Forest Legacy Project Coordinator

Kansas State University; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Forest Legacy Project Coordinator role at the Kansas Forest Service drives private forest conservation across Kansas. You will work with landowners, partners, and agencies to advance voluntary conservation through acquisitions, documents, and outreach.

Responsibilities include negotiating easements and contracts, reviewing land transactions, and creating project records while building strong relationships with landowners and promoting program awareness.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma (or equivalent) and four years of relevant experience.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the acquisition of conservation easements and fee-title properties through the Forest Legacy Program.
• Develop and negotiate conservation easements, contracts, permits, and other land-use agreements.
• Review property appraisals, title information, and other documentation related to land transactions.
• Develop conservation easement documents, baseline documentation, maps, and project records.
• Build relationships with Kansas forest landowners and connect them with conservation programs and resources.
• Develop outreach materials and promote the Forest Legacy Program to landowners and partners.
• Coordinate field days, outreach events, and other opportunities to highlight successful conservation projects.

Skills

Communication skills

Independent work

Project coordination

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Natural Resources, or related academic field

Bachelor's degree in any field, or associate's degree in business administration, communications, or paralegal

Certified Paralegal, estate planning

Job description

About This Role

As the Forest Legacy Project Coordinator, you'll play an important role in protecting and conserving privately owned forest lands across Kansas. You'll work with landowners, conservation partners, and federal and state agencies to advance voluntary conservation projects through the Kansas Forest Service's Forest Legacy Program.

• Coordinate the acquisition of conservation easements and fee-title properties through the Forest Legacy Program.
• Develop and negotiate conservation easements, contracts, permits, and other land-use agreements.
• Review property appraisals, title information, and other documentation related to land transactions.
• Develop conservation easement documents, baseline documentation, maps, and project records.
• Build relationships with Kansas forest landowners and connect them with conservation programs and resources.
• Develop outreach materials and promote the Forest Legacy Program to landowners and partners.
• Coordinate field days, outreach events, and other opportunities to highlight successful conservation projects.

This is a unique opportunity to combine conservation, real estate, project coordination, and landowner outreach while helping shape the future of Kansas's privately owned forests.

About Us

The Kansas Forest Service is the 5th-oldest state forestry agency in the country, established in 1887, and is housed within K-State Extension. Our work supports landowners and communities, helps prevent and respond to wildfires, promotes healthy and resilient forests, and connects Kansans with the knowledge and resources they need to care for the state's natural resources.

At the Kansas Forest Service, we value a welcoming, collaborative workplace where employees can build connections with colleagues across the state while doing meaningful work for the people of Kansas. We recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between work and life and encourage employees to make use of their accrued leave and other earned benefits. Because our employees work in communities across Kansas, we also prioritize time to work together, including twice-yearly in-person meetings, abundant professional development opportunities, and connection through activities such as our agency book club. Learn more about us at https://www.kansasforests.org/about/

Worksite Description

Hybrid and/or Remote eligible

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a high school diploma (or equivalent) and four years of relevant experience. Requirements may be met through a combination of work experience and education.
• Valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Natural Resources, or related academic field
• Bachelor's degree in any field, or associate's degree in business administration, communications, or paralegal
• Certified Paralegal, estate planning
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and to manage deadlines effectively
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly with documentation and recordkeeping
• 5 years of experience working in real estate or conservation easements
• Strong communication skills, and ability to clearly explain policies, procedures and services related to the Forest Stewardship Program and Forest Legacy Program
• Ability to develop effective informational materials and plan, coordinate and deliver meetings, workshops and outreach events
• Professional knowledge and experience with U.S. Forest Service Cooperative Forestry Programs

Candidate eligibility: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

Application Window

Applications close on: September 14, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$50,000 - $60,000