Land Programs Associate

Location: Remote: Santa Maria, CA
Job Type: Full-time, non-exempt (hourly) position. 
Work Schedule: Tuesday to Saturday 
Salary Range: $55,000 – $64,000

Organization Overview

Founded in 1985, The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County is a 501(c) (3) tax exempt California nonprofit Corporation that conserves natural resources, agricultural land, and open spaces for the benefit of present and future generations. We are a nationally accredited member of the Land Trust Alliance and California Council of Land Trusts. For almost 40 years the Land Trust has worked to protect the spectacular landscapes we call home to ensure essential habitats, local food systems, and access to open space for all communities now and for future generations. Several years of tremendous growth and achievement have resulted in the successful conservation of over 57,000 acres, 58 conservation easements, and thousands of residents enjoying the outdoors. The Land Trust is expanding our work to better serve everyone in this incredible county, including new community-based programs and creating a possible public preserve in the Santa Maria Valley.

The Opportunity

The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County is looking for a Land Programs Associate to join our dynamic team. This is a new, non-exempt (hourly) position based in the Santa Maria Valley with a remote connection to the Land Trust’s office in Santa Barbara. This position reports to the Land Programs Director. The Land Programs Associate will connect our community to the work of the Land Trust through building collaborative partnerships with individuals and groups that bring different ways of knowing, stewarding, and engaging with nature. This position is responsible for conducting meaningful programs such as a bilingual public hiking series, guided outdoor experiences, volunteer events, and other community activities and learning opportunities. The ideal candidate will be a creative-thinker and thoughtful communicator, who enjoys being outdoors and is passionate about nature and serving the Santa Barbara County community. 

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning, organizing, and implementing a variety of community programs, such as the Land Trust Treks public hiking program, promotional events, and other opportunities to connect the Santa Barbara County community with nature and the other work of the Land Trust.
• Support the work of departmental management staff by conducting day-to-day administrative support activities and by providing a professional-level resource for organization, coordination, scheduling, and communications.
• Create bi-lingual digital and printed materials and presentations including program advertisements, information guides, and other tools for communication with a variety of audiences and purposes.
• Represent the Land Trust in various collaborations and working groups, public meetings, and events.
• Support relationship-building with Tribes and BIPOC communities to meaningfully integrate the perspectives and priorities of historically marginalized communities into the Land Trust’s work.
• Support efforts to develop a possible new public preserve in the Santa Maria Valley.
• Support fundraising as appropriate including grant applications, donor tours, and special events.
• Support program and grant budget development and reporting as appropriate.

Required Qualifications

• College degree in relevant field or commensurate experience
• 2+ years progressive project management or program support in the areas of community programs, engagement or outreach working with diverse stakeholders
• Spanish language fluency required
• Ability to work independently and oversee a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner with accuracy and attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills that can be adapted to reach a wide range of individuals and used to build consensus. Ability to listen to and discuss problems and complaints tactfully
• Willingness to travel regularly throughout Santa Barbara County and to work weekends and some evenings. This is a Tuesday to Saturday position.
• Ability to operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software application programs. Proficient with presentation software, Microsoft Office, or an ability to quickly learn new software programs
• Commitment to working with the community to advance the Land Trust’s mission
• Willingness to learn and maintain CPR/wilderness first aid certifications
• Informed passion, commitment, and sense of urgency for the mission of the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County

Essential Requirements

• Access to reliable transportation
• Ability to frequently hike 5 miles over rugged terrain off established trails.
• Ability to sit at a desk, type, bend, and twist.
• Ability to lift or move up to 40 pounds.

Compensation and Benefits

Annual compensation range is $55,000 – $64,000. Benefits include generous vacation, paid health and dental premiums, and a supportive team culture. Employees also     have the opportunity to join an employer-sponsored retirement plan. 

This is a full-time, non-exempt, remote position. Candidates must be located within the Santa Maria Valley, California area.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.