Black Swamp Conservancy is a land trust dedicated to protecting natural areas and family farms to preserve the rural heritage, unique natural habitats, and lakes and streams of northwest Ohio. The Conservancy protects over 20,000 acres which include 153 perpetual conservation easements and 13 nature preserves.
The Conservancy is seeking a Conservation Easement Monitor & Organizational Administrator to assist in the annual monitoring of our conservation easements and to add needed capacity to the organization. The selected member will gain skills in leadership, land protection, conservation easement monitoring, landowner engagement, non-profit management, and more.
Schedule
The selected member will serve a total of 1,700 hours from August 25th 2025 through August 19th, 2026. The weekly schedule will usually be Monday through Friday, 8:00 – 4:00pm with some flexibility needed for evening or occasional weekend hours
Job Description & Duties
This member will join the Black Swamp Conservancy’s conservation team and will work closely with the Conservation Associate and the Executive Director. This position is a split position with 40% of the time spent serving as an easement monitor and the other 60% of the time as organizational support.
Expected duties include:
- Conduct annual monitoring site visits to conservation easements located across the service area. This includes visiting a variety of protected properties and ecosystems (agricultural, coastal marsh, wooded wetlands, etc.)
- Communicate with easement landowners regarding their conservation easements & best management practices
- Successfully utilize database management systems & software
- Assist in due diligent recordkeeping and filing systems to ensure proper Land Trust Alliance accreditation standards
- Assist with a variety of organizational administrative tasks including constituent research and organizational mailings.
- Assist with the preparation and distribution of Committee and Board agendas and packets.
- Support other Appalachian Ohio Restore Corps members and their programs.
- Complete monthly activity reports, required timesheets and periodic reports through OnCorps online system and email.
- Attend required AORC and BSC meetings and events.
- Support BSC events and outreach programs.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Curiosity and a love of the outdoors
- Ability to work independently and to collaborate as a team to accomplish tasks.
- Availability to serve flexible hours, including the occasional Saturday
- Valid Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record
Preferred Experience
- Familiarity with conservation easements
- Organizational and non-profit experience
- Familiarity with using GIS and GPS units
- Familiarity with databases
Physical Requirements
- Serve in an outdoor environment, including tolerance for heat, exposure to insects and thorns, and inclement weather.
- Occasionally lift and carry items up to 40lbs.
- Periodically stand and walk across rugged, uneven terrain, including farm fields, wetlands, wooded areas, etc.
Compensation
- 52 weeks total commitment
- $23,460 total stipend
- $7,395 Segal Education Award
- This award may be used to repay qualified student loans and to pay current education expenses at eligible institutions.
- $1,400 in mileage, training, and equipment
To Apply
Email your resume and cover letter to Conservation Associate, Ellie Schiappa, at ellie@blackswamp.org.
Applications due August 1st. Interviews will begin on a rolling basis.
Why Join Our Team?
Joining the Black Swamp Conservancy offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the conservation efforts of our region while gaining valuable skills and experiences.
As a member of our team, you will serve alongside passionate individuals dedicated to preserving our natural heritage. In addition to hands-on experience in land protection and non-profit management, you will also have the chance to participate in training and conferences to increase your knowledge and expand your career networking opportunities.
