Land Conservation Generalist

About Mass Audubon
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 massaudubon.org.

About This Position
Mass Audubon’s Action Agenda, our strategic plan, includes a suite of ambitious land conservation goals for habitat-driven work and urban land protection in support of our Nature in the City program. In addition to conservation work related to sanctuary expansion and enhancement, we are actively supporting the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ 30 x 30 land conservation goals. We are seeking a land conservation professional to help us achieve these goals. The person in this position will be based out of our headquarters in Lincoln, MA and will carry out tasks related to conservation restriction stewardship and new land conservation projects.

Application Instructions
Please submit a resume and cover letter with your ADP application. Only applications with these materials will be reviewed.

Responsibilities

Conservation Restriction Stewardship

• Responsible for the stewardship of Conservation Restrictions (CRs) in the eastern part of the state and as assigned by the Conservation Restriction Program Manager
• Conduct monitoring visits of each Conservation Restriction at least annually, including landowner contact, on-the-ground inspection, and completion of written monitoring reports
• In coordination with CR Stewardship Program Manager, address CR violations consistent with Mass Audubon CR policies
• Assist in the timely production of baseline documentation reports for all new conservation restrictions
• Review and comment on draft Conservation Restrictions to ensure that they can be monitored effectively
• Maintain the written records of the CR Stewardship Program, including databases, archives of monitoring reports, baseline documentation reports, and other important records and correspondence
• Initiate and sustain communications with CR landowners and build relationships to enhance compliance
• Respond to landowner inquiries and requests regarding land management, CR terms, encroachments, and related ownership issues
• Perform work in compliance with Mass Audubon policies, procedures, and standards.

Land Conservation

• Evaluate conservation values of potential new land protection projects
• Assist with drafting conservation agreements
• Support land conservation specialists and development with private and public sector grant applications
• Secure contractors and manage due diligence related to projects
• Respond to landowner inquiries
• Document projects for the permanent land files and provide project information to others as needed
• Assist with landowner outreach including mailings and events as needed.

General

• Carry out all work in compliance with the Land Trust Accreditation Commission Requirements Manual and Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices
• Participate in organization-wide initiatives and events
• Work cooperatively with communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders to achieve shared goals

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 Haves

• Ability to work collaboratively and tactfully with a diversity of individuals and organizations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills
• Well organized with demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision, manage a large and diverse project load, identify and address priorities, complete assignments and meet deadlines
• Solid skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel frequently and extensively throughout the state
• Ability to provide a reliable vehicle for your travel
• Ability and willingness to occasionally work long days in the field, evenings, and weekends
• Comfortable with traveling and working in the field alone
• Ability to traverse a variety of terrain (hilly, wooded, rocky, marshy) on foot, in adverse conditions (snow, rain, etc.)

Nice to Haves

• 2 years of relevant work experience in land conservation, natural resource management, planning, forestry, or related field
• Passion for the environment and land conservation
• Ability to assess natural resources in the field
• Experience with ESRI GIS products
• Experience with Landscape database management program a plus

Compensation, Benefits and Perks
This position’s pay range is $68,711-$72,753; 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 13 paid holidays (holidays may shift annually due to where days fall within calendar).

Work Schedule
Full time schedule of 40 hours, Monday through Friday. Weekend and evening work may be required as needed.

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

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.