Conservation & Science Specialist

The Conservation & Science Specialist at Hill Country Conservancy in Austin, TX, supports land conservation and stewardship programs, including managing ecological assessments and monitoring conservation easements. Responsibilities involve building relationships with landowners, guiding best practices, and assisting with community engagement programs. The role also includes supporting strategic planning and compliance with Land Trust Alliance standards. This is a full-time position.
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