JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR OF LAND STEWARDSHIP
D&R Greenway Land Trust seeks an enthusiastic and experienced professional to oversee and assist in the stewardship of our preserved lands. D&R Greenway manages 70 fee properties totaling over 2,500 acres, 63 Easements totaling 3,800 acres and over 28 miles of trail. We have established 4 ‘Flagship’ Preserves open to the public. We manage a small, mission-oriented Native Plant Nursery. D&R Greenway is committed to continuing our legacy of land preservation and land stewardship. This position is a direct report to the President & CEO.
Located in Princeton, New Jersey in a ca. 1900 renovated barn, D&R Greenway was among the first 10% of land trusts to be accredited in 2012 and was reaccredited in 2017. Land preservation is urgent in New Jersey, predicted to become the first “built-out” state in the country. We are a creative, solutions-oriented land trust preserving land in urban, suburban and rural communities. We will celebrate our 30th anniversary in 2019 having preserved over 300 parcels of conservation lands. We protect biodiversity, water quality, wildlife habitats, local agriculture and community lands.
APPLICATION
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Director of Land Stewardship reports directly to the President & CEO and will work with a team that includes the Vice President of Land Preservation & Special Projects, stewardship support staff, contractors and volunteers. The Director of Land Stewardship oversees monitoring and care of all preserves and easements in accordance with the Land Trust Alliance Standards & Practices in order to protect conservation values of natural resources and native plants and wildlife, while providing quality public access where appropriate. This position includes both management responsibility and active participation in implementation activities.
Support Accreditation
Ensure that all stewardship work is done in accordance with Accreditation standards.
Oversee and participate in monitoring of all easement and fee-owned properties and any properties for which D&R Greenway has a management responsibility.
Work with the President & CEO, the stewardship team and the Land Stewardship Committee of the Board of Trustees to ensure that all easements are in compliance and to address any concerns.
Assist in development of management plans and baseline documentation for fee lands, preserves and easements.
Management
Set strategic goals for the long-term management of D&R Greenway preserves and create annual work plans consistent with D&R Greenway Strategic Plan objectives which will evolve over time under the direction of the Board of Trustees.
In cooperation with staff leadership, organize once/season stewardship staff meetings and schedule and prepare for Land Stewardship Committee meetings 3xs/annually.
Manage and monitor restoration projects such as reforestations, creation of meadows and other habitat types to address overall stewardship objectives.
Organize and work with volunteers, including corporate workdays, regular stewardship volunteers, interns, youth projects and citizen science initiatives including Bird Surveys among others.
Coordinate activities with contractors, foresters, biologists to perform restoration projects.
Administer D&R Greenway Deer Management Program.
Ensure annual filings for tax exemption and farmland assessment for fee-owned properties.
Manage leases to farmers and partner agreements.
Oversight and Outreach
Participate in development of stewardship budgets, stewardship-related communications and funding proposals, annual and Board reports on stewardship activities.
Maintain positive relationships with easement landowners, partners and others including neighbors toward stewardship of D&R Greenway lands.
Ensure that all properties are properly posted and that any structures including boardwalks, bridges, fences, kiosks and signage are properly maintained to achieve conservation goals, a positive image and a welcoming environment.
Oversee placement of signature preserve signs and assist development of interpretive signage.
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Use ArcView and GPS to develop GIS maps for general field work and baseline documentation.
Be familiar with use of drone technology and work with the stewardship team to use drones where appropriate to monitor D&R Greenway properties.
Maintain accessible and complete up-to-date records for all stewardship activities.
Maintain inventories of equipment and supplies.
Assist with the Native Plant Nursery as required.
All other conservation work as needed.
DUTIES OF THE JOB:
Day-to-day work is Monday – Friday, business hours; however, the Director of Land Stewardship must be available to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.
Must have a valid driver’s license and provide own means of transportation when not using D&R Greenway truck that is shared with other stewardship staff.
Attend D&R Greenway’s promotional and educational events as required.
BACKGROUND AND EXPERTISE DESIRED:
A minimum of 7-10 years of related experience, preferably with a nonprofit land trust or similar 501(c)(3) organization
Minimum of a Bachelor degree in Forestry, Environmental Sciences, Wildlife Management or related studies
Demonstrated success in stewardship of conservation lands
Experience in managing staff and volunteers
Familiarity with legal documents, surveys and maps
Hold a pesticide applicator license or be willing to obtain one
Knowledgeable about conservation and agricultural easements
Ability to identify flora and fauna in the Mid-Atlantic region of the US
Experience developing and working with budgets
Excellent communicator with good writing and public speaking experience preferred
Ability to maintain clear records and competent with Microsoft Office and GIS mapping skills
PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
Passion for the work of land preservation and stewardship
Problem-solver who responds to new challenges and opportunities
Personable, able to work well with all types of people
Able to work well independently and as a member of a team
Demonstrated personal commitment to the environment
Sincere person who can gain the trust and respect of others
A positive personality and cooperative working style
COMPENSATION:
Competitive salary commensurate with experience
Benefits include full health insurance including dental and vision; disability and life insurance, paid time off including holidays and sick days; Retirement plan with employer match
One-bedroom apartment available for up to 3 months for new employee relocating from outside of the local area
