Director of Conservation

Mountain Conservation Trust of Georgia (MCT) seeks a knowledgeable and experienced full time Director of Conservation who is committed to conserving the North Georgia mountains and foothills. Who we are and what we do MCT is a land trust located in Jasper, Georgia. For the last 35 years, we have been promoting the stewardship of the natural resources and scenic beauty of the mountains and foothills of North Georgia through land protection, advocacy, collaboration, and education. We have protected over 7,500 acres on over 20 parcels of land in our region through conservation easements and other collaborative efforts. What you will do Following MCT’s land protection priorities, oversee land protection and land management activities primarily focused on closing new conservation easements. Build and maintain productive relationships with landowners, stakeholders and partner organizations to identify and evaluate new high-priority conservation opportunities. Write conservation easement proposals based on LTA guidelines and internal MCT policy. Work with landowners, state, federal and county agencies, and other conservation organizations to originate new conservation easements and land protection efforts such as fee acquisitions. Defend existing conservation easements, interpret easements, resolve violations, and evaluate requests for easement amendments, consulting as needed with the Executive Director, the Board of Directors, and legal counsel. Oversee and assist with developing a proactive communication and outreach program for our conservation easement landowners, with the goal of securing more conservation easements. Travel extensively in North Georgia to attend conservation partner and landowner meetings, often after regular working hours. Participate with the entire MCT team to annually develop outreach programming (e.g. field trips, workdays), and MCT’s newsletter and social media, and other communication channels. Identify and pursue relevant professional development opportunities such as conference attendance and participation in peer networks. Work in cooperation with executive director, staff, contractors and an active and supportive Board of Directors. This position reports to the Executive Director and has no direct reports. What you will bring Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent professional experience in relevant conservation field (biology, forestry, ecology, geography, land restoration, and land stewardship, etc.), and 5+ years related professional experience. Experience either as the lead or as an assistant in negotiating, drafting and closing conservation easements and baselines, land acquisitions, and land donations. Experience in drafting and securing grants from private foundations, state and/or federal partners. Ability to make maps for conservation easements and board packages, proficiency with GIS and GPS, and Microsoft Office applications. Superior organizational skills with the ability to project manage/prioritize to meet deadlines. Knowledge of the ecology and landscape and ability to identify flora and fauna in Southern Appalachian. Familiarity and experience working with the Land Trust Alliance’s “Land Trust Standards and Practices” is a plus. Ability to navigate in rural areas, often without cell service, and to perform physical activities including off-trail hiking in steep and brushy terrain. Willingness to work irregular hours, including occasional weekends, evenings, and/or holidays. Ability to actively listen to conservation partners, agriculture producers, landowners, and other community members to create responsive and thoughtful strategies for land protection and land management. Excellent interpersonal skills. Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills; ability to negotiate agreements. A team player approach to all your work; ability to navigate and adapt to changing circumstances while keeping MCT’s vision and goals in mind. Where you will work Our office is currently in Jasper; however, we are looking for new office space in Jasper or within a nearby community. You will be required to work from the office 3 days a week unless you are in the field. How you will be compensated Salary: $60,000 to $70,000, determined based on experience. Benefits include: $8K health insurance allowance and 20 days of paid vacation (in the first year). #J-18808-Ljbffr Mountain Conservation Trust of Georgia