The Western New York Land Conservancy is an accredited, regional not-for-profit land trust that permanently protects land with significant conservation values in Western New York (WNY) for the benefit of future generations. We envision a future in which forests, farms, meadows, and waterways are connected, cherished, and protected in Western New York. Our clean air, clean water, and fertile soils will equitably support the health and well being of future generations of every living thing. The WNY Land Conservancy has helped to protect over 8,000 acres of land in the eight counties of WNY.
Reports to: Executive Director
Employment Type: full-time, non-exempt, 37.5 hours per week
Compensation: $60,000-$80,000- commensurate with experience; full benefits
Location: Hybrid: Kenneglenn/Remote, with fieldwork throughout Western New York.
Overview: The WNY Wildway Director will lead a dynamic and exciting project focused on conserving, restoring, and connecting the largest remaining forests and wildlife habitats. The WNY Wildway is an ambitious project delivering on the goals of the Eastern Wildway in WNY. The WNY Wildway Director will implement the strategic direction of the WNY Wildway, including working on direct land conservation, coordination on wildlife corridors with transportation entities, wildlife habitat mapping, conservation planning, and building the WNY Wildway Partner Network. This position requires excellent relationship-building skills and conservation experience, and a deep understanding of conservation planning principles. The ideal candidate will have a collaborative and friendly approach, and seek to build partnerships and support for the WNY Wildway. Experience in conservation planning or land acquisitions will help this candidate succeed. We are looking for a strategic thinker, with enthusiasm and passion for conserving wildlife habitat and building landscape-scale conservation projects. The WNY Wildway Director will work closely with WNY Land Conservancy staff to execute the WNY Wildway goals and vision.
Responsibilities:
WNY Wildway Lead
â— Lead and direct Wildway work, including current projects:
â—‹ The Nature Conservancy funded Wildlife Occupancy Study
â—‹ DEC Water Quality Improvement Project work in Black Creek-Angelica Creek Watershed
â—‹ Land Trust Alliance Conservation Partnership Program- Conservation Catalyst Grant
◠Promote and educate audiences on the WNY Wildway’s purpose and goals via formal presentations, public events, and direct conversations.
â— Work closely with the Executive Director to chart the vision and next steps of the WNY Wildway.
Partnership Work
â— Lead and develop the WNY Wildway Partner Network, and collaborate closely with Northern and Southern section lead partners.
â— Increase the number of members of the Wildway Partner Network.
â— Coordinate with partners outside of WNY on Wildway development and work within the Eastern Wildway.
â— Collaborate with local stakeholders including state agencies, other environmental non-profits, land trusts, county and local governments, and planning organizations on the WNY Wildway vision and project goals.
Acquisitions
â— Work collaboratively with the acquisitions team to identify priority properties for acquisition within the WNY Wildway.
â— Work on acquisition projects, taking the lead on some WNY Wildway acquisitions (depending on acquisitions experience) with appropriate experience.
â— Communicate with landowners about potential land donations and acquisitions in the WNY Wildway; educate landowners about the Wildway and set-up acquisition projects. Conservation Planning
â— Utilize GIS software to plan and identify key parcels for acquisition.
â— Identify and prioritize areas within the WNY Wildway for focus and projects.
Qualifications:
◠A deep passion for conservation and the Land Conservancy’s mission.
◠Bachelor’s degree or higher in natural resources, wildlife biology, ecology, or conservation-related field; or equivalent experience.
â— Previous experience in landscape-scale conservation planning, land trust acquisition work, or other conservation project management.
â— Ability to distill complex scientific information and communicate it with a wider audience.
â— Desire to work with partners, landowners, and community members toward project success.
â— Excellent written and oral communication skills.
â— Experience with GIS software preferred; Proficiency with Microsoft and Google Suites.
â— Ability to work independently with a high level of accountability and attention to detail.
â— Strong organizational skills, interpersonal skills, diplomacy, patience, and a sense of humor.
◠Willingness to travel throughout Western New York and for flexible hours as needed. A valid driver’s license is required, and an acceptable driving record.
â— Proof of COVID vaccination is required upon hiring.
To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume and three references with “WNY Wildway Director†in the subject to jo**@***lc.org. Applications are only accepted electronically. No phone calls please. The WNY Land Conservancy is accepting applications until the position is filled. The WNY Land Conservancy is committed to enhancing diversity and inclusion in our organization and in land conservation. Multiple perspectives and experiences help strengthen our work as an organization and enhance our relevance throughout communities currently underrepresented in the land conservation sector. People of color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
