Conservation and Science Specialist

The Conservation & Science Specialist at Hill Country Conservancy in Austin, TX, supports land conservation programs, manages ecological assessments, and assists with community engagement and stewardship of conservation easements. The role requires effective communication and project management skills, with some travel required. Candidates should have a degree in biology or geography and experience with GIS. The position offers a salary range of $60,000 – $70,000.
Hill Country Conservancy's Conservation & Science Specialist helps with implementation of HCC’s land conservation and stewardship programs, including supporting acquisition and stewardship of HCC's conservation easements.

Description

The Conservation & Science Specialist reports to the Director of Science & Stewardship. Primary job responsibilities for this position center on the following (may be modified to include additional duties as assigned):

Support acquisition and stewardship of HCC’s conservation easements
• Manage ecological assessment of prospective conservation projects, conducting ecological surveys and baseline reports, using Geographic Information Services (GIS) and Landscape land conservation software
• Assist with monitoring and stewardship of HCC’s conservation easements
• Build and maintain relationships with rural landowners and their advisors
• Provide guidance on conservation easements and stewardship best practices via workshops, presentations, etc.
• Support for various other efforts in furtherance of HCC's land and water conservation programs

Support Land & Water team in implementing HCC’s conservation strategy
• Support HCC’s strategic planning efforts and implementation of strategic plan and annual plans
• Assist Director of Science & Stewardship in ensuring compliance with Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices and accreditation requirements
• Participate in HCC’s organizational planning, budgeting and interdepartmental initiatives

Support HCC’s community engagement programs and assist with management of HCC’s public spaces
• Work with Director of Science & Stewardship in implementation of research partnerships, scientific observations and applied management programs on HCC public spaces (including nature preserves and trails)
• Work with Director of Science & Stewardship in the development and implementation of a Master Plan for all HCC public spaces
• Support HCC's Community Engagement staff as needed for scientific interpretation and guidance at volunteer days, field days, and education programs

This role will require a highly organized professional and effective communicator and collaborator who is accustomed to managing a wide variety of projects with numerous partners. Some travel to conservation properties and collaborative meetings, generally by your own vehicle and within three hours of Austin, will be required. Associated travel expenses will be reimbursed.

All Hill Country Conservancy staff adhere to all organizational policies and comply with recordkeeping protocols as directed by the Chief Conservation Officer and in compliance with Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices and accreditation requirements. All staff actively participate in HCC’s organizational planning, budgeting and inter-departmental initiatives, including in-person meetings generally taking place in Austin.

Preferred Skills and Experience:
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in biology, geography or a related field
• At least two semesters or one year’s experience using Geographic Information Services (GIS)
• Required: Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe and related technology

Compensation and Benefits:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $60,000 – $70,000 for annual base salary. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Benefits include the following.
• 100% employer-paid health insurance (for employee)
• Employer-paid long term disability insurance
• Employer 401(k) matching (3% of salary)
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Hybrid work option
• Monthly remote-work reimbursement (for phone and internet)

HCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
Salary
• $60,000 - $70,000 per year