Stewardship Coordinator

Openlands’ vision for the region is a landscape that includes a vast network of land and water trails, tree-lined streets, and intimate public gardens within easy reach of every city dweller. It also includes parks and preserves big enough to provide natural habitat and to give visitors a sense of the vast prairies, woodlands, and wetlands that were here before the cities. In sum, Openlands believes that protected open space is critical for the quality of life of our region.

Position Overview

The Stewardship Coordinator will support our work in land preservation and for properties owned by Openlands. In addition, the coordinator will be responsible for stewardship of conservation easements and for supporting the work of our restoration projects.

Responsibilities

Land Protection Project Support:

• Support land transactions and projects by assisting with activities such as conducting property research, reviewing plans and regulations, collecting baseline data, assessing ecological restoration project performance and conditions, and assisting with due diligence tasks
• Support organizational work towards property assemblages and the implementation of conservation plans and strategies
• Serve as the on-the-ground point of contact for properties owned by Openlands, representing the organization to the public, government contacts, private land owners, partners, community groups, and other stakeholders
• Support the work of the Restoration Project Manager who is responsible for overseeing contractors engaged to perform the site restoration
• Other duties as assigned

Fee Land Management:

• Regularly visit fee properties owned by Openlands, including permanently-held and pass-through properties, to provide on-site staff presence, perform property condition assessments, and annual monitoring
• Write and file fee property condition reports and related documents in accordance with Land Trust Alliance accreditation requirements and Standards and Practices
• Remedy minor on-site maintenance issues when feasible, and support the development and implementation of other property management solutions as needed

Conservation Easement Monitoring:

• Monitor and maintain conservation easements per Land Trust Alliance accreditation requirements and Standards and Practices, including writing monitoring reports, creating baseline documentation and current condition reports, and filing documents in accordance with Openlands’ policies
• Cultivate relationships with conservation landowners to reduce risk and maximize conservation values on easement lands
• Support the work associated with adopting emerging best practices related to conservation easements and related accreditation standards
• Support efforts to address easement violations as applicable; respond to landowner inquiries

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, natural resource management, environmental studies, ecology, or related field, and at least 2 years’ experience in land protection, land stewardship and management, real estate property management, restoration ecology, and/or working with the public in a natural environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Ability to walk properties on a regular basis, considering varying topography, site access, and weather conditions
• Good organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and set effective priorities for work
• Good writing, speaking and research skills
• Strong customer service skills to support positive interactions with the public and stakeholders
• Able to work as part of a team and to understand the individual role within a larger system or strategy, including taking initiative and working independently to advance broader team goals
• Candidates must have a valid driver’s license and regular access to a personal vehicle, as many project sites cannot be readily accessed by public transportation. This license must be maintained for the duration of employment

Compensation: Salary range is market competitive. Benefits include health, life, and disability coverage, a 403(b) retirement plan, paid holidays and vacation time.

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to upload your cover letter and resume and include ‘Stewardship Coordinator’ in the subject line. This position is open until filled.