Land Conservation Specialist

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 [http://www.massaudubon.org/].

About This Position:

Mass Audubon’s Land Conservation team is seeking a Land Conservation Specialist to collaborate closely with the Senior Director of Land Conservation and a dedicated team of colleagues to identify, evaluate, and carry out meaningful land protection projects that advance Mass Audubon’s conservation mission and uphold its policies and procedures.

Application Instructions Please submit a resume and cover letter with your ADP application.

Responsibilities:

• Negotiate with private landowners, public agencies, businesses, and other organizations concerning land acquisitions, transfers and sales
• Provide technical assistance to private landowners and conservation partners regarding conservation options and techniques
• Assist with development of baseline information, monitoring and record keeping relative to Conservation Restrictions (CR’s) held by Mass Audubon
• Provide advice and assistance to Mass Audubon staff, Board, volunteers and sanctuary committees on land protection issues
• Evaluate land protection proposals to ensure consistency with Mass Audubon policies and objectives
• Assist with duties related to system for tracking existing land holdings and CR’s
• Promote the financial and legal advantages of land conservation with donors and sellers, promote gifts and bargain sales of land
• Ensure the timely and accurate completion of tasks required to acquire and dispose of land or interests in land, including the preparation of administrative, financial and legal documents
• Prepare written reports, proposals and plans as required
• Attend department and Society meetings and serve on committees as requested
• Provide training for Mass Audubon staff on land protection issues

Fundraising

• Seek out and promote gifts and grants to support Mass Audubon land protection efforts, including House to Habitat gifts

• Budget Development and Management

• Assist in the preparation and implementation of an operating budget for land protection, and make recommendations on capital budget allocations for land

Community Relations

• Respond to public and media inquiries on land issues
• Assist in the preparation of public relations material

Property

• Help assess the maintenance and security aspects of proposed land and building acquisitions and present recommendations to Senior Director
• Conduct initial Environmental Site Assessments on properties

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:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in natural resource management, land use planning, business, biological sciences or related field
• Three years of experience in land conservation/planning, real estate, or business in a related natural resource field
• Excellent writing and speaking skills
• Computer literacy
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel frequently and extensively throughout the state
• Willingness to traverse a variety of landforms on foot

Compensation, Benefits and Perks This position’s pay range is $75,000-$85,000 per year; 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, and Flexible Spending Account options. Mass Audubon employment also includes access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through and the Reciprocity Agreement through the Consortium of Non-Profit Arts/Cultural/Environmental Organizations of New England. Mass Audubon employees enjoy 13 paid holidays (holidays may shift annually due to where days fall within calendar).:

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

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.