Land Conservation Manager

Join Champlain Area Trails (CATS) for an exciting opportunity to make a real difference as our first Land Conservation Manager! This pivotal role offers you the chance to lead dynamic initiatives that protect New York’s Champlain Valley land through the acquisition of properties and conservation easements. You will play a key part in transforming revocable trail agreements into permanent easements while collaborating with landowners to create welcoming trails on private lands. As you oversee significant ongoing conservation projects and identify new avenues for land protection, you’ll be at the forefront of innovative conservation efforts in the region. Reporting to our Executive Director, you’ll work closely with a passionate team, including the Director of Trails and Land Management, to seamlessly integrate land acquisitions with trail management. We want to hear from you if you’re ready to engage with conservation organizations and communities to drive meaningful change! Join us and help preserve our beautiful landscapes for future generations.

Summary of Responsibilities:

The Land Conservation Manager (LCM) initiates and completes transactions that protect land by purchasing or identifying potential donated properties and conservation easements. This person will also obtain agreements with landowners to have trails on private properties. A priority for the first three years is to act on a New York State Smart Growth grant to convert “revocable trail agreements” to permanent trail easements. Additionally, the manager will oversee completing two significant land conservation projects currently in progress and future projects as identified. The LCM reports to the Executive Director of Champlain Area Trails.

The LCM collaborates regularly with the Director of Trails and Land Management to ensure seamless transitions from acquiring the land and trail easements to managing them. This position works alongside the Development and Communications Director, Community Engagement and Outreach Manager, and other staff members on cooperative initiatives. Furthermore, the LCM communicates and collaborates with other institutions and conservation organizations to accomplish shared goals.

QUALIFICATIONS (Successful candidates will have the following qualifications)

• Strong belief and passion for the mission of Champlain Area Trails
• Experience (3 years or more) related to one or more of the following: private land conservation and conservation easements, real estate, surveying, appraisal work, real estate law, private property partnerships, or similar.
• Advanced degree in one of the following: environmental science, ecology, law, regional planning, land planning, real estate, or a related field; or a Bachelor’s degree in a related field with a minimum of 5 years of experience in the above.
• General understanding of federal tax law regarding charitable gifts.
• Demonstrated ability to comprehend and interpret legal documents and maps.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and ArcView.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and a positive and energetic attitude.
• Experience in budgeting, proposal preparation, and project cost estimating.
• Ability to perform outdoor fieldwork in various weather conditions and seasons.
• Flexible availability to meet the demands of assigned functions, including occasional evening meetings and weekend work.
• Willingness to travel frequently within the Champlain Valley region and to other necessary locations.
• A valid means of reliable transportation.

DESIRABLE SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES (It is not required, but it is great to know about!)

• Experience working with a non-profit organization in New York State.
• Knowledge of the Champlain Valley's plants, animals, natural communities, recreational opportunities, and history.
• Prior work with a land trust, conservation organization, or similar organization.