Land Protection Project Manager

Natural Lands

Natural Lands, a vibrant, regional, nonprofit organization and leader in land conservation, natural resource stewardship, and public engagement, seeks Land Protection Project Manager to join our team at our headquarters on the Hildacy Preserve in Media, Pennsylvania.

Since the early 1950s, Natural Lands has saved open space, cared for nature, and connected people to the outdoors in eastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. Today, the organization is one of the nation’s largest regional land conservancies and is widely respected for its record of success, technical expertise, respectful and creative approach to partnerships, fiscal strength, and integrity.

Over the course of its nearly 70-year history, Natural Lands has helped preserve more than 135,000 acres including a network of 42 nature preserves and one public garden across two states and 13 counties. These properties total 23,000 acres and include many of the most spectacular and diverse properties in the region, which are enjoyed by more than 300,000 visitors annually.

Natural Lands seeks to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our organization stronger. We aim to build a workplace where employees feel empowered to be their full, authentic selves. We welcome you to explore a career at Natural Lands.

Job Summary:

The Land Protection Project Manager will join the Natural Lands’ Land Protection team, which is engaged primarily in land and conservation easement acquisitions. The Land Protection Project Manager will work with land protection and planning staff, department leadership and other departments and will complete all, or portions of, each land protection project as assigned. This position will also work with and on behalf of municipal clients to assist in open space ballot referenda promotion and development, as well as in support of municipal open space priorities including both fee and easement acquisition. Additional duties include grant and report writing and compilation, GPS data collection, baseline development, and meeting logistics.

Qualifications:

Technical

  • Bachelor’s Degree in ecology/biology, planning/landscape architecture, or a related field, with five to seven years’ work experience in land conservation and/or planning, or a Master’s Degree with three years’ work experience;
  • Knowledge of land transactions;
  • Experience using Microsoft Office programs; and,
  • Additional skills desired, but not required:
    • Working knowledge of common mid-Atlantic plant assemblages.
    • Experience using ArcGIS Desktop and ArcGIS Online.
    • Field experience with GPS equipment.

Personal

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills;
  • Ability to successfully handle multiple projects simultaneously;
  • Good organizational skills and attention to detail;
  • Willingness and ability to assist and work with a wide variety of people;
  • Self-starter capable of working independently with minimal supervision;
  • A demonstrated enthusiastic and positive attitude; and,
  • A passion for land conservation and providing quality service.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

  • This is primarily an office-based position, requiring frequent sitting for long periods, with occasional periods of walking, standing, bending and reaching.
  • The position is hybrid with a minimum of two days a week in office. However, during training more in-office time may be necessary.
  • The position requires use of the computer and the telephone and handling large, printed materials.
  • The position occasionally requires work at outdoor sites and attendance at off-site meetings, including driving and walking and standing on uneven terrain.
  • This position requires a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.

Natural Lands is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. We aim to build a workplace where employees feel empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

How to Apply

Visit our website at https://natlands.org/everything-else/careers/job-openings/ and complete the online application process. Please address all applications to Kelsey L. Gvozdich, Esq., Human Resources Generalist.