Land Conservation Associate

Since its founding in 1993, Tri Valley Conservancy has protected nearly 4500 acres in the South Livermore Valley. The conservancy holds 60 conservation easements over 121 properties including vineyards, olive groves, nut and fruit groves and parkland. The Conservancy was well funded in the early years as a result of a mandated mitigation requirement associated with development in the South Livermore Valley.

The South Livermore Valley Agricultural Land Trust became the Tri Valley Conservancy with an expanded geographic area covering the cities of Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, San Ramon and the Sunol area.

Mission: "To permanently protect the fertile soils, rangelands, open space and biological resources and to support a viable agricultural economy in the Tri Valley area."

Vision: "Preservation of agricultural lands and natural open spaces in our area is vital to protecting our quality of life. The Tri?Valley Conservancy will be a leader in the permanent preservation of the area?s rural and ecological environment. We envision a future that includes:

• Population growth and development matched by a strong agricultural industry and a strong conservation ethic.
• Sustainable communities. We recognize the need to protect land and to support a viable agricultural economy to provide food, recreation, and watershed for the long?term health and viability of our community.
• Ecological Health. We are committed to the permanent protection of lands that are critical to the health of the environment.

Tri Valley Conservancy will foster the creation and maintenance of a productive and balanced environment for current and future generations of Tri?Valley area residents."

Position Overview:

We are searching for a land conservation associate with commitment and passion for land conservation. Reporting to Tri Valley Conservancy's Executive Director, the Land Conservation Associate responsibilities include working with the Land Conservation Committee to design and implement a comprehensive conservation program with the goal of protecting the Tri?Valley area. This position entails working with TVC staff, board and volunteers to implement TVC's land conservation programs.

Responsibilities:

• In partnership with Executive Director and Board of Directors, develop comprehensive conservation plans
• With Land Conservation committee coordinate process for investigation, analysis, and identification of new conservation focal areas
• Supports development of conservation and stewardship projects including:
  o Provide outreach to private land owners, foresters, public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other resource managers and stakeholders, with an emphasis on priority conservation areas identified in the conservation plan
  o Ensure thorough due diligence investigation and documentation including evaluating the conservation value of potential projects
  o Assist with the development of major land acquisitions.
• Recruit new land and financial donations for conservation operations
• Identify and prepare grants for land/easement acquisitions and advance programs
• Works with the Executive Director, Development Director and Board to access charitable and other public funding from major donors, foundations, and government programs
• Prepares presentations in support of development activities and/or conservation projects
• Supports other development activities of the Executive Director and Board, as needed
• Assist with preparing annual budget for conservation, including revenue and expenses

Qualifications:

• Degree in natural resources or related field preferred and 1?2 years related experience
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation land acquisition and management.
• Natural resource knowledge and field skills; experience with land management and associated tools and equipment.
• Proficiency with common software applications - Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Publisher), Google Earth, Adobe
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; demonstrated experience communicating effectively with the public. Public speaking experience preferred.
• Ability to work effectively and personably with a diversity of people, including landowners, volunteers, donors, community leaders, agency representatives and the public.
• Ability to manage time and diverse activities under deadlines and while delivering quality results.
• A strong attention to detail and an ability to maintain detailed records and files.
• A commitment to TVC's mission and a passion for land conservation.

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter, resume and salary history with "Land Conservation Associate" in the subject line no later than January 22, 2012. We are looking for a thoughtful, personalized cover letter that demonstrates your qualifications and writing style