Conservation Coordinator

Okanogan Land Trust Seeks a New Conservation Coordinator 

Do you appreciate rural living, working lands, and the chance to work with many different kinds of people and accomplish big conservation outcomes? Do you care deeply for the land and communities of North Central Washington? Okanogan Land Trust is inviting applications for the position of Conservation Coordinator. 

About OLT: Established initially as an all-volunteer organization in 2002, OLT currently holds 36 conservation easements on more than 18,500 acres (with more in process) and serves eastern Okanogan County and western Ferry County in North Central Washington. OLT became an accredited land trust in 2022.   

Position Description:  

The Conservation Coordinator is responsible for advancing OLT’s land protection program and stewardship of 36 protected properties spanning over 18,500 acres. The position will coordinate development and stewardship of conservation easement projects, landowner communication, and outreach to conservation partners and the community, with additional responsibilities in conservation planning and GIS mapping. Successful applicants will have strong organization, communication, and interpersonal skills, as well as a background in conservation or natural resource management. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about working with a diverse base of landowners and community members to accomplish OLT’s mission of land conservancy and will appreciate a job with lots of variety and on-the-ground conservation work. Ability to traverse landscapes with steep and uneven terrain is required, along with a valid driver’s license. Familiarity with and appreciation for rural lifestyles and Central Washington a plus.  

Benefits include a $5,400 annual healthcare stipend; Simple IRA with up to 3% employer match; flexible schedule; and generous leave and holidays. 

The position reports to the Executive Director. 

Desired Qualifications 

• Strong interpersonal skills, including fielding project inquiries, project development, and partnership building with a variety of stakeholders
• Excellent presentation skills, including presentations to boards, participation in working groups, conferences, and local government
• Working knowledge of GIS, data management, grant writing and coordination, and effective report writing
• Ambition to follow project inquiries and expand existing programs.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize effectively
• Undergraduate or graduate degree in a natural resource related field and/or 3-5 years of experience in land trusts, conservation, or related work. 

Duties & Responsibilities 

 Conservation Project Management – 50% 

• In coordination with the Executive Director, assess, plan, and execute conservation easement projects (including easement development, due diligence, legal review, and closing) to accomplish land protection goals and strategies.
• Gather information on potential projects, including ecology and habitat characteristics, soils and other agricultural data, and water resources.
• Schedule meetings and coordinate with interested landowners, partners, and funders.
• Participate in preparing applications for conservation project funding.
• Maintain complete project files documenting all projects to national standards.

Land Protection Program Development & Management – 20% 

• Develop, maintain, and manage OLT’s conservation database to facilitate conservation planning, land protection, and stewardship efforts.
• Assist with grant writing efforts to support conservation work (conservation planning, land conservation, and stewardship).
• Collaborate with other organizations to explore new opportunities for land conservation in the region to achieve OLT’s conservation goals.

Stewardship Program Development & Management – 20% 

• Coordinate OLT’s stewardship efforts, including annual monitoring and land management and enforcement efforts on OLT’s existing easements
• Gather information, produce maps and write baseline conditions reports for easement projects.
• Recruit and supervise stewardship contractors and volunteers as needed.

 Outreach and Partnership Building – 10% 

• Participate in and cultivate regional conservation partnerships.
• Participate in and support fundraising, education, and outreach events.
• Lead a regional habitat working group to support our conservation community

Working Conditions:   

OLT’s staff are currently in our Okanogan office two days per week and otherwise work remotely. Staff travel regularly around the service area, primarily in spring and summer. A valid driver’s license and clean driving record is required.  

To apply, please send your resume, cover letter, and a brief writing sample to info@okanoganlandtrust.org. 

For more information about OLT, please visit www.okanganlandtrust.org.