Land Steward and Staff Biologist

~ The Jackson Hole Land Trust (JHLT) is a private, non-profit organization that was established in 1980 to conserve open space and the critical wildlife habitat, magnificent scenic vistas, and historic ranching heritage of Jackson Hole and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. ~

By working cooperatively with the owners of the area's privately owned undeveloped lands, the Jackson Hole Land Trust has ensured the permanent conservation of over 29,000 acres in and around Jackson Hole and the Greater Yellowstone Area.

Position Overview

The Land Steward will support the Land Trust's stewardship of conservation easements and fee properties. Key responsibilities include the monitoring of land trust easement properties, coordination and communication with landowners regarding the stewarding of those properties, the creation of Baseline Inventory documentation for newly acquired land trust easements, assisting the Director of Conservation in providing professional opinions regarding impact of uses on conservation values, easement construction, properties and the creation of maps and other documentation to support Director of Conservation in Board meetings.

• Stewardship (80%)
• Protection (15%)
• Fundraising and Communication support, as needed (5%)

Responsibilities

The duties of the Land Steward and Staff Biologist will require the enthusiasm for and ability to:

• Effectively communicate to help landowners understand best management practices encouraged by JHLT, and often required by the conservation easement
• Represent the organization in the capacity of Staff Biologist, as needed, as a presenter/educator in various situations designed to increase public awareness of the mission and goals of JHLT
• Create and maintain effective relationships with conservation easement landowners and ensure monitoring is done on an annual basis for all easements
• Assist Conservation Associate to maintain records of conservation easement monitoring, violations and requests from year to year
• Analyze situations, evaluate alternatives, and make recommendations to the Director of Conservation regarding impacts of uses on stated conservation values
• Work with other staff to initiate resolution of easement violations, as directed by Director of Conservation, Executive Director and Board of Directors
• Assist Director of Conservation in preparation for Stewardship Committee and Board meetings
• Identify conservation values intended to be conserved by potential new easement projects
• In conjunction with fellow Land Stewards and Director of Conservation, assess stewardship concerns related to new easement projects relative to effective easement construction
• In conjunction with fellow Land Steward, create Baseline Inventory reports for new conservation easements
• Maintain stewardship equipment in good, working order

Qualifications

• Preferably a master's degree in ecology, biology, natural resources or related field and 5+ years of experience in natural resource management, conservation practice, and communications in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience developing and managing multiple projects and timelines
• Knowledge of current trends and strategies in land conservation
• Intimate working knowledge of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and the ability to convey this both in a professional setting and in laymen's terms
• Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships and effectively communicate with diverse co-workers, landowners, agencies, board members and other stakeholders
• Practical problem-solving and organization skills with attention to detail and recordkeeping
• Proven interest in land conservationWORKING CONDITIONS/ PHYSICAL EFFORT/ OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Conditions/Physical Effort:

• Office-based work with frequent automobile travel within work area
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines
• Willingness to work long and sometimes irregular hours
• Ability to perform tasks requiring moderate physical exertion, outdoors, in all weather conditions and on difficult and sometimes hazardous terrain

Other Requirements:

• Proficiency in ArcGIS, and Microsoft Office Suite
• Valid driver's license and a reliable form of transportation

To Apply

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email your cover letter and resume. No phone calls please.