Please see the job opening below. Applicant materials are to be submitted to [email protected] For more information about the Western New York Land Conservancy, please see: https://wnylc.org/
Position Opening: Stewardship Director The Western New York Land Conservancy is an accredited, regional not-for- profit land trust that permanently protects land with significant conservation values in Western New York for the benefit of future generations. We envision a future in which open spaces, wildlife habitat, working lands and scenic beauty are cherished and protected as part of the landscape and character of Western New York. The Western New York region is home to some of North America’s most important natural treasures. Our region encompasses two Great Lakes (Lake Erie and Lake Ontario), Niagara Falls, and the Niagara Gorge. The region includes the Appalachian foothills in the south, vast networks of meandering rivers and streams, and impressive stretches of forests. Our farm soils are some of the most fertile and productive in the world. All of this natural wealth surrounds cities and villages that are becoming more vibrant each year. The Land Conservancy’s programs gives our staff opportunities to work in all of these places, and more. For more information about our work, please visit: www.wnylc.org Title: Stewardship Director Employment Type: Exempt, full time, 37.5 hours per week Reports to: Executive Director Application Deadline: Open until filled Tentative Start Date: ASAP Salary: $43,000 – $55,000, based on experience Benefits: Simple IRA match, generous health insurance, paid vacation, holidays, and sick days Location: Based in the East Aurora or Buffalo office, working remotely possible on a limited basis Overview: The Land Conservancy is seeking to add a Stewardship Director who will be responsible for stewarding the Land Conservancy’s 73 properties totaling over 5,600 acres across Western New York. These properties include conservation easements and fee properties, farmland and natural lands, and several publically accessible nature preserves. The Land Conservancy continues to expand its conservation portfolio each year. The Stewardship Director will ensure that the Land Conservancy’s conservation easements and fee holdings are monitored, that there are regular communications with the landowners, and that management plans are up-to-date. The Stewardship Director also oversees the Land Conservancy’s land management, public access improvements, and habitat restoration work. The Land Conservancy seeks a dynamic and enthusiastic individual to add to our dedicated staff. Responsibilities: 1. Oversee stewardship of all conservation easement and fee lands. • Monitor or oversee monitoring of Land Conservancy easements and fee properties annually. Supervise and support staff and volunteers that assist with monitoring. • Evaluate monitoring practices and develop new and innovative strategies to streamline the process. • Produce reports and maps documenting monitoring visits. • Work diligently with landowners to ensure easement compliance. • Oversee and coordinate enforcement of conservation restrictions. • Manage fee properties, including drafting Management Plans and coordinating management actions on the ground. • Oversee restoration projects on Land Conservancy fee properties. • Perform landowner outreach and correspondence. • Oversee stewardship contractors and stewards. • Perform facilities management for the Land Conservancy’s offices. • Take photographs that can be used in Land Conservancy outreach materials. 2. Administrative and Records Management • Maintain Stewardship records, utilize GIS and other software to ensure records and information are up-to-date and readily available. • Ensure Land Conservancy’s monitoring and project records are in compliance with LTA standards, and help with LTA accreditation tasks as needed. 3. Board Support and Staff Coordination • Support and provide reports to the Land Conservancy’s Conservation Committee and Board of Directors. • Coordinate with Land Protection staff to initiate new conservation projects. • Assist in documenting new projects’ conservation values and property conditions. • Provide input on conservation easement drafts and conservation decisions. • Create preliminary Management Plans for fee properties prior to closing. • Help the Land Conservancy communicate its mission and share its conservation accomplishments with the public by coordinating with Communications staff on social and print media. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications: • A deep passion for conservation and the Land Conservancy’s mission.
