Conservation Officer, Orange and Culpeper County

The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) is seeking to hire a conservation officer to conduct PEC's land conservation activities in Orange and Culpeper Counties, Virginia. PEC, founded in 1972, is based in Warrenton, Virginia and serves 9 counties in Virginia's northern Piedmont area. PEC now has more than 35 employees in 9 offices, and has been instrumental in the protection of over 349,000 acres.

Position Overview:

The Orange and Culpeper County Conservation Officer will develop conservation solutions for the protection of important resources in Orange and Culpeper Counties, Virginia. The Conservation Officer will work directly with landowners and farmers to promote the donation of conservation easements and to assist them in enrolling in county, state and federal conservation programs.

This position will also work to engage landowners in Orange and Culpeper Counties in good stewardship practices for agriculture and forestry. He or she will work to identify key at-risk properties and resources, and develop and implement land protection strategies using tool such as voluntary easement donation, PDR programs, and direct fee-simple purchases. The Orange and Culpeper County Conservation Officer will also work with the business and professional communities in their county to further the education of these critical landowner advisors.

He or she will also assist the Vice President for Conservation and Rural Programs with developing policies to guide PEC's conservation work and to improve local, state and federal incentives for land conservation. He or she will serve as the county-wide resource for PEC including updating PEC staff and Board members on conservation issues within the county.

In addition, the Conservation Officer will work with county and state governments to encourage involvement in conservation, and coordinate with other organizations, public and private, to promote conservation. The Conservation Officer will promote conservation in the community by organizing and/or attending meetings, local educational seminars for professionals and landowner easement parties. He or she will also work with PEC's Development staff to raise funds for PEC's work the county. He or she will report to the Vice President for Conservation and Rural Programs.

Qualifications:

• A B.A. or equivalent degree. Graduate degree in agriculture, forestry, natural resources, planning, law or related field preferred.
• At least 3 years experience in land conservation, agriculture, real estate, appraisals, historic preservation or land management is highly desired.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Experience in working with rural landowners and the farming community.
• Demonstrated commitment to land conservation.
• Experience using Arc GIS 9 or newer is preferred.
• Requires minimal supervision.
• Willing to work long hours, including some weekends and evenings.
• Willingness to live in Orange or Culpeper County is highly desirable.

Compensation: Salary commensurate with experience; competitive benefits.

To Apply:

Interested applicants should email, mail or fax a letter and resume.

Kristie Kendall, Land Conservation and Stewardship Coordinator
Piedmont Environmental Council
P.O. Box 460
Warrenton, VA 20188  

The Piedmont Environmental Council is an equal opportunity employer.