POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: LAND PROTECTION MANAGER

 

Capitol Land Trust, established in 1987, conserves natural areas and working lands in south Puget Sound and the Chehalis River basin covering four Washington counties. Our commitment to collaboration means we work with diverse partners including natural resource industries, non-profit organizations, and federal, state, local, and tribal governments. Our 2020 Strategic Plan sets forth ambitious goals for protecting marine shorelines, rivers and their connected forests, rare prairie habitats, and working farms, forests, and ranches.  We are looking for an experienced conservation professional to help us meet the demands of our growing program.

 

Capitol Land Trust seeks a Land Protection Manager to work closely with the Conservation Director to identify and carry out new conservation easement and fee acquisition projects in Capitol Land Trust’s service area.  This position carries out all phases of land acquisition projects from initial outreach and landowner negotiation, grant writing and funding procurement, due diligence, supervision of contractors (attorneys, appraisers, surveyors), through developing baseline reports and management plans. The Land Protection Manager takes part in conservation planning and facilitates important communications, negotiations, and relationships, including partnerships in landscape-scale conservation, to further the interests and mission of the organization.  The Land Protection Manager may supervise other conservation staff members and oversee restoration projects on conserved lands.

 

 

 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBLITIES

 

  • Lead the identification, project development, funding, negotiation and closing of fee title and conservation easement transactions to further Capitol Land Trust’s Strategic Plan.
  • Identify appropriate funding sources, complete grant applications, and manage grant budgets and requirements.
  • Obtain and review appraisals, environmental assessments, surveys, and manage contractors providing such services.
  • With legal support, negotiate, draft, and review conservation easements, option agreements, purchase and sale agreements, title reports and closing documents.
  • Prepare baseline documentation and work with the Stewardship Coordinator to develop management plans for new acquisitions.
  • With the Conservation Director, set land acquisition goals and engage in large-scale campaigns or programs, such as the Sentinel Landscape Initiative and Puget Sound Action Agenda.
  • Participate in conservation visioning, strategic planning and budgeting.
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with a broad array of stakeholders, including conservation organizations, funding partners, tribal representatives, landowners, government agencies, community groups, local businesses and private partners, in order to identify and implement shared conservation priorities.
  • May supervise, train and/or mentor conservation staff.
  • May oversee habitat restoration projects carried out by the Restoration Coordinator and Stewardship Coordinator.

QUALIFICATIONS

 

  • Bachelor or graduate degree in conservation, law, biology, ecology, natural resource management, or related field.
  • At least five years experience in public or private land conservation (preferred), real estate, real estate law, natural resources management, or a related field.
  • A proven track record of successful land acquisition and restoration grant writing.
  • A thorough understanding of conservation planning, protection techniques, real estate transactions and land use principles.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational and negotiation skills, even under stressful circumstances.
  • Passion for natural resource conservation and a commitment to developing strong working relationships with landowners and conservation partners.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team to implement strategic program goals under pressure with time constraints.
  • Willingness to accept diverse interests and political beliefs while implementing a non-confrontational approach to conservation.
  • Strong computer competency including GIS and the Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Knowledge of ecological restoration techniques.

 

SALARY/BENEFITS:  Compensation is commensurate with experience, plus 100% employer provided health insurance, retirement contribution, and generous leave policy.

TO APPLY:  Qualified candidates should send a cover letter and resume, via e-mail, to info@capitollandtrust.org. Application Deadline: Open until filled, applications will be reviewed upon receipt.

Capitol Land Trust is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization accredited by the Land Trust Alliance. Our mission is to further collaborative and strategic conservation of southwest Washington’s natural areas and working lands.