Aiken Land Conservancy Conservation Coordinator

Application Instructions: Please email a cover letter, resume, and three (3) references in one PDF addressed to careers@lowcountrylandtrust.org by January 9, 2026. POSITION SUMMARY The Stewardship Associate II is a self-starter on the Conservation team, working to conserve and protect the Lowcountry of South Carolina. The work environment is dynamic and fast-paced, with a significant number of concurrent projects underway at all times. The Stewardship Associate II works in close partnership with the Stewardship Program Director and other Conservation staff to ensure all stewardship responsibilities on privately protected land and fee simple properties are met with the highest level of professionalism. RESPONSIBILITIES Monitor and steward a portfolio of protected land interests annually, developing landowner relationships, completing required annual monitoring reports thoroughly and timely, and providing prompt feedback to landowners and Stewardship staff. Property management and stewardship of fee simple properties, including two (2) current lessee-occupied working farms. Seasonal supervisor and mentor responsibilities for stewardship college intern(s). Respond to landowner and lessee inquiries and requests in a timely manner and in collaboration with the Stewardship Program Director. Assist the Stewardship Program Director and General Counsel in effectively and efficiently resolving emergent issues and potential or actual violations on protected properties, in accordance with accepted policies and procedures, and employing high sensitivity and professionalism. Oversee a subset of issues to resolution, including legal compliance, easement interpretations, and requests for amendments or discretionary consent. Maintain up-to-date records on activities occurring on protected lands, including documenting and detailing emails, meetings, phone calls, etc. Engage and educate landowners on stewardship and conservation opportunities, including land or resource management. Pursue continuing education and professional certifications as appropriate and/or as directed by the supervisor. Assist Conservation staff on special projects or project development as assigned by the supervisor. Work with staff on, and actively contribute to, achieving the strategic goals of the organization. Other Duties as Required: The above statements describe the general nature and level of work an employee assigned to this position performs. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. All staff members may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time. Onboarding is in-person, and employees meet in person at least once per month for a staff meeting and occasionally throughout the year for staff group events. QUALIFICATIONS Required: Bachelor’s degree with experience in environmental or land conservation, resource management, or similar fields. Minimum of two (2) years of work experience preferred. Property or land management experience, with agricultural or farm experience preferred. Physical ability to travel to remote and undeveloped properties, hike/walk or otherwise travel in a variety of environmental conditions, and be outdoors for considerable periods of time. Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and regular access to reliable transportation. Ability to interpret and comprehend legal and technical documents. Demonstrated organizational skills managing multiple projects with the ability to move quickly from one to another while maintaining thorough records. Detail and goal-oriented, with the ability to exercise independent judgment in completing tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to confront challenges with utmost sensitivity and professionalism.. Familiarity with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and other business software; experience with conservation databases such as Landscape and Lens a plus. Positive attitude and willingness to accept a challenge. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and partners. Physical ability to sit at a desk with a computer or in meetings for long periods. Lowcountry Land Trust is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity, and to comply with all federal, state, and local laws that apply to equal employment. It is our policy to recruit, hire, train, and promote individuals, as well as administer any and all personnel actions, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, civil union status, domestic partnership status, affectional or sexual orientation or identity, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, marital status, status as a disabled or Vietnam era veteran, service in the federal or state military, union affiliation, pregnancy or breastfeeding, medical or genetic information, atypical hereditary cellular blood trait, refusal to submit to a genetic test or make test results available to the Company, or status as a qualified individual with a disability, in accordance with applicable laws. The Land Trust also complies with the South Carolina Pregnancy Accommodation Act. Benefits Summary Insurance Health Insurance CoPay Plan with FSA (Flexible Spending Account) option Employee premium covered 90% by employer HDHP (High Deductible) Plans with HSA (Health Savings Account) option All medical costs are paid out of pocket until the deductible is met Employee premium covered 100% by employer Includes Employer HSA contribution Dental Insurance – Employee premium covered 100% by employer Group Life Insurance with AD&D ($25,000) – Employee premium covered 100% by employer Disability - Employee premium covered 100% by employer Optional benefits available – Paid by Employee: Health FSA & Dependent Care FSA HSA Accident Insurance Critical Illness Coverage Vision Care Voluntary Life Insurance Financial & Retirement 403(b) Eligibility: Age 21 and works at least 83 1/3 hours per month Immediate eligibility Up to 6% match after 6 months of employment Family & Parenting Family & Medical Leave Hybrid Work Environment (in-office/from home) Flexible Hours Paid Time Off Self-managed PTO 11 Paid Holidays Flexible Summer Schedule Read more.

Application Instructions: Please email a cover letter, resume, and three (3) references in one PDF addressed to careers@lowcountrylandtrust.org by January 9, 2026. POSITION SUMMARY The Stewardship Associate II is a self-starter on the Conservation team, working to conserve and protect the Lowcountry of South Carolina. The work environment is dynamic and fast-paced, with a significant number of concurrent projects underway at all times. The Stewardship Associate II works in close partnership with the Stewardship Program Director and other Conservation staff to ensure all stewardship responsibilities on privately protected land and fee simple properties are met with the highest level of professionalism. RESPONSIBILITIES Monitor and steward a portfolio of protected land interests annually, developing landowner relationships, completing required annual monitoring reports thoroughly and timely, and providing prompt feedback to landowners and Stewardship staff. Property management and stewardship of fee simple properties, including two (2) current lessee-occupied working farms. Seasonal supervisor and mentor responsibilities for stewardship college intern(s). Respond to landowner and lessee inquiries and requests in a timely manner and in collaboration with the Stewardship Program Director. Assist the Stewardship Program Director and General Counsel in effectively and efficiently resolving emergent issues and potential or actual violations on protected properties, in accordance with accepted policies and procedures, and employing high sensitivity and professionalism. Oversee a subset of issues to resolution, including legal compliance, easement interpretations, and requests for amendments or discretionary consent. Maintain up-to-date records on activities occurring on protected lands, including documenting and detailing emails, meetings, phone calls, etc. Engage and educate landowners on stewardship and conservation opportunities, including land or resource management. Pursue continuing education and professional certifications as appropriate and/or as directed by the supervisor. Assist Conservation staff on special projects or project development as assigned by the supervisor. Work with staff on, and actively contribute to, achieving the strategic goals of the organization. Other Duties as Required: The above statements describe the general nature and level of work an employee assigned to this position performs. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. All staff members may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time. Onboarding is in-person, and employees meet in person at least once per month for a staff meeting and occasionally throughout the year for staff group events. QUALIFICATIONS Required: Bachelor’s degree with experience in environmental or land conservation, resource management, or similar fields. Minimum of two (2) years of work experience preferred. Property or land management experience, with agricultural or farm experience preferred. Physical ability to travel to remote and undeveloped properties, hike/walk or otherwise travel in a variety of environmental conditions, and be outdoors for considerable periods of time. Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and regular access to reliable transportation. Ability to interpret and comprehend legal and technical documents. Demonstrated organizational skills managing multiple projects with the ability to move quickly from one to another while maintaining thorough records. Detail and goal-oriented, with the ability to exercise independent judgment in completing tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to confront challenges with utmost sensitivity and professionalism.. Familiarity with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and other business software; experience with conservation databases such as Landscape and Lens a plus. Positive attitude and willingness to accept a challenge. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and partners. Physical ability to sit at a desk with a computer or in meetings for long periods. Lowcountry Land Trust is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity, and to comply with all federal, state, and local laws that apply to equal employment. It is our policy to recruit, hire, train, and promote individuals, as well as administer any and all personnel actions, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, civil union status, domestic partnership status, affectional or sexual orientation or identity, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, marital status, status as a disabled or Vietnam era veteran, service in the federal or state military, union affiliation, pregnancy or breastfeeding, medical or genetic information, atypical hereditary cellular blood trait, refusal to submit to a genetic test or make test results available to the Company, or status as a qualified individual with a disability, in accordance with applicable laws. The Land Trust also complies with the South Carolina Pregnancy Accommodation Act. Benefits Summary Insurance Health Insurance CoPay Plan with FSA (Flexible Spending Account) option Employee premium covered 90% by employer HDHP (High Deductible) Plans with HSA (Health Savings Account) option All medical costs are paid out of pocket until the deductible is met Employee premium covered 100% by employer Includes Employer HSA contribution Dental Insurance – Employee premium covered 100% by employer Group Life Insurance with AD&D ($25,000) – Employee premium covered 100% by employer Disability - Employee premium covered 100% by employer Optional benefits available – Paid by Employee: Health FSA & Dependent Care FSA HSA Accident Insurance Critical Illness Coverage Vision Care Voluntary Life Insurance Financial & Retirement 403(b) Eligibility: Age 21 and works at least 83 1/3 hours per month Immediate eligibility Up to 6% match after 6 months of employment Family & Parenting Family & Medical Leave Hybrid Work Environment (in-office/from home) Flexible Hours Paid Time Off Self-managed PTO 11 Paid Holidays Flexible Summer Schedule

Lowcountry Land Trust proudly introduces Emelyn Talento, Land Trust Alliance Fellow and Community Lands Associate. Emelyn joins the Lowcountry Land Trust team thanks to a year-long fellowship through the Land Trust Alliance’s 2025 Scholars for Conservation Leadership Program. Read more.

The Open Space Institute (OSI) and Berkeley County have completed a significant conservation feat: the acquisition of Blessing Plantation in Huger, South Carolina. Set in the heart of the Cooper River Historic District, the nearly 630-acre property will ultimately become a new county park— offering long-desired public access to fishing and kayaking, and offering a one-of-a-kind public recreation experience on a former colonial-era rice plantation. Read more.

Lowcountry Land Trust is proud to announce the permanent protection of a 37-acre property on Johns Island that the same family has stewarded for more than 115 years. The conservation of this beloved land not only preserves vital agricultural soils, forested wetlands, and wildlife habitat but also honors the island’s deep-rooted rural character, reinforcing Charleston County’s Urban Growth Boundary and helping to manage growth and resiliency in the region. Read more.

I. POSITION SUMMARY The Stewardship Manager plays an integral role in Upstate Forever’s Land Conservation program, the goal of which is to work with landowners and partners using a variety of conservation tools to permanently protect rivers and streams, natural and scenic areas, farmland, and wildlife habitat. This full-time position reports to the Director of Stewardship and Land Management and helps fulfill stewardship duties that ensure the conservation values for all protected properties are preserved. This position can be based out of Upstate Forever’s Greenville or Spartanburg office, however, travel throughout the ten-county Upstate SC region will be necessary. II. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES A. Conservation Easement Stewardship – Assist the Director of Stewardship and Land Management to ensure that all conservation easements (voluntary legal agreements that permanently limit uses of land to protect conservation values) are upheld by accomplishing the following tasks in close coordination with all Stewardship Staff: 1. Conduct annual monitoring visits, either on foot or remotely, to conservation easement properties within the ten counties of the Upstate region. 2. Prepare accurate and thorough monitoring reports using our web-based conservation software programs: Landscape and Lens. 3. Address landowner questions, reserved rights requests, submitted plans, and potential violations in a timely manner and in accordance with Upstate Forever policies. 4. Prevent violations by implementing landowner education strategies and building relationships with landowners. 5. Investigate and document potential easement violations and provide potential courses of action to Director of Stewardship and Land Management for consideration. 6. Conduct enforcement activities for violations, including investigation, making insurance claims, and tracking and reporting on ongoing litigation as needed. 7. Maintain professional and complete records in compliance with Land Trust Standards and Practices and Upstate Forever policies, documenting all activities on protected properties and all relevant correspondence with landowners. B. Stewardship Administration - Assist the Director of Stewardship and Land Management in administration of conservation easement stewardship. 1. Provide training and guidance to the Land Stewardship Specialist on responses to landowner rights requests, violation responses, and property transfer processes. 2. Assists Director of Stewardship and Land Management in creation of annual workplans and goal setting. 3. Manage the annual process of archiving documents in the offsite storage, including all permanent documentation of annual site visits, property transfers, reserved rights requests, violations, and ongoing litigation. 4. Manage administrative duties associated with conservation easement defense insurance. Submit, maintain, and track claims for conservation easement defense, provide quarterly updates to internal stakeholders, and prepare the annual application for insurance. 5. Streamline and refine stewardship processes across platforms with guidance from Director of Stewardship and Land Management. C. New Conservation Easement Transitioning – Handle all aspects of transitioning a new easement property from Outreach to Stewardship. 1. Send a stewardship welcome letter/packet to new easement landowners. 2. Create a reserved rights summary for each new easement property. 3. Meet with the landowner before or at the time of the first site visit. 4. Add new properties to the monitoring schedule, insurance application, and offsite storage spreadsheet. D. Property Transfers - Monitor property transfers and ensure easement terms are followed. 1. Assist landowners by communicating with potential buyers about the easement and its terms. 2. Manage property listings on Upstate Forever website. E. Communicate with landowner, agent, and/or closing attorney to ensure that easement terms are followed for lease or sale of the property. F. Outreach/Education – Maintain and strengthen relationships with current and potential easement landowners and the public. 1. Assist landowners with third-party problems affecting the easement property. 2. Manage volunteer communications and recordkeeping for the Stewardship program. 3. Assist the Director of Stewardship and Land Management with the planning and coordination of volunteer workdays. 4. Attend volunteer workdays. 5. Assist with publications or programs for easement landowners, such as the Steward newsletter. 6. Attend initial site visits with Outreach Staff to make strengthened connections with potential landowners. G. Land Trust Accreditation, Standards and Practices – Assist Director of Stewardship and Land Management in upholding the Accredited status of Upstate Forever’s Land Conservation program according to the Land Trust Alliance Land Trust Standards and Practices. H. Other Responsibilities – Perform additional work assigned by the Director of Land Stewardship and Land Management. Attend Upstate Forever events such as Land Trust Days, the Forever Green Luncheon, Annual Meeting, and Wyche Society Receptions. III. Essential Qualifications A. Experience – Four to five years of experience in a relevant field. Clear understanding of conservation easement stewardship. B. Organizational Skills – Strong organizational and time management skills. Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple unique tasks with a strong attention to detail. C. Technical Skills – Proficiency with general office and computer skills (including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat). Working knowledge of or willingness to build familiarity with ArcGIS, and database software. Ability to quickly adopt and use new software and hardware tools as necessary. Demonstrates initiative to pursue training on topics that would advance the department. D. People Skills – Demonstrated ability to interact with individuals from different backgrounds, ages, and socio-economic levels in a manner that positively reflects the values of Upstate Forever; builds rapport well; shows respect for team members and an ability to foster and maintain an enjoyable, rewarding, and productive workplace. E. Communication & Feedback – Strong speaking, writing, and listening skills; able to effectively communicate Upstate Forever’s position with landowners and solve disputes while maintaining positive relationships; willingness to receive and apply constructive feedback. F. Self-Motivated and Problem Solver – Comfortable working independently on multiple projects simultaneously, ability to independently problem solve and a commitment to accuracy and integrity in all aspects of the job. G. Travel – Capable of independent travel around Upstate Forever’s ten-county region. Weekend work is needed on rare occasions, and overnight travel is limited primarily to conferences and professional development opportunities. H. Physical Mobility – Capable of lifting and carrying up to 20 lbs while traversing difficult terrain, including but not limited to steep, mountainous, forested, rocky, uneven, densely vegetated, trail-less, and/or marshy conditions, as well as stream and shallow river crossings, during various weather conditions. IV. Preferred Qualifications Any experience with a land trust program; familiarity with project management; real property legal knowledge, experience with nonprofit organizations and working knowledge of Upstate SC ecology, history, and issues. Applicants that possess the Essential Qualifications above but do not have the Preferred Qualifications should not be discouraged from applying as this scenario will not disqualify applicants from consideration for this position. V. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS • $58,000 starting salary – negotiable depending on experience. • Benefits include health and dental insurance, paid time off/paid holidays, and a 401K with employer contribution. • Flexible workplace and scheduling (in accordance with company policy – the normal expectation is that staff are available during the standard workday for meetings and responses to time-sensitive requests). • Civic Days (up to 16 paid hours per year for civic and/or community service). To apply, upload a cover letter and resume to the Bamboo Platform here: https://upstateforever.bamboohr.com/careers/31?source=aWQ9Mjc%3D by 5:00 p.m. on November 21. No phone calls, please. A limited number of candidates will be interviewed, tentatively scheduled to take place in early December. A hiring decision is anticipated in late December to accommodate a desired start date by January 5. Remote work policy: Subject to coordination with and approval by supervisor, an employee may regularly work remotely up to four days per week and is required to work from the office one day per week, in addition to attending necessary internal and external in-person meetings. When working remotely, employees must clearly communicate their availability and means of being contacted. Likewise, employees must be reasonably accessible and responsive to internal and external communication. Employees are responsible for their own phone and internet expenses enabling remote work. DEI Commitment: Upstate Forever is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are taking deliberate steps to build authentic community partnerships and cultivate new leaders at all levels of our organization – from our membership to our staff to our board – to ensure that we better represent the community we serve. Upstate Forever is an equal opportunity employer. Upstate Forever is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects the critical lands, waters, and unique character of Upstate South Carolina.

The 302-acre Korn Tract will soon be added to the 1,700-acre Aiken Gopher Tortoise Heritage Preserve. Aiken Land Conservancy purchased this property to protect the many rare species that call it home, and will soon transfer ownership to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Read more.

Lowcountry Land Trust is proud to announce the acquisition of the 266-acre Knight Tract in Dorchester County. This project represents a significant step toward achieving a long-held conservation goal: connecting the 13,000+ acres of protected land at Norfolk Southern’s Brosnan Forest and the more than 12,300 contiguous protected acres within and surrounding Audubon South Carolina’s Beidler Forest. R ead more.

Lowcountry Land Trust proudly introduces Emelyn Talento, Land Trust Alliance Fellow and Community Lands Associate. Emelyn joins the Lowcountry Land Trust team thanks to a year-long fellowship through the Land Trust Alliance’s 2025 Scholars for Conservation Leadership Program. Read more.