Director of Land Protection & Environmental Stewardship

~ Mohonk Preserve, located in Ulster County, NY is a non-profit organization whose mission is to protect the Shawangunk Mountains region and inspire people to care for, enjoy, and explore their natural world. ~

The Preserve manages 8,000 acres of the northern Shawangunk Mountains in Ulster County, NY through four integrated programs – Conservation Science, Education, Land Stewardship, and Land Protection, and is a regional model for large-scale conservation planning. We have an annual budget of $4 million, 36 year-round staff, over 350 volunteers, and a diverse support base of over 16,000 members. For more information about the Preserve, visit our website. 

Position Overview

Mohonk Preserve is seeking an experienced land trust manager to fill the full time position of Director of Land Protection & Environmental Stewardship.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate:

• Is a senior level manager responsible for providing the vision and leadership to land acquisition and protection, and to the applied management of the Preserve’s land in cooperation with the Director of Conservation Science.
• Is responsible for the strategic planning, managing, and implementing of the overall Land Protection program, including applying the Preserve’s Land Protection Policy as a guide for the acquisition of land and interests in land.
• Oversees the regular planning, operations and maintenance of Preserve property boundaries and conservation easements in accordance with Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices.
• Reviews and manages the Preserve’s compliance with best standards and practices required to continue its Land Trust Alliance (LTA) Accreditation.
• Performs hands-on land trust duties including easement and boundary monitoring.
• Work to promote land conservation awareness in the community, build support for projects, identify and pursue project funding opportunities, assist in land protection and stewardship grant proposals, and participate in other inter-departmental Preserve initiatives.
• Oversee and update, in coordination with the Director of Conservation Science, the Land Management Plan and other applied natural resource management initiatives;
• Performs stewardship work in close cooperation with the Chief Ranger, the Director of Facilities & Capital Planning, and the Associate Director of Facilities & Grounds.
• The Director reports to the Vice President & CFO, however, also works closely with the President in regards to land trust functions.
• The Director supervises the Land & Boundary Steward, interns and volunteers.

Qualifications

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s Degree desirable – academic and/or work experience in natural resource management; land conservation/management, planning or related disciplines
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience as a leader in land acquisition and stewardship programs with non-profit land trusts or other land resource agencies or comparable field work
• Knowledge of leading trends and national standards and practices in land trust management
• Exemplary communication abilities including written, oral, and presentation skills; experience communicating with partner organizations; ability to negotiate agreements
• Knowledge of field mapping, aerial photo interpretation, land survey techniques
• Ability to read and evaluate physical and cultural landscape elements
• Familiarity with conservation tax law and benefits of land donations
• Experience working with landowners; civic groups; town, county, state agencies & their processes
• Supervisory experience with demonstrated ability to lead and motivate staff and volunteers; ability to lead as well as function as a team member
• Ability to set and implement priorities, manage multiple projects, and evaluate project success
• Experience with budget preparation
• Willingness to work occasional irregular hours, including weekends, evenings and/or holidays
• There is a significant fieldwork component to this position. Must be able to traverse varied terrain on foot up to 5 miles with significant elevation gain while carrying program equipment.    

Advanced computer & technology skills:                   

• Strong experience with cartography software/hardware (e.g. GPS units & GIS software, ArcGIS)
• Proficiency in all standard office productivity software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook or similar email application) and internet research
• Strong relational database experience

Compensation: Salary is in the $60’s - based on experience. We off an excellent work environment with benefits including health, vision, dental, life, disability insurance, retirement plan, and access privileges to the lands of the Preserve and the Mohonk Mountain House resort.

To Apply

• Please send hard copy cover letter & resume before July 14 to: Vice President/CFO, Mohonk Preserve, P.O. Box 715, New Paltz, NY 12561
• Or, click "Apply" below to email applications in Adobe PDF only.
• No phone calls please.

Note: This job announcement is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position. There may be unplanned activities and other duties assigned.

~ Mohonk Preserve is an Equal Opportunity Employer ~