Forest Legacy Project Coordinator

Coordinates the Forest Legacy Program in Kansas, supporting conservation easement and fee-title acquisitions, land transactions, and outreach to private forest landowners while advancing voluntary forest conservation across the state.

  • 522131
  • Other, Kansas
  • Kansas Forest Service
  • Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Term)
  • Closing at: Sep 14 2026 - 23:55 CDT
  • Hybrid and/or Remote eligible
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About This Role

As the Forest Legacy Project Coordinator, you’ll play an important role in protecting and conserving privately owned forest lands across Kansas. You’ll work with landowners, conservation partners, and federal and state agencies to advance voluntary conservation projects through the Kansas Forest Service’s Forest Legacy Program.

In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to:
• Coordinate the acquisition of conservation easements and fee-title properties through the Forest Legacy Program.
• Develop and negotiate conservation easements, contracts, permits, and other land-use agreements.
• Review property appraisals, title information, and other documentation related to land transactions.
• Develop conservation easement documents, baseline documentation, maps, and project records.
• Build relationships with Kansas forest landowners and connect them with conservation programs and resources.
• Develop outreach materials and promote the Forest Legacy Program to landowners and partners.
• Coordinate field days, outreach events, and other opportunities to highlight successful conservation projects.

This is a unique opportunity to combine conservation, real estate, project coordination, and landowner outreach while helping shape the future of Kansas’s privately owned forests.

About Us

The Kansas Forest Service is the 5th-oldest state forestry agency in the country, established in 1887, and is housed within K-State Extension. Our work supports landowners and communities, helps prevent and respond to wildfires, promotes healthy and resilient forests, and connects Kansans with the knowledge and resources they need to care for the state's natural resources.

At the Kansas Forest Service, we value a welcoming, collaborative workplace where employees can build connections with colleagues across the state while doing meaningful work for the people of Kansas. We recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between work and life and encourage employees to make use of their accrued leave and other earned benefits. Because our employees work in communities across Kansas, we also prioritize time to work together, including twice-yearly in-person meetings, abundant professional development opportunities, and connection through activities such as our agency book club. Learn more about us at https://www.kansasforests.org/about/

Worksite Description

This position is Hybrid and/or Remote eligible.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Requires a high school diploma (or equivalent) and four years of relevant experience. Requirements may be met through a combination of work experience and education.
    Valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Natural Resources, or related academic field
    Bachelor’s degree in any field, or associate’s degree in business administration, communications, or paralegal
    Certified Paralegal, estate planning
    Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and to manage deadlines effectively
    Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly with documentation and recordkeeping
    5 years of experience working in real estate or conservation easements
    Strong communication skills, and ability to clearly explain policies, procedures and services related to the Forest Stewardship Program and Forest Legacy Program
    Ability to develop effective informational materials and plan, coordinate and deliver meetings, workshops and outreach events
    Professional knowledge and experience with U.S. Forest Service Cooperative Forestry Programs

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

  • Resume
  • Cover letter
  • Professional references

Application Window

Applications close on: September 14, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$50,000 - $60,000

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization: 

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Remote and Hybrid Work Options:

Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements.  An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.

Relocation to Kansas: 

Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating you can visit the site apply online for the program incentives. 

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

Interview Preference:

Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted will be granted a first-level interview.

The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.

*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.

To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.