Director, Land Protection Program

Natural Lands, a vibrant, regional, nonprofit organization and leader in land conservation, natural resource stewardship, and public engagement, seeks a Director of our Land Protection Program to join our team at our headquarters on the Hildacy Preserve in Media, Pennsylvania.

Since the early 1950s, Natural Lands has saved open space, cared for nature, and connected people to the outdoors in eastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. Today, the organization is one of the nation’s largest regional land conservancies and is widely respected for its record of success, technical expertise, respectful and creative approach to partnerships, fiscal strength, and integrity.  

Over the course of its nearly 70-year history, Natural Lands has helped preserve more than 135,000 acres including a network of 42 nature preserves and one public garden across two states and 13 counties. These properties total 23,000 acres and include many of the most spectacular and diverse properties in the region, which are enjoyed by more than 300,000 visitors annually.  

Natural Lands seeks to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our organization stronger. We aim to build a workplace where employees feel empowered to be their full, authentic selves. We welcome you to explore a career at Natural Lands.     

Job Summary:

The Director of the Land Protection Program oversees Natural Lands’ Land Protection team, which is engaged primarily in land and conservation easement acquisitions. The position requires oversight of Land Protection program staff and coordination of all land protection efforts throughout Natural Lands’ service area, as well as completing all or portions of land transactions. This position will also work with and on behalf of municipal clients to assist in open space ballot referenda promotion and development, as well as in support of municipal open space priorities for fee, conservation easement, and trail easement acquisitions. The position requires extensive communication with landowners and their advisors, government and nonprofit partners, funders, and with Natural Lands’ staff, consultants, and legal advisors. The position requires knowledge of real estate transactions, due diligence requirements, Land Trust Alliance standards and practices, land management practices, and natural resources.

The Land Protection Program Director oversees the Land Protection Project Manager positions and works closely with the Senior Director of Land Conservation, Senior Advisor of Land Protection, and the Conservation Records Coordinator.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in ecology/biology, planning/landscape architecture, or a related field, with at least eight years’ work experience in land conservation, real estate firm, or conservation agency, or a Master’s Degree with five years’ work experience;
• Minimum of three years of supervisory experience;
• Demonstrated ability to lead;
• Knowledge of land transactions;
• Operational knowledge of Land Trust Alliance standards and practices and Land Trust Accreditation Commission Requirements for land transactions;
• Basic knowledge of real estate law;
• Operational knowledge of resource management and conservation issues, such as habitat protection and water resource protection;
• Experience using Microsoft Office programs;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Ability to successfully handle multiple projects and program responsibilities simultaneously;
• Good organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Willingness and ability to assist and work with a wide variety of people;
• Self-starter capable of working independently with minimal supervision;
• A demonstrated enthusiastic and positive attitude; and
• A passion for land conservation and providing quality service.
• Additional skills desired, but not required:
  • Working knowledge of common mid-Atlantic plant assemblages.
  • Experience using ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Pro, and Google Earth/Maps.
  • Field experience with GPS equipment.
  • Operational knowledge of land management practices, particularly farming and forestry.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions: 

This position is primarily an office-based position, requiring frequent sitting for long periods, with occasional periods of walking, standing, bending and reaching.  The position is hybrid with a minimum of two days a week in the office. However, during training more in-office time may be necessary. The position requires use of the computer and the telephone. The position occasionally requires work at outdoor sites and attendance at off-site meetings, including driving and walking and standing on uneven terrain. Work is primarily indoors, but candidate must be prepared to work outdoors under all conditions, including heat, cold, and with occasional exposure to poison ivy, biting and stinging insects, etc. A reliable vehicle and valid driver’s license are required for travel as needed.

Natural Lands is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. We aim to build a workplace where employees feel empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.