Land Projects Manager

The Dutchess Land Conservancy (DLC) is a private, non-profit land conservation organization dedicated to preserving for the public for present and future generations the scenic, agricultural and environmental resources of Dutchess County, New York, and the surrounding area, including open spaces, forests, water resources and wildlife habitats, while balancing protection with sound growth management. The Conservancy provides professional assistance to landowners and local governments, and currently holds conservation easements on over 32,000 acres.

Position Overview:

DLC's part-time Land Projects Manager works under the direct supervision and guidance of the Director of Land Projects to help implement DLC's land conservation program.

This position includes working to obtain new easements and purchase of development rights projects, drafting conservation easements and easement amendments, and working with landowners and government agencies from easement initiation to easement filing including coordinating with appraisers, attorneys, title companies, environmental experts and other consultants.

Responsibilities also include working with DLC's Vice President for Land Conservation and Director of Land Projects and municipalities on conservation related planning issues and programs including the review of comprehensive plans, zoning laws and proposed projects in relation to sound planning concepts and land conservation goals.

The Land Projects Manager is also responsible for preparing information for Board packages on proposed easements and writing copy for publications.

Responsibilities:

Conservation Easements, Purchase of Development Rights:

• Evaluate potential land protection projects for individual properties and large contiguous areas; perform site analysis and property research.
• Work with the Director of Land Projects on acquiring conservation easements, preparing draft conservation easements, acquiring title searches, assisting landowners with obtaining appraisals, and preparing easement outlines for Board meetings.
• Work with the Director of Land Projects on purchase of development rights projects including working with government agencies and attorneys on grants, contracts, conservation easements, surveys, appraisals, and title work.
• Help coordinate baseline documentation reports for easement acquisitions.

Municipal Planning and Growth Management:

• Work with Vice President for Land Conservation to provide technical assistance to towns on conservation land planning in conjunction with open space development proposals.
• Work with President to identify important resource areas and evaluate potential land protection projects.
• Work with municipalities to promote conservation planning techniques within town comprehensive plans, open space and farmland protection plans and zoning regulations.
• Work with local municipal and county officials and other groups to promote innovative preservation-oriented land use controls, and to provide education, advocacy, and technical assistance on rural landscape planning principals and alternative techniques.

Public Relations:

• Contribute to writing and production of newsletter, annual report, newspaper articles, and other materials.
• Participate on outside committees that are beneficial to DLC's networking goals.

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate Degree with background in landscape architecture, planning, real estate, legal, or related disciplines;
• Familiarity with land trusts/land preservation techniques and with agricultural and rural communities;
• Familiarity with municipal planning and zoning process;
• Excellent communication skills and ability to deal with a diverse group of people;
• Ability to work independently in managing workload and setting priorities;
• Experience working with conservation easements and GIS is helpful.

Compensation:  Commensurate with experience.

To Apply:

Apply to: Rebecca E. C. Thornton, President, via email or regular mail:

Dutchess Land Conservancy
P.O. 138
Millbrook, NY 12545