Conservation Program Manager
Previous experience in performing new conservation easement transactions for land trusts, or similar transactions, is an essential qualification for this position. Overseeing and reviewing stewardship and monitoring performed by other staff is highly desirable.
OLT is a nationally accredited, nonprofit land trust in continuous operation since 1984. Weoperate throughout the Ozark region, primarily in Arkansas and Missouri, and currently permanently protect over 31,000 acres of forests, farms, ranches, open space, community spaces, watersheds and more. We have been in continuous operation since 1984.
Approximately 70 percent of the position will comprise project management for new transactions, primarily conservation easements. This will include: landowner relations, from initial consultations through transaction completion; preparation of landowner agreements; due diligence, including coordination on title, appraisal and other required elements of the transaction; collaboration with OLT outside counsel on creation and/or review of conservation easements; preparation of and/or supervision of preparation of baseline documentation reports; presentation to OLT committee and board for initial and final approval; and managing any third-party grants and funds associated with projects.
Approximately 15 percent will comprise oversight of OLT’s stewardship staff and practices to ensure compliance with OLT policies and procedures and to oversee responses to easement violations and other land-related issues.
Approximately 15 percent will comprise administrative and outreach work for OLT, including serving as the primary staff liaison to the Board’s land conservation committee; participation in OLT outreach events and activities to the public and prospective landowners. The position will also prepare the draft conservation budget for the Executive Director’s review each year.
OLT is seeking a candidate with a minimum 7 years of experience in the land trust sector with emphasis on new projects, primarily conservation easement transactions. A knowledge of Land Trust Alliance and Accreditation Commission Standards and Practices is a strong plus. Understanding of funding sources and programs for conservation easements is helpful.
A college degree is strongly recommended. Helpful backgrounds and/or education include natural resources or ecology; land protection and restoration; and mapping/planning, with knowledge of and practice in GIS.
Useful skills and experience include, but are not limited to:
- Using and managing GIS software and associated databases
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite
- Using Handheld GPS devices
- Reading, mapping and interpreting surveys and real property legal descriptions a plus, along with other real estate related background.
- Extensive knowledge of conservation easements, including at least a basic understanding of federal tax issues relating to them.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, particularly with landowners, agencies and funders.
- Preparation of baseline documentation reports for conservation easements.
This position would be a virtual, home-based position, but as noted, subject to travel for conservation-related work, and for organizational meetings and events. Much of the travel is likely to comprise single-day trips but overnight trips will occur as well, and length of trips will depend on both location of projects and where in the Ozarks geography the successful candidate lives.
The successful candidate should live in, or be willing to relocate to, the Missouri portion of the Ozarks. This requirement can be phased in over time.
Office equipment and materials are provided as needed. While OLT provides rental cars for much of its travel, there may be a need for use of a personal vehicle from time to time.
Lifting of items may be a requirement for this position, as it may require carrying equipment or marketing materials to and from meetings and events. Accessing rugged terrain on foot is part of the position.
It is the policy of the Ozark Regional Land Trust to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, age, disability, religion, national origin, sexual or affectional preference, or marital/civil union status.
For more information about OLT, visit ozarklandtrust.org or our Facebook page. For more information about land trusts, visit landtrustalliance.org or missourilandtrusts.org