Land Protection Program Manager

Colorado West Land Trust • Montrose, CO

5d • $55,000 - $63,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Colorado West Land Trust (CWLT) is the leading Land Trust in Western Colorado, serving a seven-county region from Grand Junction south to Ouray and Gunnison west into Grand County, Utah. CWLT has conserved over 150,000 acres through more than 600 conservation agreements over its 40-year history. CWLT is a private, charitable non-profit organization, accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission and governed by an active Board of Directors. CWLT has offices in Grand Junction and Montrose, Colorado.

CWLT’s professional staff work together cooperatively to achieve CWLT’s mission: To protect and enhance agricultural land, wildlife habitat and scenic lands in western Colorado to benefit the community at large, enrich lives, provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, and ensure our connection to the land for generations to come. CWLT’s professional staff are flexible, solutions-oriented, collaborative workers who have a passion to fulfill the organization’s mission.

JOB SUMMARY
The Land Protection Program Manager advances the mission of Colorado West Land Trust by identifying, developing, and completing land protection projects that meet the goals and initiatives established by the Conservation Director and Conservation Plan. S/he will work closely with landowners, service providers, and funders and must be able to build and maintain friendly relationships, and professional and courteous communications with a diverse variety of constituents and stakeholders. The Land Protection Program Manger’s primary assignment is the Land Protection program, however s/he will also provide support in conservation easement monitoring and stewardship. This position requires technical knowledge and experience with conservation easements and land transactions; proficiency with ArcGIS, database applications, and Microsoft Office suite; the ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines; and effective relationship building skills. The Land Protection Program Manager is personable, detail oriented, and flexible with the ability to respond well to changing priorities.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in conservation, natural resources, range management, or a related field.
• 2-4 years’ experience is required in land conservation and real-estate transactions.
• Demonstrated ability in the interpersonal skills required to accomplish the duties listed in “Professionalism and teamwork” including communication, collaboration, problem solving, and time management.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, negotiate solutions, and find common ground with diverse constituencies.
• Willing and able to speak in public, experience in public speaking preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Power Point, Word, Publisher).
• Experience with database applications or a demonstrated proficiency in learning to use software.
• Experience with ArcGIS or similar mapping application.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive safely in urban, rural and some backcountry environments requiring 4-wheel drive.
• Personal qualities of integrity, reliability, and commitment to the mission.

Nice To Haves

• Grant writing and grant management experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Identify, recommend, and develop new land protection opportunities and initiatives as outlined in the Conservation Plan.
• Work with landowners to complete conservation agreements. Work with CWLT legal counsel to draft conservation easements and other due diligence to ensure they meet CWLT’s goals and Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices while meeting the needs of the individual landowners.
• Manage due diligence for easement and acquisition projects including oversight of landowner negotiation, title work, appraisals, environmental hazard assessments, baseline documentation, budget management, and required record keeping, from inception to completion.
• Take projects through the organizational pipeline including intake, timely follow up, tracking, prioritizing, and advancing projects to completion.
• Seek out, apply, implement, and report on land protection and transaction cost funding.
• In coordination with the Development team, plan outreach events and give presentations to provide information on conservation easements, the process, and conservation easement benefits to a wide range of audiences.
• Update LOCATE database with project information, status, and communications.
• Prepare and submit reports, and give presentations for the Lands Committee, CWLT Board, funders and partners.
• Manage GIS databases and GIS information storage. Produce maps, perform analysis, research and implement enhancements to functionality and efficiency.
• Provide training for staff on the use of GIS applications.
• Conduct and document annual monitoring of an assigned portfolio of conservation easement and fee properties in accordance with CWLT policies and Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with conservation easement landowners.
• Field landowner inquiries, passing questions to appropriate Conservation Team staff.
• Update LOCATE database with landowner changes, property changes, and relevant communications.
• Build and maintain positive collegial relationships within the Conservation Team and CWLT staff at large.
• Establish and sustain cordial, productive, and trustworthy relationships with landowners, funders, and external partners.
• Communicate professionally, courteously, and effectively with colleagues, board members, landowners, attorneys, service providers, funders, and other partners.
• Demonstrate problem solving skills. Proactively develop and recommend solutions as needed.
• Accept feedback in the spirit of growth and continuous improvement.
• Maintain productivity when working remotely and in an office setting.
• Participate in Conservation Program planning and team meetings.
• Provide logistical support for Lands Committee meetings including scheduling, materials coordination, and minutes.
• Assist the Conservation Director with the development of the Land Protection program annual budget.
• Attend Board meetings, events, and professional development opportunities as requested by the Conservation Director.
• Complete other duties as assigned by the Conservation Director.

Benefits

• employer paid health insurance
• short- and long-term disability
• life insurance
• employee assistance plan
• 15 days paid vacation
• 10 days paid sick time
• 11 paid holidays
• 403(b) retirement plan with company match after 1 year
• Additional employee paid supplementary insurance plans available: dental, vision, life, accident, critical illness, and hospitalization.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level