Kentucky Natural Lands Trust (KNLT) seeks a Conservation Manager in a full-time capacity to play a vital role with a wide range of land conservation and stewardship projects throughout Kentucky and Central Appalachia. The new position will be based in Central Kentucky and will be responsible for assisting with land conservation projects; stewardship of KNLT conservation easements and preserves; and advising private forestland owners on conservation practices.

KNLT is a Berea-based, nationally accredited nonprofit land trust working to protect, connect and restore wildlands. Our work aims to protect biodiversity and climate resilient landscapes in ways that help communities. Since 1995 we have safeguarded over 57,000 acres. We are a team-oriented organization leading innovative on-the-ground conservation efforts. Through cultivation of engaged and connected networks of partners and donors, KNLT is creating a living legacy. We think big, work creatively and find joy in the wild.

Salary Range: $50,000-$60,000

Benefits: Generous benefits package - details here: https://mtassociation.org/careers/

Location: Central Kentucky (in, around or between Berea, Lexington, & Louisville)

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Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides expertise to advance protection of priority lands through a range of techniques. Maintains expertise in land acquisition, conservation easements, and other protection tools. Maintains understanding of applicable tax law, property law and nonprofit requirements. This includes property research, site inspections, coordination of contractors and other activities.

• Assists with stewardship of KNLT and partner preserves statewide, with primary focus on the Western Knobs Wildlands Corridor and Appalachian Highlands Wildlands Corridor. This includes but is not limited to protecting the conservation value of protected lands (develop & implement management plan, conduct & document monitoring visits, draft & negotiate leases and easements)

• Monitors and analyzes progress for land protection and stewardship and makes reports to supervisor, Executive Director and committee members. Assists with planning and coordinating the KNLT Projects & Stewardship Committee meetings.

• Maintains electronic recordkeeping systems and utilizes GIS, GPS and remote sensing monitoring technologies as part of land acquisition, management and monitoring activities.

• Collaborates on the development and completion of grant applications and required reports.

• Assists with developing and implementing KNLT policies; prepares documentation for organizational and land stewardship related certifications (e.g. Land Trust Accreditation Commission)

• Provides outreach services for KNLT including assisting with interpretive/fundraising hikes, assisting visiting researchers with projects, assistance with events and tabling opportunities as needed.

• Acts as a liaison between KNLT and local communities including establishing and maintaining positive relationships with neighboring landowners and attending meetings held by local, regional and statewide partner organizations.

• Serving as a member of KNLT’s Land Conservation Team and Stewardship Team.

• Performs other duties as assigned and delegated by supervisor or Executive Director.

• Practices safety in all aspects of the job.

Critical Skills

• Demonstrates exceptional interpersonal communication and relationship-building skills.

• Manages workload by understanding, following and meeting schedules; as well as organize and prioritize tasks and perform responsibilities efficiently, independently, and timely.

• Able to juggle multiple requests and meet multiple deadlines.

• Takes initiative and needs little supervision.

• Proactive in anticipating and alerting others to problems with projects or processes.

• High detail orientation and accuracy, including thoroughly and accurately completing forms and other documents.

• Has experience communicating with diverse individuals in different roles, both internally and externally, including wide-ranging educational levels, socio-economic status, or world views.

• Communicates effectively and professionally in person, during online meetings, over the telephone, and through email.

• Able to work well in a team environment.

• Maintains confidentiality and professional discretion.

Tools and Equipment

• Proficient in basic computer skills, i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, Internet usage (e-mail).
• Proficient with Geographic Information Systems including remote sensing.
• Ability to occasionally operate various types of tools and equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. hand tools, Global Positioning Systems, etc.)

Physical Demands

• Must be able to work proficiently with computers and other office equipment.

• Work from home office environment (or KNLT office) with office equipment, sitting or standing for long periods of time indoors.

• Travel in the service region will be required. Travel may include walking and hiking in remote areas up to 10 miles on uneven terrain, sitting or standing for long periods of time outdoors. Travel will require flexibility outside normal business hours and with occasional overnights. When using own vehicle, staff will be paid for mileage at the IRS rate.

• Work may require walking, bending, stooping, crawling, climbing stairs and lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Kentucky Natural Lands Trust/Mountain Association provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, or non-disqualifying physical or mental handicap or disability in accordance with all federal, state, and local regulations.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Applicants as well as employees who are or become disabled must be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities either unaided or with reasonable accommodation. The organization shall determine reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law.

Performance Evaluation

The above statements reflect the general duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job and should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of the position. Kentucky Natural Lands Trust/Mountain Association may change the specific job duties with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization. Performance will be evaluated based on meeting specific goals, deadlines, and other quantitative and qualitative indicators established for this position during the annual performance review process; working according to specifications, policies, and standards established by Kentucky Natural Lands Trust/Mountain Association; working effectively in a team environment and interacting positively with all clients and employees.

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences, natural resource management, environmental land use planning or related field is required.

• Minimum of five years of experience in progressively more responsible positions that directly relate to land conservation including experience with land acquisition, land management and conservation easements. A related Master’s or Environmental Land Use Law degree can be substituted for a portion of this experience.

• Knowledge of conservation principles is required.

• Knowledge of the natural and cultural history of Kentucky and Central Appalachia is preferred.

• Experience with GIS & GPS technology use and satellite aerial imagery and LIDAR interpretation. .

• Proven experience in building relationships with diverse groups.

• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

• Valid driver license and the ability to drive both utility and full-size vehicles with trailers.