Athens Conservancy is seeking applicants for a conservation specialist who will be responsible for contracted tasks related to land acquisition and monitoring for both conservation easement and fee simple properties. Interested parties should provide a letter of interest, resume, and list of three references by deadline of October 8, 2025.
Who We Are
Athens Conservancy protects about 6,200 acres of mostly forested land in the spectacular Appalachian foothills of southeastern Ohio, with more than 5,100 acres open to the public to explore. The local, nonprofit land trust maintains 13 miles of foot trails for hiking, birdwatching, exploring, attracting visitors, and boosting the local economy. Its 18 nature preserves, and 14 conservation easements are primarily in Athens County, Ohio. The Conservancy is directed by a volunteer working Board of Directors. Staff include a Land Steward (1/2 time) and Development Director (3/4 time).
Purpose
This contracted service position will provide support to implement the mission and vision of Athens Conservancy, with the goal of increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the land acquisition and monitoring program for conservation easements and fee simple properties. This individual will work closely with the Conservancy’s Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, landowners, and funding organizations. The individual must have excellent communication skills, a demonstrated commitment to conservation, and the ability to engage in strenuous activities over steep terrain. Demonstrated experience in land acquisition and monitoring, appraisal, valuation, and real estate transactions is desired.
Key Responsibilities
Direct conservation easement and fee simple land acquisition projects with staff, board members, volunteers, landowners, funders, partners, and contractors.
- Conservation Easements Properties
- Coordinate land and resource appraisals, title evaluations, and land surveys.
- Contract and/or develop biological and environmental baseline, title reviews, and other land assessments documents.
- Collaborate with staff, board members, and legal counsel to draft documents such as purchase and sale agreements, and conservation easements.
- Oversee the successful implementation of at least one conservation easement agreement annually.
- Fee Simple Properties
- Coordinate with staff and board members to determine the suitability and priority for land purchases.
- Coordinate land and resource appraisals, title reviews, and other land assessments documents.
- Collaborate with staff, board members, and legal counsel to draft documents related to grants and contracts, purchase and sale agreements, and deed conveyances and restrictions.
Develop annual monitoring program and direct annual monitoring activities for both conservation easements and fee simple properties.
- Develop an annual monitoring of conservation easements and fee simple properties with board members, staff, and volunteers.
- Engage with landowners, volunteers, and staff on site visits and assessing compliance with the terms of the conservation easement and assessing compliance with restrictions on the fee simple properties.
- Review monitoring reports and convey status to Stewardship Committee.
- Complete and submit annual monitoring reports which include a description of any potential encroachments, unauthorized activities, and compliance issues.
- Ensure encroachments and/or easement violations are identified and documented, and work with TERRAFIRMA, staff, board members, and legal counsel as needed to remediate problems.
Participate in Conservation Related Administration.
- Actively participate in all appropriate committee activities including experiential-based training of Board members, staff, and volunteers.
- Attend monthly board meetings.
- Report monthly in writing and verbally quarterly to the Board on activities and status of projects.
- Report monthly verbally to chairs of Stewardship, Land Acquisition and other relevant committees on any related activities and tasks.
- Provide hourly activity reports bi-weekly to the Treasurer.
Compensation:
The targeted hourly compensation for this service is $30-40/hour, depending on demonstrated experience and knowledge.
Job Type:
Personal Service Contract.
Extent of initial engagement depends on needs and expertise.
Contact Information:
Send cover letter, resume and list containing three references to info@athensconservancy.org
Deadline for submission Oct. 8, 2025.