Stewardship and Volunteer Coordinator

~ The Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy (MHLC) is a land trust working to conserve open space and natural habitats across a three-county region of New York State: Albany, Schenectady and Montgomery counties. ~

In 2017, Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy celebrates its silver anniversary and 25 years of land conservation in the Capital Region.

Founded in 1992, MHLC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the distinct natural, scenic, agricultural and cultural landscapes of the Mohawk and Hudson River valleys - for all to enjoy. Since our founding, we have protected more than 5,000 acres of land in Albany, Schenectady and Montgomery counties, including more than 2000 acres open to the public for hiking, cross-country skiing, and other educational and recreational opportunities.

MHLC provides important benefits to those who live in the region, including scenic views, plant and animal diversity, clean air and water, and the chance to explore and learn about the natural features which make our region so special.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly-motivated individual with a commitment to conservation who is interested in growing with the organization. This is a full-time position that will report to the Conservation Director and work closely with all staff.

The Position will focus on stewardship of our protected lands, including preserves and conservation easements. The recruitment, management, and coordination of volunteers is another a major component of the job responsibilities. The successful applicant must be able to tackle a wide variety of tasks from managing records to outdoor, physical activity including trail maintenance and construction.

We are seeking a friendly and outgoing individual who is comfortable working with and addressing a varied constituency, including landowners, volunteers, representatives of public agencies, and the public. A successful applicant must have excellent written and verbal skills, be very well organized and maintain attention to details.

The position will require occasional evening and weekend work. Technical training will be provided by staff as well as outside professional resources as needed.

Responsibilities

Conservation

• Create baseline documentation for new conservation easements as needed.
• Prepare and implement preserve management plans.
• Assist in setting conservation priorities for the organization.
• Work with Conservation Director to ensure conservation transactions meet organizational conservation requirements.
• Assess all preserves for safety and implement changes and improvements as needed.
• Respond to easement land owner inquiries and requests.
• Work with the landowner, Conservation Director, Executive Director and/or Legal Counsel to resolve any issues with the terms of the conservation easements held by the Land Trust.
• Create maps for the purposes of project review, grant applications and presentations.

Record Keeping

• Monitor all preserves annually and update files.
• Update preserve management plans as needed.
• Monitor all easements annually. File results electronically and in paper.
• Archive all necessary stewardship files at least annually.
• Maintain and update all preserve files and policies.
• File annual property tax exemptions and maintain accurate files of property tax records.

Volunteer Coordination

• Coordinate rail trail ambassador program.
• Maintain a database of all volunteers and track hours worked. Recruit new volunteers and respond to all volunteer inquiries.
• Regularly communicate with all volunteer preserve stewards.
• Annually train preserve stewards and offer training opportunities to volunteers.
• Organize workdays and coordinate volunteer involvement.
• Maintain consistent outreach to active volunteers including email, newsletters, and events/activities.

Administrative Activities

• Work closely with the Stewardship committee of the Board.
• Hire and manage seasonal staff.
• Maintain workshop space in barn behind office, inventory and organize tools and materials. Maintain all stewardship equipment as needed.
• Work with Conservation Director to develop annual stewardship budget.
• Apply for stewardship related grants; implement and administer stewardship grants as needed.
• Ensure compliance with the Land Trust’s policies and the Land Trust Alliance’s Standards and Practices as they relate to stewardship of fee-owned properties and easements and associated record keeping and reporting.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• A degree in an environmental/natural resource related field.
• Experience working with volunteers.
• Experience with working outdoors in sometimes challenging conditions. Experience working with a non-profit, environmental organization is desirable.

General Qualifications

• Passion for land conservation and interest in learning more about how land trusts build community and connect people to land.
• Experience with trail construction, preserve design.
• Basic ability to use ArcGIS mapping software and familiarity with GPS.
• Comfort working with outdoor power equipment such as string trimmers, chainsaws, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated and a self-starter with a flair for dealing with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to organize and set work priorities in a busy office environment. Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• A friendly, outgoing personality that enjoys working with a variety of people and is comfortable meeting new people and engaging them in the work of the organization.
• Ability to perform a variety of tasks, working both independently and as part of a team.
• Must be able to provide own transportation.
• Compensation: Salary commensurate with experience. A benefit package is available including health care, vacation and holidays, sick leave, retirement account contributions after one year of service.

To Apply

• Please click below: "Apply" either for more information or to email a resume and cover letter by March 31, 2017 to Mark King.
• You may also mail your application materials to: Mark King, Executive Director, Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy, 425 Kenwood Avenue Delmar, NY 12054.