CONSERVATION PROJECT MANAGER

EMPLOYER: Bear River Land Conservancy

WORK LOCATION: Bear River Watershed (remote home office) 

COMPENSATION: $55,000 to $65,000 per year plus benefits 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until filled – Application reviews will begin December 9th, 2024

START DATE: To be determined with the successful candidate

BACKGROUND:

Bear River Land Conservancy is seeking a qualified Conservation Project Manager to advance conservation easements in the tri-state Bear River Watershed. 

Bear River Land Conservancy: Founded in 2011, Bear River Land Conservancy works with willing landowners to protect, connect, and enhance working lands, wildlife habitat, and community open space in northern Utah. We primarily serve the 3 counties of Cache, Rich, and Box Elder, but our partnerships and objectives extend to the whole Bear River Watershed. Since our founding, we have protected over 5,600 acres of working lands, wildlife habitat, and open space. Today, BRLC is currently pursuing multiple conservation easements in Cache and Rich Counties. We are seeking a knowledgeable and qualified candidate to develop and coordinate these critical conservation easement projects that permanently protect working lands, open space, and wildlife habitat.

Bear River Watershed Initiative: Bear River Land Conservancy, Sagebrush Steppe Land Trust, Intermountain West Joint Venture, and a suite of other state, federal, and private partners began the Bear River Watershed Initiative in 2019 with the overarching goal to increase the pace and scale of conservation on private lands throughout the watershed. A Bear River Watershed Conservation Coordinator position was hired in 2021 to lead this initiative, develop relationships among partners and stakeholders, and implement conservation projects in Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming. In the past two years, we have closed or assisted in closing 6 conservation easements protecting over 7,000 acres of important wildlife habitat and agricultural lands in Utah and Idaho with several more projects underway.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Conservation Project Manager is a mid-level position that plays an essential role in implementing conservation easement projects. The emphasis of this position will be to work with private landowners, funding entities, and other conservation partners to facilitate and complete conservation easement projects. The Conservation Project Manager will work closely with the Bear River Watershed Conservation Coordinator, staff from both Bear River Land Conservancy (BRLC) and Sagebrush Steppe Land Trust (SSLT) and other state, federal, and private conservation partners.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Conservation Project Manager will need to demonstrate or develop the ability to independently manage conservation easement projects in accordance with established BRLC policies and procedures, Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices and Accreditation requirements, and partner requirements. 

Land Protection Project Management (75 -80%)

Primary responsibilities will include working with interested landowners to evaluate potential conservation easement projects; conducting site visits with BRLC committees and partners, establishing and managing project budgets; writing funding proposals and grant applications; establishing conservation easement terms and conditions that protect agricultural resources, wildlife habitat, open space, and other identified conservation values; drafting conservation easement deeds; working with funding partners to meet program requirements; coordinating and contracting services such as surveys, environmental assessments, appraisals, and other due diligence items; facilitating approvals through BRLC committees, Board of Directors, and funding partners; and maintaining detailed records of conservation transactions.

Other Responsibilities (20-25%)

Other responsibilities will include regular participation in organizational meetings, stewardship, assisting with community outreach and education, fundraising, strategic conservation planning, and administrative details such as annual work planning and evaluations, time accounting, and coordination with staff, Board members, and volunteers.

Note, the roles and responsibilities written here are not all encompassing, additional responsibilities may be asked of the position. 

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in natural resources, social science, law, conservation planning, real estate, non-profit management, or related field. Demonstrated experience in lieu of a degree will be considered.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with ArcGIS software.
• Ability to travel throughout the service area to conduct in-person meetings and site visits.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• A demonstrated interest in land conservation and protecting agricultural lands, open space, and wildlife habitat.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 2-3 years of experience working in natural resources, agriculture, or a closely related field.
• 1-2 years of experience working directly with private agricultural landowners.
• Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities as outlined in the section below.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Candidates should have a demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team, manage complex projects, build relationships with diverse partners and stakeholders, and develop creative solutions to overcome potential barriers. In addition to the minimum qualifications listed above, candidates should demonstrate specific experience or the ability and willingness to develop the following knowledge, skills, and abilities on the job within a short period of time.

Knowledge:

• General knowledge of conservation easements and federal funding programs.
• Familiarity with Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices.
• Knowledge of local agricultural practices.
• Knowledge of local vegetation communities, wildlife species, and habitats.

Skills:

• Demonstrated project management skills and experience.
• Legal and grant writing experience.
• Effective time management and experience balancing and prioritizing multiple tasks and projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Intermediate or advanced skills in ArcGIS.
• Strong problem-solving skills and an interest in finding innovative solutions

Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with diverse partners and stakeholders.
• Ability to engage with private agricultural landowners, understand their goals and objectives, and communicate conservation goals and objectives.
• Ability to identify and address personal knowledge gaps, learn on the job, and identify and cultivate the resources necessary for success.
• Ability to travel to visit and evaluate potential projects.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Ability to traverse remote properties on foot, through rugged terrain, and in varying weather conditions

HIRING ENTITY:

Bear River Land Conservancy is a private, nonprofit 501(c)3 conservation organization incorporated in 2011 and is a qualified organization within the meaning of section 170 (h)(3) of the IRS Code. Bear River Land Conservancy is a member of the Land Trust Alliance and serves Cache, Rich, and Box Elder Counties. To learn more, please visit www.bearriverlandconservancy.org.

Bear River Land Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer and supports a culture of professional excellence through adaptive leadership, best management practices, diverse representation, equitable policies and procedures, and inclusive approaches to conservation. All qualified applicants are welcome and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, or disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, or to perform essential job functions, please contact BRLC Office (907.953.2575).

OUR MISSION:

Our mission is to preserve the benefits of land and water in northern Utah and the Bear River Watershed for present and future generations. We do this by partnering with communities and landowners to permanently sustain the heritage of working lands and protect natural areas. 

OFFICE CULTURE:

Bear River Land Conservancy is a very small non-profit. The Conservation Project Manager will work with staff, volunteers, and partners to build a culture of integrity, trust, respect, strong collaboration and teamwork, personal and professional growth, outstanding service, diversity, equity, and inclusiveness.

BENEFITS:

Paid vacation and holidays; retirement contribution; paid medical leave; health care stipend; home/office stipend

VEHICLE USE: A private vehicle will be required, and the mileage will be reimbursed at the standard federal rate. 

OFFICE LOCATION:

The Bear River Watershed position will be a remote home-office position located within a reasonable travel distance of the watershed. For questions and details on work location, email gabriel@bearriverlandconservancy.org

WORK SCHEDULE:

This is a full-time position. Some evening, weekend work, and travel will be required.