Ozark Regional Land Trust (ORLT) is looking for a Conservation Project Manager who is passionate and experienced with land conservation, primarily negotiating, funding, and closing conservation real estate transactions. In addition, this position will oversee and be part of the Stewardship Program.
ABOUT OZARK REGIONAL LAND TRUST
The Ozark Regional Land Trust is a non-profit conservation land trust operating throughout the Ozark region, which includes portions of Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, and Oklahoma. ORLT’s mission is to empower people to protect the natural resources of the Ozarks forever.
This is accomplished through various methods, including conservation easements and nature preserves. As the first land trust in the Ozarks, founded in 1984, ORLT has protected more than 28,000 acres, including extensive hardwood forests, river frontage, caves, springs, working farmland, and urban green space.
ABOUT THE POSITION
This is a full time position overseeing two programs within ORLT. Primary responsibilities will be focused on the acquisition and conservation of properties (mostly through conservation easements) according to Land Trust Standards and Practices (S&Ps). Duties include staying abreast of current S&Ps pertaining to stewardship and land conservation, developing a land protection strategy to identify conservation priorities, developing partnerships and funding sources, engaging in initial discussions with landowners seeking to conserve their land, negotiating and closing real estate transactions, and fully documenting each project phase according to S&Ps. Documentation includes drafting project memos for each new acquisition, conservation easements, baseline reports, grant proposals and reports, policies, procedures, templates, informational letters to landowners, and lease agreements.
The remaining responsibilities will be to ensure the Stewardship Program is conducted according to S&Ps. This includes supervising the permanent full time Stewardship Specialist, whose primary responsibilities include monitoring more than 80 conservation easements and managing several fee simple nature preserves. The Conservation Project Manager will also draft letters and documentation for potential non-compliance issues of conservation easements.
The Conservation Project Manager reports to the Executive Director and works closely with the Land Conservation Board Committee and stewardship staff.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:
At least three years of relevant work experience, preferably working in a land trust environment
Demonstrated excellence in negotiating and closing complex conservation real estate deals
Demonstrated experience in achieving results through successful collaborations with multiple and diverse partners
A working knowledge of resource issues (related to water, forestry, agriculture, land use, flora and fauna, habitat restoration, outdoor recreation, etc.), nonprofit tax law, real estate law and practice, and how to read financial schedules and reports
Demonstrated excellence in securing funding from public agencies, foundations, and other philanthropic sources
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in developing and implementing conservation strategies
Knowledge of, and appreciation for, the Ozark landscape and culture
ArcGIS mapping experience
OTHER ATTRIBUTES WE ARE LOOKING FOR INCLUDE:
The ability to organize one’s work effectively, especially juggling and prioritizing multiple projects in various levels of completion
The ability to prepare and work within budgets
Excellent writing skills (letters to landowners, grant applications, reports to funders, etc.)
Proficiency with computer software, including Microsoft Office and ArcGIS
Ability to solve IT issues without in-house support
Willingness to work flexible hours including weekends and occasional evenings
Ability and skills to hike long distances in rural remote properties with rough terrain using GPS and maps, often alone
Flexibility to travel throughout the Ozarks, approx 2-3 times a month with some overnights required.
COMPENSATION:
ORLT offers competitive salaries and benefits. The salary for this position will be based on the selected candidate’s experience and the salary structure of the organization.
LOCATION: Throughout the Ozarks of Missouri and Arkansas. Preferably, this position will be located in the Columbia MO main office. A home office in mid-MO or other locations in the Ozarks will be considered.
TO APPLY: Please e-mail (1) a letter introducing yourself and (2) a copy of your resume to pahorner@orlt.org.
HIRING PROCESS: Opened until filled.