Conservation Director

About Pacific Forest Trust

Pacific Forest Trust (PFT) is a national leader in forest conservation that delivers landscape-scale results on the ground in the West and develops innovative incentives for forest conservation at the national level. We do so in ways that reward private landowners for managing for public benefits such as clean water, a healthy climate, and habitat for abundant native wildlife. Our work sustains rural communities, restores climate resilient forests, enhances water security and protects landscapes across ownership boundaries. 

PFT has led the permanent conservation of over 360,000 acres of privately owned forestland and owns and stewards working forest conservation easements on 130,000 acres. We also own 2,100 acres and manage an additional 15,000 acres for ecological outcomes and sustainable wood products. Our projects are outstanding not only for their landscape scale but for their high standards for delivering multiple public benefits. PFT is thrice accredited by the National Land Trust Accreditation Commission. Learn more at http://www.PacificForest.org   

About this Opportunity 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all aspects of conservation easement and fee title acquisitions. This includes overseeing the development of property conservation assessments working in partnership with Stewardship and other Conservation staff; supervising property due diligence, including title investigation; negotiating option & purchase agreements; negotiating conservation easements; developing Baseline Reports; overseeing appraisals; and managing closings; all consistent with PFT’s acquisition policies and procedures.
• Actively source and develop the pipeline of conservation easements and fee title projects within PFT’s strategic focal areas,
• Manage and develop Conservation staff.
• Secure acquisition-specific conservation funding, including from relevant state and national public sources, as well as philanthropic sources in coordination with PFT’s Development team.
• Identify and cultivate conservation partnerships through outreach to private large commercial and family forestland owners, foresters, public agencies, tribes, as well as other resource managers, land trusts, and other forest stakeholders.
• Maintain/improve conservation policies and procedures and ensure detailed record keeping and other compliance with Land Trust Accreditation Commission standards.
• Lead the development and supervise implementation of the annual Plan and Budget for the Conservation team.
• Manage project budgets, including contracts and grants.
• Serve as a key member of PFT’s Management Team. Participate and contribute to PFT Board and Committee meetings on behalf of the Conservation team.
• Represent PFT as requested in forestry, conservation and relevant donor events.
• Support PFT’s constituency building efforts through event engagement, field trips and other methods of cultivation as needed.

Reports to:  PFT President

Qualifications

• Experience in conservation easement and fee title acquisitions with a track record of successful closings that generate revenue and accomplish strategic goals.
• Conservation Easement Transactions: eight (8) years (Required)
• Experience obtaining significant grants from public agencies for conservation acquisitions.
• Supervising a team: three (3) years (Required)
• A commitment to high standards and personal accountability with a passion for excellence.
• Strong commitment to Pacific Forest Trust’s mission and passion to ensure the permanence of conservation.
• Desire to make an enduring contribution to conservation and sustainable forestry.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Advanced degree or equivalent professional training in natural resource management (especially forestry), conservation real estate, and/or law.
• Commitment to the creation of a diverse, equitable and inclusive work culture.

Location: 

Pacific Forest Trust is headquartered in the Presidio of San Francisco, with offices in Sacramento CA, Ashland, OR and Portland, OR. The preferred location for this position in San Francisco; Ashland or Portland are also options. Frequent regional travel is required.

Benefits and Compensation:

This is a full-time position offering a competitive salary and benefits package.

Salary: $125,000.00 – $175,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending accounts
• Paid time off (vacation, holidays and other)
• Retirement plan