and recreation stewardship
• Design, commission, and install preserve signage
• Work with DCC stewardship staff and contractors on stewardship projects, mowing, plowing, etc.
• Respond to the public’s questions and represent DCC professionally
• Recruit, organize and supervise volunteer preserve monitors and stewardship volunteers
• Ensure annual monitoring reports are filed for each preserve
• Oversee management, updates, and implementation of management plans for preserves
• Work with hand tools, power tools, and gas-powered equipment on a regular basis
• Work with ED on land acquisition projects to draft stewardship budgets, assess potential properties, and work with the Lands Committee on decision making

Administration

• Track mileage and expenses accurately
• Answer phones when needed
• Manage DCC’s stewardship filing system
• Greet visitors to the office
• Create and review management plans
• Prepare an annual stewardship work plan
• Meet with the Stewardship Committee monthly
• Participate in intern management and supervision as needed
• Coordinate volunteer management, time tracking, training, etc.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications – Required

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, recreation management, biology, or similar field. Or, at least 3 years of experience working in natural resources, recreation management, biology, or similar position.
• Knowledge and ability to operate a chainsaw safely – certification or willingness to become certified is required
• Familiarity and ability to work with hand tools, power tools, and gas-powered equipment
• Ability to operate a boat in both fresh and salt water and a willingness to take a safety course for marine operation
• Drone certification or willingness to obtain
• Ability to hike over rough terrain carrying up to 50 pounds of gear and equipment
• Knowledge and ability to navigate off-trail using a map and compass
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software, ArcGIS, Google Earth, and other mapping software
• Ability to communicate clearly, professionally and correctly, both in writing and orally
• Experience with trail maintenance
• Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle with proof of insurance
• Interest and ability to recruit, organize, and supervise volunteers for diverse roles within DCC
• Ability to work effectively with state/local officials and partner organizations to accomplish DCC’s goals
• Ability to coordinate and attend Stewardship Committee meetings and occasional Board of Director meetings, as needed
• Ability to manage work time efficiently with minimal supervision

Qualifications – Desired

• Knowledge and ability to do basic carpentry and construction (i.e., boardwalk or kiosk repairs)
• Familiarity with GPS navigation systems
• Experience writing and administering grants
• Science background
• Knowledge of Maine geography and other regional conserved lands
• Valid Wilderness First Aid or Responder certification, or willingness to obtain

Position Type: Full-time, salaried; some evening and weekend work required

Report to: Executive Director

Location: Machias, Maine (with travel within Washington County)

Salary and Benefits: $55,000 – $60,000, depending on experience. DCC provides 100%-paid health care plan for the employee, and a matching retirement contribution. In addition, DCC offers accruing vacation and health time off, and all federal holidays.