Employment Type: Contractual Consultant
Length of Contract: 24 months
Reports To: Executive Director (Saratoga PLAN) and the Northern Program Director (OSI)
Location: Remote, with frequent travel within Saratoga County
Hours: minimum 25 hours per week
Pay: $70,000 over 2 years
Benefits: None

Summary of Services

The Open Space Institute and Saratoga PLAN are seeking a highly-skilled freelance Consultant who will be tasked with multiple project management and administrative responsibilities for land conservation and outdoor recreation initiatives within Saratoga County’s Southern Palmertown region. The Consultant will oversee implementation of the 2018 Southern Palmertown Conservation and Recreation Strategy, providing project management, public outreach, administrative, and other general support toward the achievement of the Strategy’s goals and recommendations for conservation, recreation, and sustainable economic development. The Conservation Coordinator will work closely with staff from Saratoga PLAN and the Open Space Institute to facilitate convening of multiple stakeholders, including the Southern Palmertown Guidance Committee, extended project partners groups, landowners, land trusts, municipal governments, public agencies, business owners, educational institutions, and community organizations. The Conservation Coordinator will set the stage for program success by:

  1. Crafting initiatives that prioritize and target the plan’s recommendations,
  2. Establishing a framework for building effective partnerships and providing outreach to implement the plan’s recommendations,
  3. Identifying and procuring resources to support the plan and its programs.

The ideal candidate will have strong project management and communication skills, have previous experience working on land conservation and/or trail planning projects, possess an intimate knowledge of the landscape and community, and will have enthusiasm for the vision and goals of the Southern Palmertown Conservation and Recreation Strategy.

Responsibilities

Project Management (60%)

  • Assist in the development of an implementation plan that targets the goals of the three program areas for the Southern Palmertown Range – Conservation, Recreation, and Sustainable Economic Development. Help identify opportunities for achieving program area recommendations in collaboration with local partners. The coordinator will be tasked with managing and coordinating all facets of the plan, including:
    • Prioritizing projects,
    • Establishing goals and benchmarks,
    • Identifying and coordinating project partners and what they can contribute, and
    • Monitoring and reporting project progress.
  • Assist in the procurement and administration of grants that fund conservation, recreation, and economic development activities.
  • Draft correspondence, memoranda, communications and publicity materials, and other complex documents; assist in the development of maps and GIS data as needed.
  • Serve as support to the Southern Palmertown Guidance Committee, which will include correspondence, public outreach, and organizing meetings on behalf of the committee.
  • Work with the Executive Director of Saratoga PLAN, OSI Northern Program Director, and other land trust staff to implement additional related tasks as requested.

Communications and Outreach (40%)

  • Build effective programs and strong partnerships with governmental and non-governmental partners to implement the recommendations of the Southern Palmertown Conservation and Recreational Strategy.
  • Create and deliver presentations for a variety of audiences, including local government, public agencies, community organizations, etc.
  • Participate in local committees and outreach activities related to land and environmental protection projects in the region.
  • Develop and manage content for social media and web-based communications.
  • Assist with development of a regional branding and marketing strategy.
  • Coordinate volunteers for projects as identified and needed.
Qualifications

Minimum

  • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in biology, ecology, natural resources or land management, environmental studies, planning, sustainable development, or related field and 2-5 years related work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience developing and managing projects and producing work plans with strategic goals/objectives and defined, measurable results.
  • Exceptional writing and content development skills with an ability to analyze and translate complex information into concise, tailored messages and stories utilizing a variety of communications platforms to reach multiple audiences
  • Ability to collaborate and work well with others, including local, state, and federal government agencies, non-profit organizations, businesses and corporations, academic institutions and universities, philanthropic organizations and potential funders, etc.
  • Self-starter with demonstrated experience managing complex projects, balancing multiple priorities independently, and achieving desired outcomes with moderate to minimal supervision.
  • Attention to detail and demonstrated organizational skills.
  • Demonstrated understanding of natural resource, regional planning, and conservation principles.

Desired

  • Master’s degree in planning, natural resources, land management, conservation, non-profit management, environmental science (or equivalent disciplines related to job functions), and 3-5 years of progressively responsible professional level planning and/or project management experience in the aforementioned fields.
  • Experience working in natural resource management, recreation planning, or land conservation in the Adirondack Park and/or Saratoga Region.
  • Demonstrated understanding of map generation and spatial data, including proficiency with GIS programs.
  • Aptitude for photography, videography, and social media.
  • Experience communicating effectively with a variety of stakeholders, including local landowners, public officials, funders, and volunteer groups.
Working Conditions
  • Job will require travel throughout North-Central Saratoga County to attend meetings and help manage projects. The applicant must have a valid driver’s license.
  • Job requires ownership of a reliable computer or laptop with standard publishing software (i.e. Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe products, etc.) and access to high-speed WIFI.
  • Job requires frequently working in front of computer in changing locations.
  • Job may require attendance at some evening and weekend meetings, programs, or events.
Physical Requirements
  • Frequently sits for long periods of time. Work can also require standing, walking, lifting, stooping, bending as necessary, as well as other active outdoor activities such as hiking and biking.
  • Frequent travel in Saratoga County and the Capital District, mostly same-day trips by car. Overnights are not anticipated.
  • Frequently speaks, reads, writes, and uses a computer keyboard.
Application Instructions

To respond to this request for contractual services, email a PDF resume and cover letter to Katie Petronis at kpetronis@osiny.org. All proposals must be submitted prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on 8/9/2019.

About the Open Space Institute and Saratoga PLAN:

The Open Space Institute, Inc. (OSI) protects scenic, natural and historic landscapes to ensure public enjoyment, conserve habitats, and sustain community character. OSI achieves its goals through land acquisition, conservation easements, loan and grant programs, creative partnerships, and analytical research.

Saratoga PLAN (preserving land and nature) is dedicated to preserving the rural character, natural habitats, and scenic beauty of Saratoga County so that these irreplaceable assets are accessible to all and survive for future generations. Saratoga PLAN helps communities create plans that balance growth with conservation to sustain the Saratoga Region as a great place to live, work, play, and farm.

The Open Space Institute and Saratoga PLAN are equal opportunity employers. Employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination due to race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, or any other protected class established by federal, state or local law.