CHIEF OF LAND STEWARDSHIP AND CONSERVATION (Job ID 52664)

Location: Concord, NH | Full-time

About the Role

Serves as Chief of Land Stewardship and Conservation, overseeing and directing a broad portfolio of statewide programs that promote ecological health, support voluntary conservation on private lands, and strengthen partnerships with landowners, conservation organizations, and local stakeholders. Shapes and implements the agency’s vision for sustainable land management and long-term conservation stewardship across New Hampshire. Develops and executes a comprehensive stewardship and conservation strategy aligned with the agency’s mission and statewide priorities. Operates under the general administrative direction of the Executive Director, providing strategic leadership, coordination, and oversight across all conservation initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Leads large-scale land management initiatives requiring advanced multidisciplinary expertise, overseeing high-stakes problem solving with significant ecological and community impacts across private, state, tribal, and conservation lands.
• Develops and implements complex programs in habitat management, landowner outreach, conservation easements, working lands, and long-term stewardship, utilizing rapid analysis, decision-making, and managing large-scale accountability.
• Supports the expansion of hunting, fishing, trapping, and wildlife viewing access, balancing stakeholder interests through skilled negotiation and interpersonal techniques.
• Operates independently to set priorities and allocate resources efficiently within tight deadlines, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks, conservation agreements, and land standards.
• Represents the agency in interagency groups, policy forums, and public meetings, influencing policy and conservation strategies.
• Guides strategic planning by developing management plans, monitoring protocols, and restoration strategies with broad environmental impacts.
• Evaluates program performance using data and stakeholder feedback, identifying risks and opportunities related to climate resilience and resource protection.
• Provides expert guidance on conservation policy, land use planning, and resource stewardship.
• Leads policy development, fostering collaboration and managing controversial negotiations.
• Supervises and mentors staff to promote teamwork, accountability, and professional growth in fast-paced environments.
• Manages budgets, contracts, and grants for stewardship and conservation programs, ensuring strategic resource allocation aligned with departmental and federal standards.
• Oversees reporting, performance metrics, and communication efforts to leadership and the public to promote transparency and influence.
• Advises on private land access and conservation strategies, collaborating with state and federal agencies, consultants, and public groups.
• Utilizes advanced analytical techniques and strategic resource management to achieve sustainable land outcomes with significant environmental and social benefits.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 6.5 years of experience OR equivalent combination of 10.5 years of education and experience after completion of high school. Education and experience must be in wildlife, fisheries, natural resources, biological sciences, aquatic biology research, environmental science, or a related field, and include at least 4 years of program administration, program planning and evaluation, or management.
• Valid driver’s license and access to transportation.
• Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) must meet the minimum standards established by the agency.

Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience and/or each additional year of approved work experience may be substituted for one year of required formal education.

Candidates with an equivalent combination of 9.5+ years of relevant education and experience after completion of high school with 3+ years of program administration, program planning and evaluation, or management may be considered and hired in 'trainee status' for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive experience in wildlife management, stakeholder engagement, and federal and state conservation funding programs, including NRCS, VIP-HIP, Forest Legacy, and conservation easements.
• Deep understanding of land stewardship principles, coupled with the ability to build trust and foster productive relationships.
• Comprehensive knowledge of land use regulations and resource protection strategies.
• Proven ability to integrate science-based practices with collaborative, community-driven approaches.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and decision-making skills, with the capacity to navigate complex policy issues and provide clear, strategic recommendations.
• Previous supervisory experience.
• Effective communicator and strategic thinker, exemplifying a collaborative leadership style that promotes teamwork and shared goals.

Pay

$34.14/hour - $46.63/hour