Land Protection Manager

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) has been dedicated to protecting and restoring the region’s exceptional natural places since 1932. As a member-based nonprofit organization, we work in cities and towns across Western Pennsylvania and rely on the help of thousands of members, partners and volunteers. We are making a difference in our region’s water, land and life. We do this work for the benefit of wildlife and people who call Western Pennsylvania home, and for future generations.

We are seeking an individual to fill the position of Land Protection Manager. This position is responsible for developing and managing land acquisition projects, maintaining contacts with the public interested in land protection options, developing partnership opportunities with government agencies, local land trusts, and conservation partners; and representing Land Conservation and Stewardship in the assigned strategic areas of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. 

The position assists the Vice President of Land Conservation in achieving WPC’s Land Protection strategies and initiatives in a designated region by independently planning, coordinating and implementing land acquisition projects with a high level of independence, including fundraising, following internal standards and land trust accreditation standards and obtaining all necessary approvals for projects.  Initiates and maintains contact with the landowners interested in land protection options and develops partnership opportunities with other conservation organizations, including other land trusts.  The position requires a high level of organization to manage the many details of the position. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Works to identify, contact and inform landowners of conservation options in WPC’s priority conservation areas, focusing on strategic areas in western Pennsylvania, generally identified on WPC’s Conservation Blueprint and other areas of focus identified by the Vice President of Land Conservation.
• Maintains paper and electronic files in conformance with standards set by WPC based upon Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices. Ensures that LTA Standards and Practices are met.
• Prepares moderately complex and/or confidential correspondence and legal documents. Functions as in-house expert on land transaction documentation; provides guidance and assists other staff or land trusts with document review, as needed.
• Works from a designated base WPC office or offices and travels throughout Pennsylvania, especially strategic areas in western Pennsylvania, generally identified on WPC’s Conservation Blueprint and other areas of focus identified as directed by the Vice President of Land Conservation. With the permission of the Vice President of Land Conservation, some work can be performed from home or another remote location.
• Establishes and maintains strong relationships with landowners in identified strategic areas, independent of the Vice President, Land Conservation.
• Manages land protection projects including:

• Attending meetings and negotiating with landowners;
• Conducting site visits;
• Handling all pertinent documentation;
• Reviewing aspects of due diligence including appraisals, title work and phase one environmental assessments;
• Preparing draft legal documents;
• Coordinating with title companies;
• Documenting all aspects related to conservation transactions;
• Coordinating financing strategies including development of grant proposals and seeking funding sources to support acquisitions and related expenses; and
• Managing project timelines independent of the Vice President of Land Conservation, but communicating with the Vice President and other senior staff as necessary for the successful completion of land protection projects.

                                               

• Works with legal counsel, Vice President of Land Conservation and other LCS staff relating to the acquisition and divestment of land, including organizing closings, negotiating with involved parties and handling all pertinent documentation.
• Assists science staff with the development of parcel-level land protection plans and implements land protection plans for properties identified in plans.
• Responsible for documentation pertaining to real estate acquisition and conveyance expenses and other costs, to ensure easy linkages to organizational asset sheets.
• Answers questions from and provides information to the general public regarding land protection tools available to them including questions regarding acquisition of conserved property and gifts of real estate.
• Maintains data for land protection projects in the data management system.
• Researches grants and income-generating opportunities, prepares grant proposals and maintains relationships with donors.
• Participates in WPC organizational events and event planning as requested.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree and field of study or experience in natural resources, real estate, law, or a related field, or a demonstrated interest in one or more of these fields is preferred.
• Knowledge of the tools used for land protection such as easements, deed restrictions, deeds, best management practices, etc. is preferred.
• Must have excellent organizational skills and be able to handle multiple tasks and priorities.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills and well-developed verbal and written communication skills.
• Must have excellent time management skills. Must excel in achieving results on schedule.
• Must have a high degree of accuracy and be detail-oriented.
• Must have excellent computer skills, including the ability to use word-processing, spreadsheet and database software.
• Ability to meet all physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation

Physical Demand / Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Utilizing keyboarding and fine motor skills
• Driving a motor vehicle
• Sedentary work
• Sitting/standing/walking for periods in excess of 8 hours
• Possesses sufficient physical stamina to conduct field investigations in rough terrain and adverse weather conditions.
• Speaking and hearing in-person, telephone, and other remote speech
• Seeing with near and far visual acuity

Location: The position is based in our Pittsburgh office. However, a candidate with enough experience might be able to work from Ligonier, Pennsylvania.

Position Duration: This is a full-time opportunity which includes a benefits package

Hiring Range: $57,900 to $68,500 annually. Please include salary expectations. In consideration of advanced qualifications and years of experience, the pay may be higher than this range, as candidate pay will be commensurate with experience.

Application Deadline: Until filled

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our employment practices are in accordance with the laws that prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions), age, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable law. The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is fully committed to diversity and inclusion. We seek contributors from all backgrounds to join our team.