Land Conservationist

~ As a not-for-profit land trust, the Genesee Valley Conservancy strives to conserve important natural resources and strengthen connections between people and the land in the Genesee River watershed. ~

Residents and friends of the Genesee Valley have worked together since 1990 donating time, funds, and land to permanently protect 16,400 acres of important wildlife habitat, working farms and forest land, and expansive natural areas within Livingston, Wyoming, Allegany, and Ontario counties.

In partnership with the local community and individual landowners, Genesee Valley Conservancy conserves and stewards privately owned lands that contribute to the area’s ecological health and water quality.  In addition to directly conserving land, Genesee Valley Conservancy facilitates sound land-use planning amongst municipalities for the benefit of the community.

Genesee Valley Conservancy also owns three nature preserves, open to the public year-round for outdoor recreation such as hiking and canoeing, and hosts educational lectures and walks on protected property.

Position Overview

Genesee Valley Conservancy seeks an individual to serve the organization in maintaining and continuing our successful farmland protection program and proactive acquisition of conservation easements within the Genesee River watershed.

We seek an experienced Land Conservationist to join our close-knit team and well-established program that has conserved over 17,000 acres of habitat, open space, and farmland in seven counties. As a nationally accredited land conservancy, continuing to meet national standards is a priority.

This position requires independence and collaboration.

Responsibilities

Acquire conservation easements (50%):

• Work with landowners in the service area to conserve lands to further the mission of the Conservancy according to our Land Conservation Plan and Acquisition Policy.
• Continue existing county based farmland protection programs and seek strategic opportunities for the Conservancy to expand into additional parts of the service area (including pre-selection process, selection committee review, grant writing, budgeting).
• Respond to inquiries and ‘walk-in’ landowner interest for conservation options.
• Facilitate projects to closure with landowners and contractors.
• Coordinate with staff, acquisitions committee, and board of directors.
• Work with farmland specialist collaboratively to gain knowledge of existing programs, projects, as part of transition to leading our farmland protection program.

Facilitate future projects (25%):

• Using the Land Conservation Plan, work to make long-term connections in target areas and position the Conservancy for future conservation projects. 
• ·Conduct landowner and organization presentations to introduce Conservancy, services offered, and the benefits of private conservation.
• ·Represent and integrate the Conservancy with partner organizations (ex. Farm Bureau, Cooperative Extension).
• ·Investigate sources of funding for conservation easements.
• ·Participating in promotional events (ex. Agripaloza in Wyoming Co., Farm Fest in Livingston Co.).

Other:

Including but not limited to:

• Supporting farmland protection planning at the local and regional level.
• Conduct the Livingston County Decision Makers Ag Tour.
• Attend Livingston and Wyoming County Ag/Farmland Protection Board meetings.
• Support municipalities with applications for farmland protection planning grants.
• Developing working relationships with town and county governments and organizations regarding land use and management activities.
• Organize the Genesee Valley Landowner Workshops.

Assisting in outreach and fundraising efforts such as our:

• Donor reception, annual supporters picnic, and farmland solicitations
• Advocate for farmland conservation by participating in the New York Farm and Food Alliance
• Assist with all aspects of the organization, as necessary

Qualifications

Necessary Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in conservation related field.
• Experience in an agricultural or conservation related field (4+ years preferred).
• Has relationships within agricultural and/or landowner community within Genesee River watershed.
• Good interpersonal skills including writing, email, phone, and in-person communication.
• Comfortable speaking to groups of up to 50 people.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook (or other equivalent programs).
• Ability to have a flexible schedule and willingness to work evenings/weekends.
• Must have valid NYS driver’s license and reliable transportation to be used during work.
• Organized, with attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Basic knowledge of ArcGIS or similar mapping software.
• Knowledge of land trusts, non-profits, and Genesee Valley Conservancy.
• Lives within the Genesee Valley watershed.
• Other specialized skills that would benefit a small non-profit organization.

Additional Information

• Location: This position is based out of Geneseo and will require travel throughout the service area of the Genesee River watershed
• Supervisor: Executive Director
• Hours: Full-time, 40hours/week
• Works With: Landowners, staff, acquisitions committee, board

Compensation

• Salary: $35,000 to $45,000 based on qualifications/experience
• Up to 3% retirement match (1-1) on hire
• Health: Stipend or coverage through the Conservancy up to $3,000
• Mileage reimbursed at Federal rate for all work travel
• Vacation: Accrues over time to 10 days in the first year, plus 9 paid holidays annually
• Webinar and conference training opportunities

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to upload your cover letter and resume.
• This position is open until filled.
• Applications received by December 7 are assured full consideration.