HeadWaters Land Conservancy
Conservation Lands Specialist
HeadWaters Land Conservancy, Gaylord, Michigan, United States, 49735
Overview
Executive Director of HeadWaters Land Conservancy Position Title:
Conservation Lands Specialist Reports to:
Executive Director Salary Range:
$40,000 - $50,000 About HeadWaters Land Conservancy:
HeadWaters Land Conservancy (HWLC) protects the natural beauty and ecological integrity of northeastern Michigan. For over 30 years, we have worked with landowners, communities, and partners to conserve the forests, rivers, wetlands, and shorelines that define our region’s character. Today, HWLC safeguards more than 18,000 acres and 37 miles of shoreline across 11 counties, from the wild forests of Pigeon River Country to the Lake Huron coast. We are a growing nonprofit entering an exciting phase of expansion, advancing new land protection projects, investing in technology such as drone monitoring and GIS, and engaging the community through stewardship and education initiatives. Joining our team means helping to shape the future of conservation in northeastern Michigan. Why Work With Us:
HeadWaters is a small but mighty team of conservation professionals and volunteers who care deeply about our mission. We value creativity, integrity, and balance in our work and personal lives, whether that means taking time to explore the forests we protect, working remotely when appropriate, or brainstorming new conservation ideas around a campfire. You will join a team where your voice matters and your work directly impacts the landscapes and communities we serve. Position Summary
The Conservation Lands Specialist
is responsible for advancing HeadWaters Land Conservancy’s mission through the integration of land protection and stewardship activities. This position sources, structures, and closes land protection projects, including nature preserve acquisitions and conservation easements, while also overseeing the stewardship and long-term care of HWLC’s preserves and conservation easements. This position oversees the Conservation Easement Monitoring Program, develops and updates management plans for preserves, helps set annual stewardship priorities, and ensures compliance with legal and organizational standards. While much of the direct monitoring and on-the-ground work is carried out by volunteers, seasonal staff, and using drone technology, this position ensures that all activities are well-coordinated, documented, and aligned with HWLC’s conservation goals. Duties and Responsibilities
Land Protection Implement HWLC’s strategic land protection plan to identify and prioritize properties for protection Respond to inquiries from prospective landowners in a timely, respectful manner Conduct initial site visits and negotiate project details with landowners Prepare project funding estimates, maps, and baseline documentation reports Present potential projects to the Lands Committee Draft legal documents (conservation easements, purchase agreements, donation agreements, amendments, etc.) for review by legal counsel Ensure due diligence and closings comply with Michigan law and HWLC policies Stewardship & Monitoring Oversee the Conservation Easement Monitoring Program, ensuring annual monitoring is completed and documented Maintain HWLC’s ArcGIS database and monitoring records Coordinate volunteer land stewards and seasonal staff to conduct monitoring and stewardship activities, including use of drones for site documentation and monitoring Respond to conservation easement violations and enforce terms Write, review, and update management plans for all preserves Develop an annual stewardship plan for all preserves, including restoration priorities, invasive species management, and public access/recreation goals Provide resources and guidance to private landowners to encourage sound stewardship practices Community Engagement & Administration Plan and facilitate community education sessions, volunteer workdays, and landowner workshops Represent HWLC at community events, public meetings, and in partner collaborations Contribute content to HWLC’s newsletter, e-news, and website Assist in financing projects by identifying and securing grants; complete grant reports as required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in natural resources, ecology, land conservation, or related field. Experience with conservation easements, land management, or real estate transactions preferred. Familiarity with Michigan’s natural communities, native and invasive species, and ecological restoration practices. Proficiency in ArcGIS for creating and editing maps. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to coordinate volunteers and seasonal staff. Comfort with drone technology for monitoring and documentation. Capacity to manage multiple projects concurrently with attention to detail. Willingness to work outdoors in all seasons and conditions. Passion for land conservation and HWLC’s mission. Compensation & Benefits This is a full-time, exempt salaried position with a salary range of approximately $40,000 - $50,000 commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid holidays, paid vacation, sick leave, and Simple IRA retirement contributions. To Apply
Send cover letter, resume, and 3 references to HeadWaters Land Conservancy at land@headwatersconservancy.org by Friday, October 24, 2025. Additional Information: Anticipated Start Date:
Mid-November Location:
Our office is located in Gaylord, Michigan. HeadWaters Land Conservancy Gaylord, MI 49735 989-731-0573
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Executive Director of HeadWaters Land Conservancy Position Title:
Conservation Lands Specialist Reports to:
Executive Director Salary Range:
$40,000 - $50,000 About HeadWaters Land Conservancy:
HeadWaters Land Conservancy (HWLC) protects the natural beauty and ecological integrity of northeastern Michigan. For over 30 years, we have worked with landowners, communities, and partners to conserve the forests, rivers, wetlands, and shorelines that define our region’s character. Today, HWLC safeguards more than 18,000 acres and 37 miles of shoreline across 11 counties, from the wild forests of Pigeon River Country to the Lake Huron coast. We are a growing nonprofit entering an exciting phase of expansion, advancing new land protection projects, investing in technology such as drone monitoring and GIS, and engaging the community through stewardship and education initiatives. Joining our team means helping to shape the future of conservation in northeastern Michigan. Why Work With Us:
HeadWaters is a small but mighty team of conservation professionals and volunteers who care deeply about our mission. We value creativity, integrity, and balance in our work and personal lives, whether that means taking time to explore the forests we protect, working remotely when appropriate, or brainstorming new conservation ideas around a campfire. You will join a team where your voice matters and your work directly impacts the landscapes and communities we serve. Position Summary
The Conservation Lands Specialist
is responsible for advancing HeadWaters Land Conservancy’s mission through the integration of land protection and stewardship activities. This position sources, structures, and closes land protection projects, including nature preserve acquisitions and conservation easements, while also overseeing the stewardship and long-term care of HWLC’s preserves and conservation easements. This position oversees the Conservation Easement Monitoring Program, develops and updates management plans for preserves, helps set annual stewardship priorities, and ensures compliance with legal and organizational standards. While much of the direct monitoring and on-the-ground work is carried out by volunteers, seasonal staff, and using drone technology, this position ensures that all activities are well-coordinated, documented, and aligned with HWLC’s conservation goals. Duties and Responsibilities
Land Protection Implement HWLC’s strategic land protection plan to identify and prioritize properties for protection Respond to inquiries from prospective landowners in a timely, respectful manner Conduct initial site visits and negotiate project details with landowners Prepare project funding estimates, maps, and baseline documentation reports Present potential projects to the Lands Committee Draft legal documents (conservation easements, purchase agreements, donation agreements, amendments, etc.) for review by legal counsel Ensure due diligence and closings comply with Michigan law and HWLC policies Stewardship & Monitoring Oversee the Conservation Easement Monitoring Program, ensuring annual monitoring is completed and documented Maintain HWLC’s ArcGIS database and monitoring records Coordinate volunteer land stewards and seasonal staff to conduct monitoring and stewardship activities, including use of drones for site documentation and monitoring Respond to conservation easement violations and enforce terms Write, review, and update management plans for all preserves Develop an annual stewardship plan for all preserves, including restoration priorities, invasive species management, and public access/recreation goals Provide resources and guidance to private landowners to encourage sound stewardship practices Community Engagement & Administration Plan and facilitate community education sessions, volunteer workdays, and landowner workshops Represent HWLC at community events, public meetings, and in partner collaborations Contribute content to HWLC’s newsletter, e-news, and website Assist in financing projects by identifying and securing grants; complete grant reports as required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in natural resources, ecology, land conservation, or related field. Experience with conservation easements, land management, or real estate transactions preferred. Familiarity with Michigan’s natural communities, native and invasive species, and ecological restoration practices. Proficiency in ArcGIS for creating and editing maps. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to coordinate volunteers and seasonal staff. Comfort with drone technology for monitoring and documentation. Capacity to manage multiple projects concurrently with attention to detail. Willingness to work outdoors in all seasons and conditions. Passion for land conservation and HWLC’s mission. Compensation & Benefits This is a full-time, exempt salaried position with a salary range of approximately $40,000 - $50,000 commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid holidays, paid vacation, sick leave, and Simple IRA retirement contributions. To Apply
Send cover letter, resume, and 3 references to HeadWaters Land Conservancy at land@headwatersconservancy.org by Friday, October 24, 2025. Additional Information: Anticipated Start Date:
Mid-November Location:
Our office is located in Gaylord, Michigan. HeadWaters Land Conservancy Gaylord, MI 49735 989-731-0573
#J-18808-Ljbffr