Trails Conservation Coordinator

We encourage you to apply for this job opportunity if you are interested in working:

• At a positive, mission-focused, non-profit conservation organization;
• With a team dedicated to getting people outdoors, conserving forests, parks and our statewide network of Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails; and
• As part of an organization dedicated to the principles of JEDI – Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

Position Summary

CFPA is seeking an energetic self-starter with a passion for our trails. The Trails Conservation Coordinator (TCC) is a full-time exempt employee reporting to CFPA’s Trails Director. The staff person selected for this position will assist in negotiating and completing real estate transactions as we expand our land acquisition initiatives. The TCC will work closely with our staff, board, volunteers and partners to achieve permanent and/or greater protection of the land that hosts and keeps connected 825+ miles of the popular Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System. 

Responsibilities

• Work with CFPA’s Trails Director to identify and prioritize at-risk trails and assist in the development and implementation of land protection strategies.
• Ensure ongoing communications and cultivate personal relationships with existing and potential landowner hosts of the trail system.
• Act as the initial contact person for prospective land/easement donations or offers to sell.
• Conduct property research, due diligence, and meetings with landowners, as well as land trust and municipal partners.
• Utilize CFPA’s land acquisition procedures to review and evaluate all proposed acquisitions of land or easements.
• Develop maps and other materials to help communicate location, needs, and urgency of trail corridor protection efforts with partners, prospective funders, and others.
• Assist with developing funding proposals for land protection projects.
• Create a positive work environment and advance program objectives through supervision of interns, contractors and volunteers.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate or graduate degree, or comparable experience, in land conservation or natural resources field.
• Minimum 2-4 years experience implementing land protection or natural resource initiatives.
• Experience with negotiations and contract preparation, familiarity with conservation land acquisition, federal or state land acquisition programs, and real estate transactions are a plus.
• Strong research skills related to real estate transactions.
• Ability to work on multiple land transactions at the same time and interface with stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience working with private landowners on land protection or land management initiatives.
• Passion for the conservation of Connecticut’s woodlands and trails.
• Demonstrated experience working for a land trust or land management organization.
• Ability to work in outdoor and indoor environments.
• Drivers license and insurance, or the ability to obtain such.
• Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), mapping of land data and database management.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for the TCC position is between $59,000 and $66,000 annually, depending on experience. CFPA also offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package including 100%-employer premium paid medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid vacation days; 403(b) Plan upon employment, including a discretionary 4% employer contribution after 1 year of employment; and 12 paid holidays.

Schedule and Location

The TCC’s schedule is flexible as necessary to accommodate meetings that occur on weekends and evenings. The position is based at CFPA’s headquarters in Rockfall, CT, and also requires off-site work on a regular basis.