Land Conservation Manager
Join Champlain Area Trails (CATS) for an exciting opportunity to make a real difference as our first Land Conservation Manager! This pivotal role offers you the chance to lead dynamic initiatives that protect New York’s Champlain Valley land through the acquisition of properties and conservation easements. You will play a key part in transforming revocable trail agreements into permanent easements while collaborating with landowners to create welcoming trails on private lands. As you oversee significant ongoing conservation projects and identify new avenues for land protection, you’ll be at the forefront of innovative conservation efforts in the region. Reporting to our Executive Director, you’ll work closely with a passionate team, including the Director of Trails and Land Management, to seamlessly integrate land acquisitions with trail management. We want to hear from you if you’re ready to engage with conservation organizations and communities to drive meaningful change! Join us and help preserve our beautiful landscapes for future generations.
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
• Manage the identification, cultivation, preparation, and purchase of lands, conservation easements, and amendments to conservation easements following guidelines from the Land Trust Alliance. • Implement the New York State Smart Growth grant to help landowners change temporary trail agreements into permanent trail easements. • Oversee the completion of two major land conservation projects that are currently in progress. • Work with the Fundraising and Communication Director to secure grants and donations to support land and trail conservation projects. • Partner with the Director of Land and Trails Management to promote best practices on conserved properties and, where possible, on private lands. • Stay updated on land protection trends, including conservation easement language, recent court decisions, creative protection strategies, carbon credits, and related information. • Contribute to newsletters, the website, social media, and other publications of CATS • Participate in public relations activities, including giving speeches and presentations to community and government groups, attending public events, and helping with publications. • Assist the Executive Director in preparing the annual budget, reports, and related documents. • Prepare project budgets and manage spending according to the approved budget, working with Directors to meet timely income goals. • Coordinate with legal counsel, real estate appraisers, and other contractors; supervise any consultants involved in land conservation projects. • As the staff liaison to the Conservation Committee, make presentations on proposed land and easement acquisitions for Committee approval. Help the Committee present land conservation activities at meetings of the CATS Board of Directors. • Assist other staff members at CATS and perform additional duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS (Successful candidates will have the following qualifications)
• Strong belief and passion for the mission of Champlain Area Trails • Experience (3 years or more) related to one or more of the following: private land conservation and conservation easements, real estate, surveying, appraisal work, real estate law, private property partnerships, or similar. • Advanced degree in one of the following: environmental science, ecology, law, regional planning, land planning, real estate, or a related field; or a Bachelor’s degree in a related field with a minimum of 5 years of experience in the above. • General understanding of federal tax law regarding charitable gifts. • Demonstrated ability to comprehend and interpret legal documents and maps. • Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks. • Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and ArcView. • Strong written and oral communication skills and a positive and energetic attitude. • Experience in budgeting, proposal preparation, and project cost estimating. • Ability to perform outdoor fieldwork in various weather conditions and seasons. • Flexible availability to meet the demands of assigned functions, including occasional evening meetings and weekend work. • Willingness to travel frequently within the Champlain Valley region and to other necessary locations. • A valid means of reliable transportation.
DESIRABLE SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES (It is not required, but it is great to know about!)
• Experience working with a non-profit organization in New York State. • Knowledge of the Champlain Valley's plants, animals, natural communities, recreational opportunities, and history. • Prior work with a land trust, conservation organization, or similar organization.
The salary for this position is $60,000 plus benefits, including 100% employee-paid health insurance, opt-in vision and dental insurance, a retirement plan, paid time off, and outdoor gear discounts. This is a highly visible and in-person position with a hybrid or flex schedule option for the successful candidate. Some weekend and night hours will be required.
Submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected] or mail to Champlain Area Trails, P.O. Box 193, Westport, NY 12993, by July 6th, 2025. Three references will be requested if you are invited for a final interview. No inquiries will be accepted.