Director, Land Management

Appalachian Mountain Club; Greenville (ME); Hybrid; USD 86,944 - 121,741; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Plan

403(b) plan with 4% match

Paid Time Off

Free Annual AMC Membership

Discount on AMC Merchandise

Free nights at AMC locations

Educational Assistance

ProDeals on gear

Job summary

The Appalachian Mountain Club is seeking a strategic Land Management Leader to oversee AMC’s regional land portfolio and integrate forest management, conservation science, recreation access, and climate objectives.

You will lead a multi-state team of land managers and foresters, drive land acquisition, ensure easement and certification compliance, and collaborate with researchers, policy, and partnerships to advance the Maine Woods Initiative.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resource management, environmental science, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in land management, forestry, or conservation operations.
• Maine Forester license or eligibility; licensing preferred or achievable.
• Experience managing large, multi-state land portfolios or similar complexity.
• Demonstrated leadership across distributed teams and complex projects.
• Experience with regulatory frameworks, certification systems (e.g., FSC), and conservation easement frameworks; carbon markets a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive land management strategy across AMC’s regional land portfolio (ME, NH, MA, NY, NJ).
• Integrate forest management, conservation science, recreation access, and climate/carbon objectives into unified land stewardship plans.
• Oversee easement and certification compliance with AMC’s landownership, forest certification, and carbon sales.
• Lead land acquisition work to advance AMC’s conservation goals near its ownership through acquisitions.
• Provide senior leadership for land management operations across AMC’s Maine Woods Initiative properties.
• Coordinate with research, policy, and partnership teams to advance AMC’s conservation model.
• Oversee day-to-day land management operations, budgets, and performance metrics.
• Build staff capacity and drive professional development across states.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Stakeholder engagement

Partnership development

External representation

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resource management, environmental science, or related field

Tools

FSC certification

Job description

Job Details

Location: Hybrid - Maine - Greenville, ME 04441

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $86,944.00 - $121,741.00

Job Shift: Any

Overview

The Appalachian Mountain Club is a nonprofit organization focused on fostering the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the outdoors. Through its extensive landholdings and conservation programs, including the Maine Woods Initiative, AMC works at the intersection of conservation, recreation, and science to address climate change and protect the Northeast’s natural resources.

What You Will Be Doing at AMC

Strategic Land Management Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive land management strategy across AMC’s regional land portfolio (ME, NH, MA, NY, NJ or applicable footprint).
• Integrate forest management, conservation science, recreation access, and climate/carbon objectives into unified land stewardship plans.
• Ensure alignment with AMC’s conservation priorities, including the Maine Woods Initiative and broader regional impacts.
• Oversee easement and certification compliance with AMC’s landownership, forest certification, and carbon sales.
• Lead land acquisition work to further AMC’s conservation goals near its ownership through the acquisition of inholdings and abutting properties where and when applicable.

Maine Woods Initiative (MWI) Oversight

• Provide senior leadership for land management operations across AMC’s MWI properties.
• Support implementation of sustainable forestry, habitat conservation, watershed protection, and public access programs.
• Coordinate with research, policy, and partnership teams to advance MWI as a national model for conservation and working lands.
• Oversee a team of natural resource professionals stewarding this key conservation asset of the AMC.
• Act as a liaison between external stakeholders, key AMC partners, and regional coalitions.

Operational and Program Management

• Oversee day‑to‑day land management operations, including forest and habitat management, infrastructure (roads, bridges and recreation infrastructure, buildings), public access and recreation management, land protection compliance (easements, certifications, regulatory requirements).
• Establish and monitor performance metrics for land stewardship outcomes.
• Ensure effective use of contractors, vendors, and internal staff resources.
• Oversee relationships with Forest Management contractors like Huber Resources Corporation in the management of MWI.

Team Leadership and Organizational Development

• Lead and manage a team of land managers, foresters, and operations staff across multiple states.
• Build staff capacity, establish clear accountability structures, and support professional development.

Cross‑Functional Coordination

• Partner with other Conservation division leads including the Director of Policy, Director of Trails, and the Director of Research to integrate land‑based work into AMC’s broader mission.
• Support fundraising, donor engagement, and grant development by articulating the impact of land management programs.
• Collaborate on research initiatives, including academic partnerships (e.g., field station development) in conjunction with the Research team.

External Relations and Partnerships

• Represent AMC in regional land management forums, state agencies, and partnerships.
• Maintain strong relationships with regulators, local communities, industry partners, and conservation organizations.
• Support development of strategic partnerships that enhance land stewardship outcomes.

Financial Oversight

• Develop and manage operating and capital budgets for land management programs.
• Ensure financial discipline and alignment with organizational priorities.
• Identify opportunities for cost efficiencies and revenue generation (e.g., timber, carbon, grants).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resource management, environmental science, or related field (advanced degree preferred).
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in land management, forestry, or conservation operations.
• Be a licensed Maine Forester or the ability to obtain a license; exceptions may be considered with strong qualifications.
• Demonstrated experience managing large, multi‑state land portfolios or equivalent complexity.
• Strong leadership and team management experience across distributed teams.
• Advanced knowledge of forest management, conservation planning, and land stewardship best practices.
• Experience with regulatory frameworks, certification systems (e.g., FSC), and conservation easement frameworks.
• Land acquisition and transaction experience.
• Experience with working forest conservation models, carbon markets, or climate‑focused land management.
• Familiarity with the Northern Forest region and Maine working forest landscape.
• Experience integrating research, recreation, and conservation objectives on large landscapes.
• Strong background in partnership development and external representation.

What AMC Can Offer You

Salary: $86,944 - $121,741

We are committed to fair compensation practices, and we encourage qualified candidates to apply. The initial salary represents our starting point, and our compensation philosophy is designed to reward and recognize the contributions of our employees as they grow within the organization. External candidates typically begin their journey with us at the starting point of the salary range. The final compensation offer will be based on factors such as experience, education, skills and geographic differential relevant to the position, and will be discussed during the interview process.

Benefits

• Health Plan: Generous employer contributions through Cigna with optional vision and dental.
• Other Insurance: 100% employer paid life insurance, AD&D insurance, long‑term disability.
• Career Progression: Potential to have annual compensation reviews commensurate with performance and effort.
• Retirement: Mandatory 403(b) with 4% matching employer contributions and a vesting schedule.
• Paid Time Off: up to 4 weeks of paid earned time and up to 11 paid company holidays.
• Other Team Member Perks:
• 30% discount on AMC Merchandise
• Free Annual AMC Membership
• 10 Free nights at AMC locations
• Educational Assistance
• Prodeals discounts on equipment & gear and more!

Safety and Background Screening

The Appalachian Mountain Club has zero tolerance for child abuse or placing children in danger. The AMC requires all employees to have a criminal background record check performed on their name annually with employment contingent upon satisfactory results.

To Apply

Please include a resume and cover letter. No phone calls or agencies please.