New England Conservation Associate - Remote within New England

Position Description

TITLE: New England Conservation Associate 

LINE OF BUSINESS/DIVISION: Conservation Acquisitions/Northeast Region

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

REPORTS TO: New Hampshire and Vermont State Director

NUMBER OF POSITIONS REPORTING TO THIS POSITION: None

LOCATION: Remote within New England (VT/NH preferred)

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is part of the Conservation Acquisitions team in the Northeast Region of The Conservation Fund.   The Associate is responsible for supporting the Fund’s land conservation program in Vermont and New Hampshire, with occasional duties in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island as needed, consisting predominantly of conservation real estate transactions and fundraising for project completion. These responsibilities require the individual to develop and manage partner relationships to support this work.

The Associate works in coordination with the Legal and Conservation Acquisitions staff of the National Office and other field offices.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Assist with the development of conservation real estate projects in Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island, as needed.
• Maintain partnerships with non-profit organizations, State and Federal agency representatives and Congressional delegations.
• Work with the Fund’s Marketing and Communications, Development, Government Relations, and Finance teams to coordinate program-related efforts.
• Provide leadership, coordination, and assistance with all aspects of conservation land acquisitions and conservation easements.
• Assist with generating funding for land conservation projects and operations.
• Work with the New Hampshire and Vermont State Director and Northeastern team to coordinate conservation activities regionally.
• Work includes, but is not limited to: GIS analysis, map creation, identifying funding opportunities, preparing grant proposals, real estate project coordination, site visits, landowner contacts, coordination of due diligence activities, and preparation of reports on mitigation and real estate projects for funders, agencies and partners as needed.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• 2 years of experience in land conservation real estate; proficiency in all aspects of conservation real estate including fee simple, conservation easements, partial interests, oil/gas reservations, minerals, timber, gift lands, and conservation buyers.
•  2 years of experience and proven background in non-profit (or similar) project and operations fundraising including a demonstrated ability to lead and successfully complete project fundraising efforts.
• Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision, demonstrating flexibility and teamwork within an entrepreneurial environment.
• Experience working with local, state or federal conservation funding programs.
• Experience working with landowners.
• Familiarity with real estate in New England.
• Solid understanding of natural resource and land use issues in New England.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public presentations.
• Willingness and ability to work cooperatively with a wide range of individuals and organizations with diverse backgrounds.
• Computer skills including word processing, e-mail, and spreadsheets.
• Attention to detail, ability to meet deadlines under pressure.
• Ability to travel in order to reach various field locations.
• Commitment to the mission and goals of The Conservation Fund.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as planning, environmental sciences, biology, natural resources management, forestry, political science, and/or natural resource economics.  
• Experience in using ArcMap/ESRI GIS applications.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• Occasionally requires long drives and/or offroad or foot travel over rough terrain in an outdoor rural setting.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.  
• Work is performed primarily in an office or home office setting. 
• Work is occasionally performed outdoors in inclement weather.
• Estimated travel: Less than 10%.

COMPENSATION and BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $65,000 - $72,000, and the position is eligible for opportunities to earn performance-based bonus compensation. The Fund offers a highly competitive package of benefits including employer contributions for health care, paid holidays, vacation and personal/sick leave, retirement plan and more. Please note: Salary range provided is an estimate and will be evaluated on an individual basis, taking into consideration the candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and education. The final salary offer will be determined accordingly.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

***Please submit cover letter and resume with application***

Apply at https://www.conservationfund.org/careers

To learn more about The Conservation Fund, visit https://www.conservationfund.org.

Frequently cited statistics show that women and people from underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they think they meet 100% of the criteria. If you meet many but not all the criteria and feel you may be a good fit for the role, The Conservation Fund encourages you to apply.

 The Conservation Fund, a nonprofit corporation, is an Equal Opportunity Employer that fully and actively supports equal access for all people regardless of Race, Color, Religion, Gender, Age, National Origin, Veteran Status, Disability, Genetic Information or Testing, Family and Medical Leave status, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity or Expression. The Fund prohibits retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint, or otherwise oppose discrimination.