Conservation Director

The Southern Oregon Land Conservancy, based in Ashland, Oregon, is dedicated to working cooperatively with landowners, partners and communities to permanently protect the working lands, water, wildlife, natural areas, and scenic vistas of the Rogue Basin.

Since 1978 the Southern Oregon Land Conservancy has focused on conservation easement acquisition and holds conservation easements on over 8,500 acres of private and public land. The Conservation Director will lead our land protection acquisition program and implement a new strategic Conservation Plan including all phases of real estate transactions to further the Land Conservancy's mission.

Position Overview:

The Conservation Director will develop and manage land acquisition projects through community collaboration using the Conservation Plan. This includes development of conservation strategies and landowner contacts, as well as easement and fee title negotiation and acquisition. The Conservation Director will be responsible for grant writing in support of conservation projects. As an ambassador for the Land Conservancy, the Conservation Director will promote and maintain positive associations with private landowners, public agencies, conservation organizations, local governments, foundations and private donors.

Responsibilities:

• Using a proactive approach, seek out new conservation projects and work with private landowners, community partners, federal, state, county, and local agencies, and other conservation groups to implement the Conservation Plan within the Land Conservancy's service area.
• Design and implement land protection strategies in line with the Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices and internal organizational policies
• Manage conservation easement and fee-simple acquisitions from start to finish, including identifying and viewing properties, contacting and negotiating with landowners, providing input on legal transaction documents to the staff attorney, reviewing title reports and documents drafted by other parties, and taking charge of interactions with landowners, their agents and advisors, title companies, surveyors, lenders, etc.
• Seek out and develop partners for land conservation projects.
• Keep abreast of tax and conservation laws.
• Develop proposals, budgets, grant funding applications, and reports
• Educate interested landowners, their professional advisors, watershed councils and partner groups about conservation options, both one-on-one and through public presentations.
• Contribute to outreach activities as needed by writing and/or editing newsletter articles and press releases about land protection projects.
• Assist with overall efforts to promote and sustain the organization including occasional work in support of membership outreach and fundraising.

Qualifications:

• 4 to 5 years experience in land conservation, including demonstrated experience negotiating agreements and managing complex projects from start to finish.
• Education in natural resources, ecology, or related field (Master's Degree preferred)
• Experience working with landowners, government agencies, community groups, and conservation partners to achieve objectives.
• Finely-tuned negotiation and collaboration skills
• Experience in developing and writing grants, budgets, and demonstrated success in receiving public and private funding
• Familiarity with local flora and fauna preferred
• Physical ability to hike rough terrain.
• Vehicle and valid driver's license.
• GPS, GIS mapping and analysis

Personal Qualities:

• Respectful listener
• Non-judgmental relationship builder
• Collaborative style that is able to bring parties with differing interests to a common outcome
• Self-directed, energetic and creative
• Integrity in business relationships and ethical decision-making
• Articulate and enthusiastic communicator, both verbally and in writing
• Strong organizational skills

Compensation: Competitive salary depending on experience and qualifications. Benefits include paid vacation, holidays, personal leave, and sick leave; retirement plan; a medical-benefits stipend; and training opportunities.

Deadline: 4/30

To Apply:

Please submit a cover letter, resume and references via email or by surface mail to Diane Garcia, PO Box 954, Ashland OR 97520