About Us
Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust is an accredited regional land trust serving 23 communities in North Central Massachusetts. Since 1986, we have worked to conserve and steward land with a deep commitment to collaboration and innovation. We are an equal opportunity employer and strive to be a diverse and inclusive organization.
Job Summary
The Senior Conservation Project Manager reports to the Conservation Director and is a key member of the Conservation Team. This role is focused on leading complex land protection projects—including fee acquisitions and conservation easements—from initial landowner engagement through closing. A central component of this role is building and maintaining relationships with deedholders, ensuring a high level of trust and partnership throughout the project process.
While this position does not supervise staff, the Senior Project Manager will mentor less experienced colleagues and contribute to grant writing and fundraising in support of conservation efforts.
Key Responsibilities
Project Management
Lead land protection projects in accordance with Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices
Coordinate due diligence activities including appraisals, title work, and environmental assessments
Prepare project budgets and maps; manage documentation and timelines
Negotiate terms with landowners and work with legal counsel to draft conservation restrictions and other legal documents
Work closely with the Stewardship Team to ensure a smooth project handoff post-acquisition
Partner & Community Engagement
Develop and steward strong, trust-based relationships with deedholders
Build and maintain connections with municipal boards, state agencies, Indigenous partners, land trusts, and other stakeholders
Collaborate with the Land Justice Team to ensure conservation efforts are aligned with equity and justice principles, and to build meaningful partnerships with Indigenous and historically marginalized communities
Represent Mount Grace at meetings, community events, and site visits with deedholders to discuss conservation opportunities and build relationships
Serve as a mentor and resource for junior conservation staff
Fundraising & Grant Management
Identify and pursue project funding opportunities
Write and manage grants in collaboration with the Development Team—including grants from Mass EEA (e.g., Conservation Partnership Grants, LAND, APR) and private foundations like Mass Audubon
Track project budgets, grant timelines, and reporting requirements
Qualifications
Required
3–5 years of experience in land conservation or related field
Bachelor's degree in natural resources, environmental science, land use planning, or related discipline
Demonstrated experience with conservation transactions and deedholder negotiation
Strong relationship-building and communication skills, especially with deedholders
Excellent organizational and time-management abilities
Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite
Preferred
Experience with conservation grant writing and reporting
Familiarity with ESRI products such as ArcMap, ArcPro, or ArcGIS Online
Experience using Landscape conservation software or similar land conservation databases
Knowledge of land conservation funding sources in Massachusetts
Other Requirements
Willingness to travel within our 23-town service area for project site visits
Occasional evening or weekend meetings or events
Interest in continued learning—Mount Grace supports professional development opportunities
Compensation & Benefits
Salary range: $60,000 – $75,000 per year, commensurate with experience
36-hour flexible work week
Five weeks of Paid Time Off
Hybrid work model with 2–3 days/week expected in the Athol office
Health insurance, Simple IRA retirement contribution, and sabbatical policy
To Apply
Please submit a resume and cover letter to wilson@mountgrace.org