Land Conservation Specialist – Portland, OR

Organization: East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District

Job Title: Land Conservation Specialist

Location: District Office in Portland, OR

Hours and Compensation: Averages 40 hour per week; flexible schedule DOE, salaried

Position Dates: Start ASAP, This is a temporary term position and is expected to end in 18- 24 months.

Application Deadline: Send in ASAP

Posted On: July 25th, 2012

Description

This is a term position intended to fully develop and launch the District’s Land Conservation programming. Responsibilities include working closely with the Board of Directors and the Executive Director to build an effective program, formulate or refine policies and procedures, ensure legal compliance, fiscal responsibility and appropriate risk management. It will be critical to fully understand the current state of legal protection for target properties and how to best effect additional permanent protections in keeping with the Board’s priorities.

This position is located at the office of East Multnomah SWCD at 5211 N. Williams Ave and reports to the Executive Director.

Responsibilities

1. PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

• Provide Board with information and recommendations regarding Land Conservation tools and options.
• Work with the Board and the ED to craft policies and procedures including prioritization and eligibility criteria for projects.
• Work with Board and staff to vet program with key partners and to market the program effectively.
• Keep abreast of programmatic and legal developments relevant to this work, inform the Board and ED as appropriate.
• Work with the Board and the ED to develop forms, templates and operating procedures to enable staff to implement the program once this position term is complete.
• Serve as primary point of contact regarding the District’s Land Conservation Work.
• Work with other staff to develop an outreach strategy including writing press releases.
• Work with partners in a variety of fields to ensure strong partnerships where appropriate and to facilitate broad support of the District’s Land Conservation Work.

2. TEAM MEMBER: Work with District staff and Board members. Ensure that work and communications with partners are coordinated with the work of other programs and the Executive Director.

3. NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY: Deliver services without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. Perform all job duties in a manner that consistently demonstrates fairness, cooperation, and respect toward co-workers, office visitors, landowners, and all others. Must be proficient in English (spoken and written) for communicating with landowners and staff. Demonstrate an awareness of EEO policies and responsibilities.

4. SAFETY POLICY: Perform all job duties in a safe manner with guidance from EMSWCD and NRCS regarding federal, state, and local laws pertinent to job safety. Participate in safety training and staff safety meetings as scheduled.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Desired

1. Knowledge of and experience with conservation easements.
2. Knowledge of and experience with PDR (purchase of development rights) programs.
3. Knowledge of Oregon Land Use Laws and how they operate in Multnomah County.
4. Experience with real estate transactions and negotiations.
5. Understanding of and experience with agricultural leases.
6. Knowledge and understanding of Oregon water rights law.
7. Ability to work with an elected Board of Directors and successfully navigate a political environment.
8. Ability to work effectively with a variety of people including Board, NRCS and District staff and diverse partner organizations.
9. Ability to ensure compliance with District policy, state, federal and local requirements.
10. Ability to develop outreach materials to inform a variety of audiences.
11. Must be proficient in English (oral and written) for communicating with District Board members, District staff, partner staff, and office callers and visitors.
12. Possession of written and oral communication skills sufficient to navigate and explain technical and legal matters, explain program to landowners and others, negotiate easements and agreements, and write progress reports to the District Board and other interested parties.
13. Possession of computer skills, including the ability to use Microsoft Word and Excel, GIS preferred.

Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree or higher in a field related to resource conservation, real estate or law.
2. Minimum three years relevant experience in program development or management at a land trust, government or similar organization engaged in land conservation.
3. Experience working with a Board of Directors.

Requirements
To perform the duties of this position, the Coordinator must serve as an incidental motor vehicle operator. This requires the operation of a motor vehicle on both public and private roads during daylight hours and occasionally after dark, including inclement weather. A valid driver’s license is required. The Coordinator must have access to his/her own vehicle and must maintain insurance to comply with Oregon law. Mileage will be reimbursed. The position requires travel throughout the Portland metropolitan area and may require out of area and/or out of state travel.

The position involves frequent travel to offices of partner organizations and agencies. If site visits are required to review grant applications or potential sites for conservation easements, the work may require walking long distances across sloped, uneven terrain, sometimes in inclement weather. The Coordinator will have an assigned desk, telephone, and computer at the District office. The District office is the primary work station for this position, and is a smoke-free and drug-free environment.Attendance at evening meetings is required. Occasional overnight travel to attend conferences and trainings may be required.

How to Apply