Conservation Project Manager

MANNRS; Whiting, Topsham (ME, ME); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance

Generous vacation and sick time

Retirement plan

Job summary

Maine Coast Heritage Trust is seeking a Conservation Project Manager to lead a portfolio of land protection efforts in coastal Maine. You will build relationships with landowners, communities, and partners, manage negotiations, and guide projects from opportunity through closing.

This role involves budgeting with the Stewardship team, grant writing, fundraising, and representing MCHT at conferences. The position offers a hybrid work model across Maine offices, with travel to project sites as

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources or related field with 4 years of conservation experience.
• In lieu of degree, 6–7 years of relevant land conservation experience.
• Strong commitment to land and water conservation.
• Knowledge of Maine geography and habitats preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple complex real estate transactions.

Responsibilities

• Plan and complete conservation projects in the designated region, including landowner negotiations.
• Develop stewardship budgets with the Stewardship Department and assist with management planning.
• Represent MCHT at conferences, events, and with partners to highlight projects.
• Develop and maintain strategic working relationships with partners and stakeholders.
• Provide written updates to relevant MCHT Board Committees.
• Oversee multiple contractors and coordinate with surveyors, attorneys, and other professionals.
• Travel to project sites and work with field teams as needed.

Skills

Strong commitment to conservation

Build relationships

Independent & team work

Microsoft Office Suite

SharePoint

Adobe

Budgeting & project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in natural resources / land use / law / real estate / communications

Equivalent experience (6–7 years) in land conservation

Tools

ArcGIS

SharePoint

Adobe

GPS

Job description

Position Overview

The Conservation Project Manager manages a diverse portfolio of land conservation projects to further MCHT’s mission to ensure ecological wellbeing and foster thriving communities in coastal Maine. This position is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with private landowners, partner organizations, communities and agencies to accomplish lasting conservation of priority properties. The position involves community outreach and engagement, real estate negotiation and financing, grant writing, fundraising, and communications for individual projects. This individual is a member of a team of eight Conservation Project Managers and may serve a specific geography and/or specific initiatives in coastal Maine, to be determined based on the location, experience, and skills of the preferred candidate.

Responsibilities

• Plan for, prioritize, initiate, and complete conservation projects in the designated region. This includes identifying important conservation opportunities;initiating contact and negotiating with landowners;responding to incoming opportunities;developing and implementing effective conservation strategies;providing education and consultation to the landowners, family members and their advisors;supporting project fundraising activities and successfully negotiating and closing multiple real estate acquisitions and transactions ranging from simple to complex in nature within the confines of authority from the Board of Directors and with guidance from our General Counsel.


• Work directly with MCHT's Stewardship Department to develop stewardship budgets for active land protection projects and assist with management planning for protected properties.


• Be an expert regarding current work in land protection. Serve as a knowledgeable and respected land protection leader, advisor, and spokesperson for MCHT and for partners including local, statewide, and national land trusts and organizations.


• Represent MCHT at local, regional, state, and national levels at conferences, industry gatherings and committees, events, and with the media to highlight MCHT’s mission and projects, in coordination with the Communications team.


• Develop, maintain, and enhance the productive, strategic working relationships that are a hallmark of MCHT's conservation programs, and form alliances with new partners.


• Develop and present brief written updates on specific projects or land protection priority areas to relevant MCHT Board Committees.


• Oversee multiple contractors, ensure completeness and quality, and maintain professional relationships with surveyors, attorneys, and other contractors who perform various duties for MCHT in relation to land projects.


• Perform special projects and other related duties as required, directed, or as the situation dictates.


• Supervisory Responsibility Provides general oversight and supervision to outside contractors.

Qualifications

• Education & ExperienceBachelor’s degree in a field such as natural resources, land use planning, law, real estate, or communications with 4 years of experience in land use and conservation work, land project management or related field. In lieu of education, 6 to 7 years of previous experience in land conservation involving aspects of negotiating and closing multiple real-estate transactions or other relevant experience.


• RequiredStrong commitment to land and water conservation, building healthier communities, conserving natural habitats, and connecting people to land.


• Passion for and knowledge of MCHT mission and values.


• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.


• Ability to operate computers and assigned software, such as Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, and Adobe.


• Ability to work independently and collaboratively and effectively as a team member.


• Ability to manage a diverse project load through strong organizational, planning, and multi-tasking skills.


• Ability to meet deadlines and work within budgets.


• Ability to establish and maintain relationships with a wide range of people and organizations.


• Discretion and proven responsibility for the handling of confidential, sensitive, and personal information.


• PreferredExperience in voluntary land protection techniques, landowner negotiations, and completing land conservation transactions in accordance with Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices.


• Experience with community conservation projects, such as those that integrate conservation and affordable housing and/or address working waterfront access.


• Experience with complex real estate tools and funding sources, such as limited development conservation transactions, limited liability companies, revolving loan funds, and public funding programs.


• Working knowledge of Maine’s geography, culture, flora and fauna.


• Field skills such as working with map and compass, GPS systems, reading terrain, identifying and understanding natural resource sensitivities and constraints preferred.


• Experience overseeing contracts and engaging advisors or consultants.


• Working knowledge of Arc GIS and/or experience with database development and maintenance.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

Work is performed in a normal office environment not subject to extremes of noise, temperature, odor, etc. Operates computer, printer, photocopier, and basic office equipment. Work requires extended sitting and repetitive motion in the use of computer, keyboard, and mouse. Long days, evenings, and weekends are occasionally necessary. Reliable transportation and the ability to travel independently to project sites across the region are required. Must be willing to travel in boats (you do not need your own boat). Field work is performed outside in all weather conditions and on rough or wet terrain. Requires walking, hiking, bending, crouching and occasional lifting. All efforts are made to keep the job safe but occasionally rough seas or difficult terrains can create unexpected hazards. MCHT has offices in Topsham, Rockport, Mount Desert Island, and Whiting, Maine, and this position may be based at any of these locations. We offer a hybrid work model of two office days and three remote days per week.

Benefits Offered

This is a permanent, full-time position

• insurance


• generous vacation and sick time


• retirement plan

Compensation / Salary

The annual starting salary range for this role is $70,000 to $80,000but is dependentupon experience.

Application Deadline

August 28, 2026

About Maine Coast Heritage Trust

Our Mission We advance the conservation of lands and waters in Maine to ensure ecological well-being and foster thriving communities. We understand that as in nature, diversity builds resilience. We uphold a working culture where unique identities and experiences are welcomed and appreciated. Our team is empathetic, committed and collaborative. We seek employees that are not only capable and talented, but who care about supporting and respecting each other. We seek people who are interested in imagining creative solutions and continuous learning.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.*External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.Maine Coast Heritage Trust does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law. We are an equal opportunity employer dedicated to creating an inclusive culture where employees from diverse backgrounds can thrive and support our mission.

Job location: Topsham, Mount Desert Island, or Whiting