Land Conservation Fellow

Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today: the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 160,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries. Explore, find inspiration, and take action at www.massaudubon.org.

About This Position
Mass Audubon is committed to creating a more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and just organization and to providing greater access to nature for everyone. Part of this work requires us to address the historic inequities within the environmental and conservation fields, which is why the Environmental Fellowship Program for Early Careers (EFP) was created. The EFP is a unique program designed to increase pathways into environmental professions for people whose identities have been historically underrepresented. Each 14-month fellowship is hosted within one of five departments: Land Conservation, Conservation Science, Policy and Advocacy, Marketing and Communications, or Environmental Education. Our fellows will have the opportunity to tackle some of the most pressing environmental concerns of our time while working alongside a passionate and dedicated team of professionals. In addition to professional experience, the fellows are given opportunities for networking, mentoring, and skill development within a supportive cohort model.

Mass Audubon‘s Action Agenda is a five-year plan to address the rapid loss of wildlife habitat, inequitable access to nature, and the threat of climate change. Land protection is a key component of success, which is why we have a goal of quadrupling the pace of our land conservation efforts. The Land Conservation Fellow will be part of our Land Protection Team, based out of Mass Audubon Headquarters in Lincoln, MA. The Land Conservation Fellow is committed to protecting the nature of Massachusetts and desires to learn the mechanics of land conservation, specifically in regard to the acquisition, disposition and monitoring of legal interests in land.

How to Apply:

• Please complete the ADP application below by clicking the “Apply” button at the bottom of the page – submit both a resume and a cover letter.
• Submit the Land Conservation Questionnaire: https://forms.office.com/r/uDPekUUfey *On average, it takes 1-2 hours to complete the questionnaire. Past applicants have benefited from previewing the questions ahead of time and then setting aside time to complete and submit the form.
• Complete Applications (resume, cover letter, questionnaire) are due by Monday, February 6th, 2023 by 11:59 PM EST. Only complete applications will be reviewed.

Learn more about the Environmental Fellows Program during an upcoming virtual information session for the 2023–2024 application cycle. Interested applicants are encouraged to register for this opportunity to hear from current fellows and ask questions about the program:

• Thursday, January 12: 6:00-7:30 pm EST
• Thursday, January 26: 6:00-7:30 pm EST

Responsibilities
Duties and responsibilities will be divided evenly (70%) between land protection, conservation restriction stewardship, and land information systems, with additional time allotted (30%) for professional development, mentoring, and professional projects or research.

General

• Provide technical assistance to private landowners and conservation partners regarding conservation options and techniques
• Aid Mass Audubon staff, Board, volunteers and sanctuary committees on land conservation issues
• Collaborate with other staff, evaluate land conservation proposals to ensure consistency with Mass Audubon policies and objectives
• Properly document projects for the permanent land files and provide project information to others as needed
• Create training material, write success stories for the website, prepare written reports, proposals and plans as required
• Attend internal department meetings and serve on external as requested by the Manager

Land Protection

• Assist staff in the evaluation of land conservation opportunities
• Ensure the timely and accurate completion of tasks required to acquire and dispose of land or interests in land, including the preparation of administrative documents, and the oversight of due diligence
• Write and send outreach letters to landowners

Conservation Restriction (CR)

• Assist staff in the annual monitoring of properties across the state
• Support the implementation of “Active Stewardship Program”
• Create a program in partnership with our Science Department that will engage CR landowners in land management practices such as climate smart forest, foresters for the birds, invasive species control, and chapter 61 management

Land Information Systems

• Assist with mapping using Arc/Desktop-Pro GIS
• Assist staff member on monitoring fee boundary lines

Qualifications
At Mass Audubon, our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or you have a less traditional background. We are looking for applicants with the following qualifications:

• Must have obtained a Bachelor’s degree by the start of the fellowship. Degrees or fields of study especially suitable for this work include: Biology, Biochemistry, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Studies and Sustainability, natural resource management, land use planning, or related field
• A commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice, especially as it pertains to land protection and the field of conservation
• Enthusiasm for Conservation
• Excellent writing and speaking skills
• Strong project management skills
• Solid skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook)
• Valid driver’s license, and willingness to travel frequently and extensively throughout the state
• Ability to traverse a variety of terrain (hilly, wooded, rocky, marshy) on foot

Compensation, Benefits and Perks
This position’s base salary range is $50,000 - $55,000; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements.

Benefits eligible staff at Mass Audubon may elect to enroll in medical, dental, and vision plans. Mass Audubon also offers disability and life insurance plans, a retirement plan through MetLife, and Flexible Spending Account options. Mass Audubon employment also includes access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and the Reciprocity Agreement through the Consortium of Non-Profit Arts/Cultural/Environmental Organizations of New England. Mass Audubon employees also enjoy 12 paid holidays (holidays may shift annually due to where days fall within calendar).

Work Schedule
Full-time schedule of 40 hours, Monday through Friday.

This position is a hybrid position with opportunities to work in-person and remotely.

Other Requirements
Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.

COVID-19 Considerations
Mass Audubon requires that all staff, regardless of their work location, disclose their vaccination status. Proof of vaccination status will be required immediately upon hire. This should also include a booster shot if it has been 5 months since you were initially vaccinated.

Mass Audubon’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice
Mass Audubon embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Mass Audubon’s mission is to “protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and for wildlife” by building a strong coalition of employees, volunteers, and community members. We recognize that the environmental movement and field of conservation have been affected by societal systems that have limited opportunity and access for many people. As a result, Mass Audubon is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We are engaged in an ongoing process of organizational assessment and change, designed to remove barriers and create a workplace where all forms of diversity are recognized and valued.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Mass Audubon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Mass Audubon prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.