Land Manager – Dartmouth, MA
Organization: Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust
Position Title: Land Manager
Location: Dartmouth, MA
Hours & Compensation: Full-time, permanent position. Salary commensurate with experience. Benefits include contribution toward health insurance.
Position Dates: DNRT is seeking to fill the position by April 2013.
Application Deadline: Open until filled.
Posted On: February 22, 2013.
Organization Overview:
DNRT is a non-profit, membership-supported organization, formed in 1971 by community members concerned about the future of Dartmouth. Its mission is to preserve and protect Dartmouth’s natural resources for people and nature, forever. Over the years, DNRT has helped permanently protect nearly 5,000 acres of wetlands, wildlife habitat, farmland, forests, and scenic landscapes in Dartmouth, making us one of the most successful land trusts in Massachusetts.
Description:
The Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust (DNRT) seeks a creative, energetic and experienced person to become its Land Manager. The Land Manager is responsible for assessing, expanding and implementing land stewardship and management activities on properties owned by or under conservation restriction with DNRT. The Land Manager supervises a part-time Land Stewardship Assistant, dozens of land management volunteers, and occasional seasonal employees. The Land Manager also works closely with the Executive Director on acquisition strategies and property evaluations, and works with all staff on public outreach and relations. The Land Manager should have education and work experience in natural resources management, a passion for the work, and exceptional interpersonal skills.
Responsibilities:
- Responsible for the management of 52 Open Space Reserves and the monitoring of 46 Conservation Restrictions totaling over 2,500 acres.
- Direct activities of Land Stewardship Assistant, dozens of volunteers, seasonal mower and contractors.
- Develop management plans for new or existing reserves, assessing ecological health of wildlife habitat, public access, forest management, and public education.
- Oversee the preparation and maintenance of Baseline Document Reports for Reserves and Conservation Restrictions.
- Conduct biological surveys of properties when necessary.
- Build and maintain good working relationships with partner organizations, town officials and boards, and community members, especially landowners with Conservation Restrictions, abutters to Reserves, and DNRT members.
- Respond to and work to resolve monitoring, enforcement and legal defense issues.Manage visitor access, including developing trails, visitor amenities, signage and enforcement of rules and regulations.
- Oversee stewardship related tasks and standards related to DNRT’s accreditation status.Implement and maintain contractual agreements with farmers leasing agricultural lands held by DNRT.
- Work with Executive Director to inspect and assess potential land donations, purchases and conservation restrictions.
- Work with committees and Board of Directors to develop and review Land Management policies.
- Prepare monthly Land Management Status reports and conduct meetings with the Land Management Committee and sub committees.
- Maintain Land Management equipment in good repair and address equipment levels as required.
- Prepare annual Land Management budget.Contribute and review articles for DNRT newsletter, Annual report and other publications.
- Enhance public awareness of DNRT properties and mission through property tours, articles and encouraging use of properties by other organizations.
- Write grant proposals pertaining to restoration ecology, public access, biodiversity and land management.
- Other duties and special projects as assigned.
Qualifications:
- College or advanced degree in natural resources management, biological sciences or similar environmental sciences degree
- Minimum 3 years (5+ years preferred) years demonstrated successful work experience in natural resources conservation/management.
- Excellent working knowledge of ecological principles and their application to land management.
- Excellent written and verbal skills.
- Excellent skills managing volunteer groups and leading these groups to success.
- Exceptional organizational skills; self-directed and strongly motivated.
- Ability and willingness to work positively with the public to promote conservation goals.
- Computer literacy, including experience using Word, Excel and GIS mapping software.
- Willingness to attend evening and weekend meetings with volunteers, town officials and boards.
- Ability to read and understand property descriptions, conveyances, plans of land and a variety of types of maps.
- Ability to apply information gathered from above mentioned sources in the field, using a compass and other instruments such as a GPS.
- Ability to use land management equipment such as a chainsaw, large mowers, brush-cutters, and a four wheel drive vehicle.
- Ability to be flexible with regards to specific administrative duties and possess a strong team ethic (i.e. able to work in a small office and share responsibility/tasks).
How to Apply: Please sent a resume and cover letter to Dexter C. Mead, Executive Director, DNRT. Contact information is below.
Contact Information:
DNRT, http://www.dnrt.org
PO Box 17, Dartmouth, MA 02748
Fax: 508-991-4044
Email: [email protected]
