Conservation Project Planner

~ Founded in 1980 by a broad coalition of ranchers, environmentalists, and community leaders, Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT) is a member-based nonprofit organization dedicated to permanently protecting Marin County farmland for farming and ranching. We also work with agricultural landowners and public and private partners to support and enhance agricultural viability and sustainability locally and regionally. ~

MALT’s comfortable office is located just off Highway One in the vibrant community of Point Reyes Station in beautiful West Marin, home to Cowgirl Creamery, Bovine Bakery, and Toby’s Feed Barn. Access to Tomales Bay, Point Reyes National Seashore, and other outdoor wonders is only minutes away. We offer competitive salary, paid vacation and sick time, health, dental and vision insurance, retirement benefits, family friendly policies, and a commitment to honoring work/life balance. Come join our team of highly motivated and passionate staff who care deeply about our mission and one another!

Position Overview

This is a full-time, exempt position at MALT’s office in Point Reyes Station. 

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Stewardship Manager, leads conservation easement planning activities during pre-acquisition phase including:

• Writes agricultural and creek conservation management plans necessary to protect the agricultural and natural resources of easement encumbered properties with the assistance of outside consultants.
• Manages preparation and review of baseline documentation reports and monitoring plans for new easement acquisitions.
• Facilitates special conservation projects and programs.
• With support from soil scientists or other experts, writes Carbon Farm Plans or Conservation Implementation Plans for MALT protected properties. Works closely with landowners, the Marin Carbon Project Implementation Task Force, Marin Resource Conservation District, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and other program partners.
• Advises Stewardship Project Managers on complex Stewardship Assistance Projects and permitted use or reserved rights issues on protected properties.
• Working closely with the Director of Conservation and the Stewardship Manager, contributes to the resolution of easement violation matters identified by stewardship project managers by tracking landowner compliance and developing successful remediation strategies consistent with MALT policies.

Participates as member of stewardship team in following tasks:

• Participates in the selection and contract management of consultants hired to prepare agricultural management plans, biological assessments or provide programmatic support.
• Establishes and maintains positive relationships and communications with landowners, agricultural producers, and organizational partners.
• Monitors properties protected by Agricultural Conservation Easements according to organizational policies and procedures.
• Utilizes and updates property databases and GIS data and output as needed. Creates maps for Stewardship projects (management plans, baseline reports) and for other organizational needs.
• Research natural resources management and conservation practices for landowners as needed.
• Maintain files and documentation according to records management policy and procedures; regularly update and maintain MALT’s online database (Conservation Track).
• Work cooperatively with staff and Board members. Assist with MALT functions and events as needed.
• Represent MALT in local and regional organizations, activities, and projects related to land stewardship and conservation planning.

Breakdown of Responsibilities:

• 45% Pre-acquisition planning; updates to plans.
• 25% Carbon Farm Planning (or equivalent).
• 10% Stewardship Assistance Program Support.
• 10% Permitted Use Request Support.
• 10% Easement Compliance.

Qualifications

• Master of Science degree or equivalent experience in natural resources planning or management, range management, ecology, conservation planning or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of work experience performing land management or stewardship functions on agricultural lands; ranching or farming experience preferred.
• Enthusiasm for supporting sustainable agricultural systems.
• Excellent technical writing and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with agricultural conservation easements.
• Proven ability to work effectively and personably with a variety of people, including agricultural producers and conservation professionals.
• Familiarity with California flora and fauna, grassland ecosystems, and invasive species management.
• Demonstrated experience working with ecological and environmental data in a GIS for ecological modeling and planning efforts.
• Demonstrated experience authoring ecological management plans.
• Demonstrated experience creating maps and managing data with the current generation of ArcGIS software products.
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Close attention to detail and accuracy with excellent organizational abilities.
• Must be able to hike up to 6 miles per day over steep and rugged terrain, and be able to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
• Must have experience driving an off-road vehicle (standard transmission) on steep and rugged terrain.
• Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license required with acceptable DMV record and automobile liability insurance.

Compensation: Competitive salary and excellent benefits.

~ MALT is an equal-opportunity employer ~