Mass Audubon is Massachusetts’ largest statewide environmental nonprofit organization whose mission is to protect the nature of Massachusetts for all people and wildlife. We protect more than 38,000 acres of land throughout the state working to save birds and other wildlife and making nature accessible to all through our system of 58 wildlife sanctuaries, 20 of them with staffed nature centers. We reach over 225,000 kids and adults with our environmental education programming annually. We offer thousands of camp, school and adult programs. With more than 125,000 members and supporters, we advocate on Beacon Hill and beyond and conduct conservation research to preserve the natural heritage of our beautiful state for todays and future generations.
We are looking for a dynamic and experienced individual to work collaboratively with an inspired team in Mass Audubon’s Land Conservation Department and other staff to identify, evaluate and complete compelling land protection projects located throughout the Commonwealth. Based at Mass Audubon Headquarters in Lincoln, MA, this position will involve planning, due diligence, and negotiation relative to the acquisition of land and rights to land to respond to climate change, provide opportunities to connect people with nature, and enhance Mass Audubon’s more than 38,000-acre statewide network of conserved lands.
This is a full-time position with outstanding benefits.
Responsibilities
Negotiate with private landowners, public agencies, businesses, and other organizations concerning acquisition of land and rights in land
Provide technical assistance to private landowners and conservation partners regarding conservation options and techniques
Provide advice and assistance to Mass Audubon staff, Board, volunteers and sanctuary committees on land conservation issues
Evaluate land conservation proposals to ensure consistency with Mass Audubon policies and objectives
Assist with duties relative to system for tracking existing Mass Audubon land holdings and Conservation Restrictions that we hold
Promote the financial and legal advantages of land conservation with donors and sellers, promote gifts and bargain sales of land
Assist with development of baseline information, monitoring and record keeping relative to Conservation Restrictions (CRs) held by Mass Audubon
Ensure the timely and accurate completion of tasks required to acquire and dispose of land or interests in land, including the preparation of administrative, financial and legal documents
Prepare written reports, proposals and plans as required
Attend department meetings and serve on committees as requested by Director
Provide training for Mass Audubon staff on land conservation issues
Fundraising
Seek out and promote gifts and grants to support Mass Audubon land conservation efforts
Budget Development and Management
Assist in the preparation and implementation of an operating budget for land conservation, and make recommendations on capital allocations for land
Community Relations
Respond to public and media inquiries on land issues. Assist in the preparation of public relations material
Property
Help assess the maintenance and security aspects of proposed land and building acquisitions and present recommendations to Director. Conduct initial Environmental Site Assessments on properties
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in natural resource management, land use planning, business, biological sciences or related field
Three years of experience in land conservation/planning, real estate, or business in related natural resource field
Excellent writing and speaking skills
Solid skills in Microsoft Office ( Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook)
Valid driver’s license, and willingness to travel frequently and extensively throughout the state
Ability to traverse a variety of terrain (hilly, wooded, rocky, marshy) on foot
Must pass a background records check (CORI, SORI, and driver’s)
Mass Audubon is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting and hiring a diverse workforce. Persons from diverse backgrounds including communities of color, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQI community are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information please check out the Mass Audubon website at: https://www.massaudubon.org
Compensation and Benefits
Competitive salary and full benefits package.
Additional Comments
Some first round of interviews will be held with the Mass Audubon Team at the LTA Rally in Pittsburgh, Oct 11 – Oct 13, 2018.
This position will remain posted until the final candidate has been hired. No phone calls please.
How to Apply
Email one document that includes a letter of interest (cover letter) and resume with the Subject line: LAND PROTECTION SPECIALIST (your name) to:
Elaine Kile, Assistant to the Vice President for Wildlife Sanctuaries and Programs
Email: ekile@massaudubon.org
208 South Great Road
Lincoln, MA 01773
Job# 3048
Please mention how you learned of this opening.