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Conservation Easement Steward

Lakes Region Conservation Trust

The Lakes Region Conservation Trust is an independent, non-profit, member-supported organization dedicated to the permanent protection, stewardship, and respectful use of lands that define the character of the Lakes Region of New Hampshire and its quality of life. Founded in 1979, LRCT acquires and stewards land and conservation easements that encompass some of the region’s favorite natural, scenic, and recreational assets – mountains and ridgelines, islands and shorelines, forests and farmland − and help to make the Lakes Region a special place to live, work, and play in every season of the year. Since its founding, LRCT has protected over 28,000 acres of conservation land in the region. LRCT is accredited by the national Land Trust Accreditation Commission, indicating that LRCT has demonstrated sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship of the organization's conserved lands. Additional information regarding LRCT is available on our website (www.lrct.org).

Position Summary:

The Conservation Easement Steward of the Lakes Region Conservation Trust (LRCT) is responsible for the stewardship and management of conservation easements held by LRCT, reporting to the Land and Stewardship Director. These responsibilities encompass planning and implementing conservation easement monitoring, training and oversight of volunteers, interns, and/or other staff engaged in these activities, preparation and maintenance of conservation easement records, and management of conservation easement issues and relationships with conservation easement landowners. This position is vital to ensuring that LRCT fulfills its conservation easement responsibilities and meets or exceeds the requirements of the Land Trust Alliance (LTA) Standards and Practices.
Requirements:

Qualifications and Skills:

  • Bachelor's degree in relevant field (e.g., resource management, environmental studies, natural science, forestry) and three years relevant experience; or master’s degree in relevant field and one year professional experience.
  • Familiarity with conservation easements and other land conservation mechanisms and understanding of land conservation techniques, practices, and trends.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent organizational abilities.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office software and ArcGIS technology.
  • Experience (desired, but not required) with LOCATE land conservation software, Terrafirma conservation defense insurance, and/or land trust accreditation.
  • Ability to interpret maps, surveys, and other field documentation.
  • Willingness and ability to work outdoors, hike rough terrain, navigate via map, compass, and GPS and work alone in the field as necessary.
  • Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively and to accomplish tasks professionally and efficiently.
  • Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable and insured vehicle for work-related travel within the Lakes Region.
  • Enthusiasm for and commitment to LRCT’s land conservation mission.
Responsibilities:

Principal Responsibilities and Duties:

  • Work with the Land and Stewardship Director on conservation easement stewardship program planning and development.
  • Organize and implement LRCT’s conservation easement stewardship program and ensure that LRCT’s conservation easement stewardship meets or exceeds the LTA Standards and Practices.
  • Ensure completion and documentation of annual conservation easement monitoring of all conservation easements through on-ground monitoring and/or use of aerial imagery.
  • Evaluate all actual and potential conservation easement issues and violations and coordinate the response to and resolution of such matters, including involvement of other LRCT staff members and outside advisors as appropriate.
  • Ensure fulfillment of LRCT’s responsibilities to other organizations holding back-up conservation easements.
  • Prepare baseline documentation reports and monitoring reports for conservation easements, including collection and evaluation of necessary data and photographs.
  • Maintain LRCT’s Terrafirma conservation easement defense insurance, including preparation of required reports on conservation easement issues and violations.
  • Prepare and maintain records regarding easement stewardship as necessary to meet the requirements of the LTA Standards and Practices, to maintain accreditation under the LTA Land Trust Accreditation Program.
  • Prepare conservation easement information needed for LRCT’s renewal application under the LTA Land Trust Accreditation Program.
  • Organize, train, and supervise volunteers, interns, and other staff involved in LRCT’s conservation easement monitoring.
  • Work with the Land and Stewardship Director on updating and maintaining LRCT’s land database, Arc GIS files/system, and Upstream Tech aerial imagery account, and on transitioning to a new land database (LOCATE).
  • Work with LRCT Board and Committee members involved in the organization’s conservation easement activities. 
  • Communicate and build relationships with owners of lands subject to LRCT conservation easements.

Additional Responsibilities:

  • Participate in LRCT’s evaluation of new conservation easement projects, including communication with landowners and work with LRCT Board and Committee members.
  • Create maps and images for conservation easement acquisition land protection initiatives and campaigns.
  • Participate in LRCT’s outreach events and field trips.
  • Work with other LRCT staff members on matters that relate to conservation easements.
  • Other tasks as assigned by the LRCT Land and Stewardship Director and/or President in support of LRCT's mission.
How to Apply:
  • Interested candidates should submit a resume, a cover letter explaining who you are and why you are interested in and well-suited for the position (this letter will serve as a writing sample), and three professional references by email to mohare@lrct.org or by mail to Lakes Region Conservation Trust, PO Box 766, Center Harbor, NH 03226.
  • Questions will be accepted by email to mohare@lrct.org.
  • Applications should be submitted by March 1, 2021 and will be considered as they are received, and the position will be open until filled.
Job Location:

Center Harbor
Date Added: February 1, 2021

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