Kenyon College is conducting a search for a qualified applicant to fill the position of Philander Chase Conservancy Project Coordinator. Reporting to the Director of the Philander Chase Conservancy (PCC), the PCC Project Coordinator assists the Director in implementing the College’s plan for the conservation and enhancement of the open spaces, scenic views and characteristic landscapes surrounding the College and the Village of Gambier. The Project Coordinator assists the PCC Director and Board of Directors in developing, refining and carrying out strategies for the conservation and monitoring/stewardship of the Conservancy’s protected properties, and also helps educate and build awareness of land conservation in the Kenyon community by collaborating with environmental programs and groups that exist at the College. The Project Coordinator leads the land trust’s accreditation/re-accreditation application processes and procedures and assists with the meetings and work of the Philander Chase Board of Directors. The Project Coordinator also has primary responsibility for the oversight and management of the PCC Student Interns.
Essential Functions
Land Conservation Tasks:
- Monitor existing easement and fee properties annually as assigned and maintain relationship with existing property owners.
- Work with the Director to conserve additional key properties as identified by the College and the Philander Chase Board of Directors.
- File necessary paperwork and applications for properties.
- Assist with all ODA Local Agricultural Easement Purchase Program applications from the beginning of the application process through to the easement closing date.
- Oversee the creation and execution of land management plans for fee properties owned by PCC
- Assist with the management of corporate and property records.
- Assist in building awareness of PCC through website development, Year in Review publication, newsletters and other media.
- Collaborate with city, county and state entities such as the County Commissioners, Owl Creek Conservancy, Park District, and Ohio Department of Agriculture, to strengthen the visual quality of the landscape surrounding the College.
- Serve on the Steering Committee of the Coalition of Ohio Land Trusts.
- Attend seminars/workshops on land conservation and management.
Educational:
- Assist in integrating the Conservancy into the educational mission of the College in collaboration with other environmental programs and groups at the College including the Brown Family Environmental Center, Kenyon Farm, Office of Community Partnerships and student and alumni environmental groups.
- Oversee and manage the work of the Conservancy’s student interns as well as student research projects for the environmental studies major and other majors/departments across the curriculum.
PCC Board of Directors:
- Assist the Director with the planning and execution of the three annual board meetings, monthly executive committee meetings and committee meetings as needed.
- Support the ongoing work of the committees of the Board as required.
Accreditation:
- Lead the accreditation/re-accreditation application process for the Conservancy and work with the Director and the Board to ensure compliance with the accreditation standards.
Kokosing Nature Preserve:
- When needed, provide assistance and support to the Green Burial Coordinator for services and burials at Kokosing Nature Preserve (KNP).
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
Ability and willingness to engage in outdoor activity and , carry equipment and serve as a pallbearer when necessary, endure outdoor conditions including cold and wet winter weather and extreme heat with or without accommodation for up to two hours at a time.
Ability to maintain composure in challenging situations.
Supervisory Responsibilities
The Project Coordinator will oversee and manage the work of the Conservancy’s student interns.
Working Conditions:
Work is generally performed in the office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment. The ability to engage in outdoor activity, occasionally walk challenging terrain, lift items weighing 30 pounds or less and move tables and chairs when necessary for events is required. The ability to obtain College driver certification is required. The employee will be dependable, flexible, and occasionally work a varying schedule that may include evenings, weekends or college breaks. Willingness to be “on call” for KNP burial service assistance.
Minimum Qualifications:
Conservation knowledge and experience required. Land conservation experience preferred, particularly with land and easement purchases, stewardship, funding sources and monitoring requirements;
Strong project management skills, including but not limited to problem-solving, time management, critical thinking and organization skills;
Well-developed interpersonal skills; superb oral and written communication skills, able to present ideas clearly and persuasively; capable of developing credibility with both the academic community and local farmers;
Superb attention to detail;
Self-starter with an ability to create and maintain collaborations and the ability to work independently and as part of a small team; someone who is trustworthy with strong follow-up; capable of balancing individual, campus and regional priorities with grace and clarity;
Experience engaging with educational and academic expertise to collaboratively shape learning opportunities for students; Working knowledge of ArcGIS and previous use of a GPS unit preferred; BS/BA degree required.
Compensation and Benefits
Salaries at Kenyon are competitive and commensurate with experience. In addition to an attractive salary, Kenyon offers benefits for employees and their family members. Children of employees are eligible for 100% tuition waivers at Kenyon, and through the Great Lakes Colleges Association, children of employees are eligible for 90% tuition waivers at eighteen other of the nation's finest liberal arts colleges.
We also offer health, dental and vision insurance, TIAA retirement, and many other benefits, including provisions for a spouse, families, and domestic partners. Details about benefits as well as conditions of employment are described more fully in our Staff Handbook.
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Kenyon College is an equal opportunity employer and applications from members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged. It is the College's policy to evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical and/or mental disability, age, religion, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by institutional policy or state, local, or federal law. Kenyon College has a strong commitment to supporting diversity, equity and inclusion. Please visit our Diversity at Kenyon website.