Genesee Valley Conservancy seeks an individual to serve the organization in maintaining and continuing our successful farmland protection program and proactive acquisition of conservation easements within the Genesee River watershed.
We seek an experienced professional to join our close-knit team and well-established program that has conserved over 17,000 acres of habitat, open space, and farmland in seven counties. As a nationally accredited land conservancy, continuing to meet national standards is a priority.
This position requires independence and collaboration.
Duties
Acquire conservation easements (50%)
Work with landowners in the service area to conserve lands to further the mission of the Conservancy according to our Land Conservation Plan and Acquisition Policy. Including:
Continue existing county based farmland protection programs and seek strategic opportunities for the Conservancy to expand into additional parts of the service area (including pre-selection process, selection committee review, grant writing, budgeting)
Respond to inquiries and ‘walk-in’ landowner interest for conservation options
Facilitate projects to closure with landowners and contractors
Coordinate with staff, acquisitions committee, and board of directors
Work with farmland specialist collaboratively to gain knowledge of existing programs, projects, as part of transition to leading our farmland protection program
Facilitate future projects (25%)
Using the Land Conservation Plan, work to make long-term connections in target areas and position the Conservancy for future conservation projects. Including:
·Conduct landowner and organization presentations to introduce Conservancy, services offered, and the benefits of private conservation
·Represent and integrate the Conservancy with partner organizations (ex. Farm Bureau, Cooperative Extension)
·Investigate sources of funding for conservation easements
·Participating in promotional events (ex. Agripaloza in Wyoming Co., Farm Fest in Livingston Co.)
Other
Including, but not limited to:
Supporting farmland protection planning at the local and regional level
Conduct the Livingston County Decision Makers Ag Tour
Attend Livingston and Wyoming County Ag/Farmland Protection Board meetings
Support municipalities with applications for farmland protection planning grants
Developing working relationships with town and county governments and organizations regarding land use and management activities
Organize the Genesee Valley Landowner Workshops
Assisting in outreach and fundraising efforts such as our:
Donor reception, annual supporters picnic, and farmland solicitations
Advocate for farmland conservation by participating in the New York Farm and Food Alliance
Assist with all aspects of the organization, as necessary
Necessary Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or higher in conservation related field
Experience in an agricultural or conservation related field (4+ years preferred)
Has relationships within agricultural and/or landowner community within Genesee River watershed
Good interpersonal skills including writing, email, phone, and in-person communication
Comfortable speaking to groups of up to 50 people
Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook (or other equivalent programs)
Ability to have a flexible schedule and willingness to work evenings/weekends
Must have valid NYS driver’s license and reliable transportation to be used during work
Organized, with attention to detail
Preferred Qualifications
Basic knowledge of ArcGIS or similar mapping software
Knowledge of land trusts, non-profits, and Genesee Valley Conservancy
Lives within the Genesee Valley watershed
Other specialized skills that would benefit a small non-profit organization
Location: This position is based out of Geneseo and will require travel throughout the service area of the Genesee River watershed
Supervisor: Executive Director
Hours: Full-time, 40hours/week
Works With: Landowners, staff, acquisitions committee, board
Benefits
Salary: $35,000 to $45,000 based on qualifications/experience
Up to 3% retirement match (1-1) on hire
Health: Stipend or coverage through the Conservancy up to $3,000
Mileage reimbursed at Federal rate for all work travel
Vacation: Accrues over time to 10 days in the first year, plus 9 paid holidays annually
Webinar and conference training opportunities
Applying
This position is open until filled.
Applications received by December 7 are assured full consideration.
Send cover letter and resume to:
Genesee Valley Conservancy, PO Box 73, Geneseo, NY 14454
or