Conservation Coordinator

~ The French Creek Valley Conservancy (FCVC) is a private 501 (c) 3 non-profit land trust dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the exceptional water quality, natural habitat, biological diversity and recreational opportunities of the French Creek Watershed in Northwest Pennsylvania. ~

As a land trust, the French Creek Valley Conservancy holds land in fee, or the conservation values of land via and easement, in perpetuity, with the public as the beneficiary. How does the public benefit from a land trust’s work? People receive the benefit of land held in trust through the land’s recreational value, aesthetic and cultural values, wildlife habitat values, and water quality protection value.

A land trust may acquire land outright either by purchase or donation, or by working with a property owner to place a conservation easement on the land to protect it forever. A conservation easement means that the private ownership of the land is maintained, and the property can be sold, but the land trust then works with future property owners to ensure the conservation values of the land are protected in perpetuity. Following the wishes of the donating landowner working with the organization, land trust owned properties are typically open for public use for passive recreation activities.

Position Overview

French Creek Valley Conservancy is hiring a Conservation Coordinator who will be responsible for stewardship, supporting land protection projects, outreach activities, and organizational support, as described below. This full-time position is located in Meadville, Pennsylvania (with travel throughout the French Creek Watershed).

This employee reports to the Executive Director and must be able to work independently, as well as part of a small, enthusiastic team.

Responsibilities

Stewardship:

• Ensure compliance with conservation easements, deed restrictions, baseline documentation reports, and management plans for each of FCVC’s protected property
• In collaboration with the Land Protection Specialist, documentation of FCVC’s conservation easements and fee-owned conservation properties and possibly coordinate and conduct annual field monitoring
• Alert Executive Director and Land Protection Specialist to any potential or real violations or management issues; work to correct encroachments
• Work with Executive Director and Land Protection Specialist to address landowner questions
• Perform or coordinate property maintenance, brush clearing, sign installation, and other property management tasks as needed
• Maintain GIS related data for FCVC’s properties, and produce maps using ArcGIS
• Maintain stewardship related files in accordance with FCVC’s Records practices and Land Trust Alliance standards and practices

Land Protection:

• Provide support to the Land Protection Specialist for creating new Baseline Documentation Reports; new management plans, and updating existing management plans
• Participate in field evaluations for potential new land conservation projects

Outreach:

• Assist with implementing community outreach programs, including educational presentations to landowners, organizations, and/or the general public
• Connecting people to the natural environment and land conservation through informative and fun outdoor programs and volunteer opportunities
• Assist with the development of website information, posts to social media, and the creation of community education and outreach materials (newsletters, brochures, etc.)

Organizational Support:

• Assist with organizational record keeping
• Participate in regular staff meetings
• Participate in periodic Board and Committee meetings, as needed
• Maintain understanding and implementation of FCVC’s Policies and Procedures

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in land conservation, environmental studies, planning, or related field; or equivalent work experience
• Familiarity with northwest Pennsylvania flora/fauna
• Ability to work efficiently in the field and office both independently and as part of a team, and in a small office environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse audience
• Ability to use handheld GPS equipment as well as read maps, interpret aerial photos, and navigate in the field
• Proficiency with computer software including ArcGIS and Microsoft Office as well a social media platforms, MailChimp or mass mailing platforms, and WordPress or similar programs
• Strong coordination, time management, and organizational skills
• Knowledge of conservation easements and deed restrictions is preferred
• Have a positive attitude, sense of humor, and be energetic, creative, and focused
• Willing to work occasional evenings or weekends, as needed

Compensation

• Position is full-time (40 hours/week)
• Compensation commensurate to experience
• No benefits

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to upload your letter of interest and resume with subject line "Conservation Coordinator" or mail to:  

French Creek Valley Conservancy
PO Box 434
Meadville, PA 16335
Attn: Conservation Coordinator