Natural Resources Manager

The Downeast Lakes Land Trust (DLLT) is a nonprofit organization based in Grand Lake Stream, with a mission to contribute to the long-term economic and environmental well-being of the Downeast Lakes region through the conservation and exemplary management of its forests and waters.

DLLT sustainably manages the 55,678-acre Downeast Lakes Community Forest for wildlife habitat, forest products, and public recreation. The Downeast Lakes Land Trust (DLLT) Natural Resources Manager, working with DLLT’s CEO, Managing Forester, the Forest Resources Committee, and the Fish and Wildlife Habitat Subcommittee, manages the DLLT community forests for conservation, economic, and recreational purposes.

• Check out our website for more information on the Downeast Lakes Land Trust.

Position Overview

The Natural Resources Manager provides experience, highly developed professional skills, dedication to sustainable community-guided land management, and communications capability to an organization that has become a model for operation of a true community forest; providing local residents and visitors with the benefits of the traditional activities in and on Maine’s forests and lakes, while supporting a local and growing economy based on those resources.

Committee Support: The Natural Resources Manager works with an engaged volunteer committee structure to develop projects that further DLLT’s mission. The Natural Resources Manager prepares committee agendas and reports, and participates in Forest Resources and Wildlife Habitat Committee meetings and other meetings as needed.

Staff and Volunteer Support: This position is under the direct supervision of the CEO and collaborates with a small, dedicated full-time staff as well as seasonal positions. The Natural Resources Manager works closely with the Managing Forester to coordinate land management activities, and provides support for interns, contractors, technicians, and volunteers working in the Natural Resources Manager’s areas of responsibility.

Location: The position is based in Grand Lake Stream, Maine. This is a small, rural community with a winter population of 100, which has a traditional natural resource-based economy focused on outdoor recreational tourism and the timber products industry.

Duration: This is a term-limited position, funded for 3 years with the potential for extension dependent upon performance and available funding.

Responsibilities

Duties include:

• Developing and monitoring compliance with long term and short term plans for management of forest lands and forest resources with emphasis on wildlife habitat management and restoration.
• Evaluating timber harvest plans (developed by the Managing Forester) and post-harvest conditions for impacts to native wildlife, Rare, Threatened, and Endangered species, and high priority ecosystems and conservation values, including water and soil quality protection and improvement.
• Planning specific projects for enhancement of fish and wildlife habitats, Rare, Threatened, and Endangered species, and high priority ecosystems and conservation values.
• Planning and directing ongoing monitoring programs for aquatic and terrestrial flora and fauna, including statistical analyses of target metrics and indicators of populations and habitat conditions.
• Overseeing DLLT’s participation in the Big Lake Milfoil Coalition, including administration of the Coalition, participating in meetings and negotiations, managing contractors, training volunteers, and conducting Courtesy Boat Inspections, invasive aquatic plant surveys, and removal of invasive plants.
• Preparing maps and related reports utilizing geospatial technologies, including ArcGIS..
• Assisting with the negotiation of the terms and conditions of contracts for scientific research and land management projects.
• Ensuring compliance with all laws and regulations applicable to DLLT land management operations including conservation easements, Federal contracts, and carbon credit obligations.
• Planning and installation of recreational sites such as trails, boat launches, and primitive campsites; preparation of bid packages and contracting for necessary services and materials relative to such projects.
• Conducting public outreach to diverse audiences related to DLLT’s land management and monitoring programs including tours, presentations, and written reports.
• Representing DLLT in professional settings including working groups, meetings, and conferences.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of DLLT’s carbon credit program.

Qualifications

Minimum:

• Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology, Fisheries Biology, Forestry, Environmental Science, Natural Resources Management, or equivalent.
• Considerable knowledge of principles of conservation and management of wildlife and natural communities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Substantial proficiency in analysis and interpretation of remote sensing data including GPS, GIS, LiDAR, and aerial imagery.
• Demonstrated passion and enthusiasm for conservation of working forests, water resources, fish, wildlife, and rare ecosystems.
• Ability to work some nights, weekends, and holidays, as required.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree or higher in Wildlife Biology, Fisheries Biology, Forestry, Environmental
  Science, Natural Resources Management, or equivalent.
• Wildlife Society Certified Wildlife Biologist/Associate Wildlife Biologist certification.
• Maine Forestry License or the ability to obtain a Maine Forestry license within one year of employment.
• Natural Resources Conservation Service Technical Service Provider certification, or the ability to obtain such certification within one year of employment.
• Experience in collecting, manipulating, analyzing, and interpreting large datasets and preparing reports and scientific papers of findings.
• Experience with compliance obligations related to forest carbon offset projects.
• Training and experience with Stream Smart ecological road crossings for fish passage.
• Experience supervising seasonal employees, technicians, and volunteers.
• Proficiency operating snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, and small watercraft.
• Experience identifying and removing invasive aquatic plants.
• Working knowledge of the species and ecosystems of northern New England.

Compensation

• Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and benefits including group health insurance, generous paid leave, flexible work schedule, and retirement package.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to email resume, cover letter, and contact information for 3 references in a single document, ATTN: Natural Resources Manager.
• Review of applications will begin on May 24, 2021 and continue until the position is filled.

DLLT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.