Land Steward

~ Downeast Coastal Conservancy (DCC) has been conserving land in coastal Washington County since 1987. ~

Our office is in Machias, and our conserved lands are in towns from Steuben to Calais. DCC strives to maintain a very positive, friendly work environment that fosters creativity and encourages staff to pursue their interests in support of our work. The office is typically staffed from 8am to 4pm, Monday through Friday, but may be closed when field work, meetings or scheduling difficulties call us away from the office.

Position Overview

Any employee of a small non-profit must recognize their role in member and donor relations. The Land Steward will spend significant time working with volunteers, members, and donors, so an ability to cheerfully engage and foster a relationship with these important people contributes to the success of DCC's fundraising efforts.

The Land Steward reports directly to the Executive Director, and is the primary stewardship employee of DCC. The Land Steward assumes responsibility for the Stewardship Program, including management of existing conservation easements and preserves under the direction of the Executive Director.

The Land Steward also takes a leading role in recruiting, organizing, and supervising DCC's active volunteer corps, which may include volunteers working in roles other than stewardship (for example, volunteers working in the office or tasked to a specific project).

The Land Steward works between 20-40 hours per week during calendar year 2015, depending on the seasonal workload and other considerations. It is expected that the Land Steward will work from the Machias office when not in the field, but there is flexibility for working from home occasionally. After 2015, the Land Steward and Executive Director will plan a work schedule that does not exceed an average of 32 hours per week for the calendar year, barring any unexpected budgetary considerations.

All staff represent DCC, both in the offce and in the field. Clean, neat attire and personal hygiene are important to project a professional and approachable image to our members, donors, and the public. In a similar way, all written and oral communications as a representative of DCC should be professional.

The Land Steward is a "non-exempt" part-time permanent employee of the Downeast Coastal Conservancy (DCC), whose work is governed by DCC's Policy 7, "Personnel." The Land Steward does not accrue paid medical or vacation leave, or receive paid holidays. Except under extraordinary circumstances, the Land Steward may not work over 40 hours per week and qualify for over-time pay. As responsibilities and proficiencies increase, there is potential for this position to grow into a full-time permanent position that is eligible for benefits.

Responsibilities

Conservation Easements (50%):

• Monitor each easement annually, or ensure that a volunteer completes the monitoring
• Respond to landowner inquiries in cooperation with ED
• Document and pursue violations in cooperation with ED
• Foster healthy landowner relations
• Organize and supervise volunteer easment monitors
• File monitoring reports

Preserves (35%):

• Perform or coordinate trail and visitor area stewardship
• Recruit, organize, and supervise volunteer preserve monitors and stewardship volunteers
• Ensure annual monitoring reports are filed for each preserve
• Work with contractors on stewardship projects, mowing, plowing, etc.
• Contact public to answer questions and represent DCC

Adminstration (15%):

• File timesheets regularly
• Track mileage and expenses accurately
• Answer phones when needed
• Greet visitors to the office
• Participate in intern management and supervision as needed
• Coordinate volunteer management, time tracking, training, etc.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required:

• Knowledge and ability to operate a chainsaw and hand tools safely--certification is a plus
• Ability to hike over rough terrain carrying up to 40 pounds of gear and equipment
• Knowledge and ability to navigate off-trail using a map and compass
• Proficiency with basic Office software including Word and Excel
• Ability to use PowerPoint, Publisher and Access are a plus
• Ability to communicate clearly, professionally and correctly, both in writing and orally
• Education or experience in trail maintenance
• Valid vehicle driver's license and personal vehicle with proof of insurance
• Interest and ability to recruit, organize and supervise volunteers for diverse roles within DCC
• Ability to work effectively with town and state officials to accomplish DCC's goals
• Ability to work or attend meetings outside normal business hours (nights and weekends) occassionally
• Ability to manage work time efficiently with minimal supervision

Desired:

• Knowledge of and ability to do basic carpentry and construction (i.e., boardwalk or kiosk repairs)
• Familiarity with ArcGIS, Google Earth and GPS
• Experience writing and administering grants
• Science and/or educational background
• Knowledge of local geography and other conserved lands
• Valid First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certification

To Apply

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email your resume and cover letter. For more information, call 207-255-4500.

~ Downeast Coastal Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer ~