Director, Land Conservation

~ For thirty-five years, the Downeast Salmon Federation (DSF), based in Columbia Falls, Maine, has been working to restore the Atlantic salmon and other sea-run fish to the rivers and streams of eastern Maine. ~

In 2000, we established a land trust to protect riparian lands that were essential to salmon habitat and watershed health. To date, DSF has protected 2,900 acres and 23 miles of lake and river frontage in Washington County.

Eastern Maine's five major rivers are among the healthiest and wildest remaining on the eastern seaboard. They drain a vast (1.4 million acres) forest that has and continues to be logged, but otherwise is undeveloped and in many places reaches all the way to the sea. The rivers, the forest, and the coastal marine environment host rich and varied populations of fish, birds, and wildlife.

Position Overview

DSF is seeking a director for its land conservation program, the Downeast Rivers Land Trust (DRLT). DRLT is a program within the DSF and the director will report to DSF's executive director.
There are few places on either coast as rugged, wild, and beautiful as Downeast Maine.

DSF has an extraordinary opportunity to protect these rivers in their semi-wild state. The new director of our land trust will spearhead this effort. The director will also complete the Land Trust Accreditation process; be responsible for raising operational funds; and organizing and managing volunteers to assist in monitoring DRLT's lands and easements.

DSF is looking for someone with energy, enthusiasm, and a relentless drive to make big things happen.

This postion is located in Washington County, ME. We have two offices, one located in Columbia Falls and the other in East Machias. 

Responsibilities 

• Develop and lead a campaign to identify and protect an additional 35 miles of lake and river frontage over the next 3 years;
• Coordinate with our land trust partners and funding sources to execute conservation easements and acquisitions;
• Work with private and corporate landowners to acquire property and conservation easements;
• Fundraise for land purchases and DRLT's operating budget;
• Achieve accreditation: DRLT has begun the accreditation process, the director will be responsible for completing it; and
• Be a steward to our easements and fee property (per accreditation standards). This will require organizing and managing volunteers and interns.

Qualifications 

• Strong commitment to land and river conservation;
• Ability to cultivate and develop constructive and effective relationships;
• Strong communication and presentation skills;
• Experience with diverse conservation transactions, including easements, conservation developments, and acquisitions;
• Experience in management, fundraising, outreach, and marketing;
• Experience in directing, preparing, presenting and/or participating in negotiations of project proposals with landowners, governmental agencies, and other partners;
• Experience working with elected officials and state and federal agencies;
• A team player with the ability to productively work with staff, volunteers, and the board-and the ability to work independently;
• Unstoppable; and
• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 5 years of experience in the non-profit sector, advocacy, or related for-profit area.

Compensation: Competitive salary and benefits based on experience and qualifications.

To Apply 

• Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email your resume, cover letter and three references. 
• Start date is ASPA.
• Application Close Date is July 15 or until position is filled.