Stewardship Director Position Available In Washington, Maine
Job Description
Stewardship Director Downeast Coastal Conservancy Machias, Maine Job Type Permanent
Salary $55,000
- $60,000 per year
Benefits 100% health care for the employee, retirement contribution, and vacation/health days.
Deadline May 02, 2025
Experience 2 - 6 years Background Downeast Coastal Conservancy (DCC) is a nationally-accredited land trust conserving land in coastal Washington County, Maine, with roots dating back more than 35 years.
Based out of Machias, DCC owns and protects more than 7,000 acres and 72 miles of shoreline in Downeast Maine. For more information about DCC, please visit www.downeastcoastalconservancy.org. Position Description The Stewardship Director reports to the Executive Director. The position is full-time (40 hours/week) including some required evening and weekend work. The employee works with the Executive Director (ED), the Land Steward (LS), and the Stewardship Committee to identify, assess, and prioritize stewardship needs at DCC properties and to develop and implement plans to address those needs. The Stewardship Director will work independently or with staff members, volunteers, contractors, and vendors to monitor easements and fee lands by following Land Trust Alliance standards; oversee habitat conservation; coordinate volunteer management of invasive species; carry out trail maintenance or creation individually or with the help of staff, volunteers, or contractors; organize work parties; work with community groups to expand volunteer capacity; create GIS maps; oversee seasonal property maintenance; develop and execute property management plans; support staff in stewardship related grants; and perform other tasks as requested to support the mission of DCC. In addition, the Stewardship Director will supervise the Land Steward position, and coordinate annual operations for the stewardship staff (both permanent and seasonal). Field work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions and requires climbing, walking, bending, crouching, lifting, reaching, and other physical abilities. Winter work typically includes management plan development and review, GIS projects, monitoring report filing, annual work-plan creation and determination, mailing monitoring invitation letters to landowners, assisting ED with newly acquired property policies/documentation, some trail maintenance when appropriate, and other work as requested to support the mission of DCC. The position requires a working knowledge of conservation biology and land management, proficiency in GIS, excellent volunteer management skills, strong organizational skills, and a passion for the outdoors. The Stewardship Director will be a team player who is an effective communicator, is comfortable working with many different constituencies, can manage multiple priorities and volunteer work schedules, and be self-directed. Basic Responsibilities Conservation Easements Work with the Land Steward to monitor each easement annually, or ensure that a volunteer completes the monitoring
Respond to landowner inquiries in cooperation with LS
Document and pursue violations in cooperation with ED
Foster healthy landowner relations
Recruit, organize and supervise volunteer easement monitors
Ensure annual monitoring reports are filed for each easement Preserves Monitor each preserve annually, or ensure that a volunteer completes the monitoring
Perform or coordinate trail and recreation stewardship
Design, commission, and install preserve signage
Work with DCC stewardship staff and contractors on stewardship projects, mowing, plowing, etc.
Respond to the public’s questions and represent DCC professionally
Recruit, organize and supervise volunteer preserve monitors and stewardship volunteers
Ensure annual monitoring reports are filed for each preserve
Oversee management, updates, and implementation of management plans for preserves
Work with hand tools, power tools, and gas-powered equipment on a regular basis
Work with ED on land acquisition projects to draft stewardship budgets, assess potential properties, and work with the Lands Committee on decision making Administration Track mileage and expenses accurately
Answer phones when needed
Manage DCC’s stewardship filing system
Greet visitors to the office
Create and review management plans
Prepare an annual stewardship work plan
Meet with the Stewardship Committee monthly
Participate in intern management and supervision as needed
Coordinate volunteer management, time tracking, training, etc.
Other duties as assigned Qualifications
- Required Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, recreation management, biology, or similar field. Or, at least 3 years of experience working in natural resources, recreation management, biology, or similar position.
Knowledge and ability to operate a chainsaw safely - certification or willingness to become certified is required
Familiarity and ability to work with hand tools, power tools, and gas-powered equipment
Ability to operate a boat in both fresh and salt water and a willingness to take a safety course for marine operation
Drone certification or willingness to obtain
Ability to hike over rough terrain carrying up to 50 pounds of gear and equipment
Knowledge and ability to navigate off-trail using a map and compass
Proficiency with Microsoft Office software, ArcGIS, Google Earth, and other mapping software
Ability to communicate clearly, professionally and correctly, both in writing and orally
Experience with trail maintenance
Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle with proof of insurance
Interest and ability to recruit, organize, and supervise volunteers for diverse roles within DCC
Ability to work effectively with state/local officials and partner organizations to accomplish DCC’s goals
Ability to coordinate and attend Stewardship Committee meetings and occasional Board of Director meetings, as needed
Ability to manage work time efficiently with minimal supervision Qualifications•Desired Knowledge and ability to do basic carpentry and construction (i.
e., boardwalk or kiosk repairs)
Familiarity with GPS navigation systems
Experience writing and administering grants
Science background
Knowledge of Maine geography and other regional conserved lands
Valid Wilderness First Aid or Responder certification, or willingness to obtain
Position Type:
Full-time, salaried; some evening and weekend work required Report to:
Executive Director Location:
Machias, Maine (with travel within Washington County)
Salary and Benefits:
$55,000
- $60,000, depending on experience. DCC provides 100
- paid health care plan for the employee, and a matching retirement contribution.
In addition, DCC offers accruing vacation and health time off, and all federal holidays.