Conservation Program Manager

~ Wallowa Land Trust (WLT) is a nationally accredited nonprofit land trust based in Enterprise, Oregon with a mission to conserve the rural nature of the Wallowa Country by working cooperatively with private landowners, Indian tribes, local communities and governmental entities to conserve land. Since 2004 WLT has acquired land and conservation easements in the Wallowa Valley with a focus on working lands, habitat and community values. In addition, we are working with private landowners to secure a recreational trail on the East Moraine of Wallowa Lake. ~

Position Overview

The Conservation Program Manager will oversee and manage WLT’s land acquisition and stewardship projects. This includes: implementing WLT’s Conservation Plan; developing conservation strategies and landowner contacts; conservation easement and fee title negotiations, acquisitions, monitoring and stewardship; and fundraising to support conservation projects.

This fulltime position requires 40 hours per week with travel and occasional evening and weekend hours. The Conservation Program Manger reports to the Executive Director.

Key Responsibilities

The Conservation Program Manager works closely with the Executive Director, Lands Committee and Board of Directors on:

Land Acquisitions

• Implement strategic acquisitions of conservation easements and fee properties in accordance with WLT’s Strategic Plan and Conservation Plan.
• Prepare and implement property protection strategies through acquisition to annual stewardship; negotiate donations and purchase of conservation easements and fee lands with landowners; complete baseline documentation reports and conservation easements; oversee due diligence.
• Perform outreach with landowners, partners and stakeholders, governmental entities, civic groups and media; build partnerships that enable WLT to maximize its impact and leverage additional resources.

Stewardship

• Steward protected properties; prepare and implement management plans; coordinate annual monitoring visits with volunteer Land Stewards;
• Manage stewardship interns.

Fundraising & Outreach

• Assist Executive Director in fundraising and outreach activities for conservation projects.
• Participate in WLT outreach and fundraising events and other activities which contribute to the organization’s mission.

Administration & Organizational Support

• Implement WLT policies and procedures consistent with Land Trust Alliance’s Standards and Practices; assist with accreditation renewal.
• Stay abreast of conservation and stewardship issues in Oregon and nationally through training and actively engaging with the Coalition of Oregon Land Trusts and the Land Trust Alliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with relevant coursework.
• Minimum 3 years’ land trust or nonprofit experience in land conservation, real estate or related field.
• Experience with negotiation, relationship building and managing complex projects; working knowledge of land trusts, conservation transactions and stewardship preferred.
• Experience with Wallowa County’s landscapes and natural resources preferred.
• Excellent oral, written, listening and communication skills; ability to work with diverse constituents.
• Experience with project budgets, accounting and fundraising.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment, as well as to work independently to achieve organizational goals.
• Willingness and ability to travel and work a flexible schedule, including some weekends.
• Ability to traverse uneven terrain over long distances, in remote settings, and all times of the year.
• Willingness to take on work outside of immediate job description when in the best interest of WLT.
• Highly organized and self-directed, ability to manage multiple complex projects and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with PC computer systems, including Microsoft products and ESRI ArcMAP.

Compensation: Starting salary range is $33,000-$39,000 DOE. WLT provides a group health care plan, SIMPLE IRA, paid holiday, vacation and sick leave.

To Apply

• Click "Apply" below to email a cover letter, resume, and three professional references in one single PDF,  with “Conservation Program Manager” in the subject line.
• Position is open until filled.
• Position closes and first review of applications will begin on March 3.

~ Wallowa Land Trust is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or marital status. ~