Chief Conservation Officer: Lead Strategic Land Protection

WeConservePA; Pennsylvania; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible scheduling options

Comprehensive retirement package

Competitive health benefits

Generous Paid Time Off

Job summary

Heritage Conservancy, based in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, seeks a dynamic leader to oversee its Conservation Programs, guiding land protection, easement stewardship, and related initiatives under the organization's Strategic Plan.

The role leads a team of acquisition specialists and land stewards, builds partnerships with municipalities and agencies, and ensures alignment with funding, policy, and board priorities to protect natural resources and public lands.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in related field a plus.
• 12+ years in conservation, land use, real estate, and/or fee title and conservation easement transactions.
• 8+ years of management experience.
• Familiarity with Pennsylvania local and county government a plus.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills; strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and travel as needed.
• Some weekend and evening hours are required.

Responsibilities

• Lead Conservation Programs and set strategic direction.
• Oversee land protection priorities and easement stewardship.
• Build relationships with municipalities, counties, agencies, and partners.
• Provide executive oversight of land transactions.
• Ensure projects align with priorities, funding, and risk.
• Budget, track, and report expenditures with COO and Legal.
• Engage Board and committees; support fundraising proposals.
• Represent conservation policy with state and regional partners.
• Manage 10+ person Conservation department.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Relationship building

Time management

Problem solving

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree in related field

Job description

Heritage Conservancy, based in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, seeks a dynamic leader to oversee its Conservation Programs, guiding land protection, easement stewardship, and related initiatives under the organization's Strategic Plan.

The role leads a team of acquisition specialists and land stewards, builds partnerships with municipalities and agencies, and ensures alignment with funding, policy, and board priorities to protect natural resources and public lands.