Land Protection Director

Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy (CMLC) works to create a regional network of permanently protected farm, forest and natural lands, parks and water resources in Henderson, Transylvania and neighboring parts of Buncombe, Jackson and Rutherford counties. CMLC is a local nonprofit organization that helps landowners preserve the land that is important to them and to our communities.

CMLC provides landowners with voluntary options -- conservation agreements, land donations and purchases -- that help preserve our region's natural beauty and diversity for future generations. Since 1994, the organization has permanently protected over 12,000 acres of farm, forest, parks and natural land in Henderson, Transylvania, and neighboring parts of Buncombe, Jackson and Rutherford counties in Western North Carolina. Enhanced public awareness stemming from CMLC's role in the August 2005 protection of the 1,568-acre World's Edge tract near Lake Lure has brought the Conservancy to a new level of conservation activity moving into 2006 and beyond.

Job Duties:

Under the direction and supervision of the Executive Director, the successful candidate will:

1. Develop outreach strategies and contacts with landowners in priority areas;  
2. Develop conservation strategies in alignment with CMLC's strategic plan and other stated organizational goals and objectives;  
3. Assist Executive Director in budget preparation and oversight of fiscal responsibility to ensure compliance with financial and legal requirements;  
4. Maintain awareness of legislation and current issues in land conservation;  
5. Provide supervision, motivation and direction to staff and volunteers in alignment with strategic goals and stated objectives;  
6. Maintain CMLC's visibility in the community, representation on statewide committees, and awareness of stakeholder interests in alignment with strategic plan and core values;  
7. Respond to inquiries from landowners expressing interest in conservation options, and help assess potential projects in light of CMLC land protection criteria;  
8. Communicate opportunities and options for conservation to the Land Protection Committee and others as appropriate or as directed by the Executive Director;  
9. Negotiate conservation projects, draft conservation easements and oversee their review by landowner and CMLC legal counsel;  
10. Work with partners, contractors and legal advisors to complete conservation projects;  
11. Maintain current and accurate files and reports on all CMLC land protection projects and transactions;  
12. Serve as support to the Executive Director and assist with administrative, fundraising, and program tasks as needed.

Job Qualifications:

The qualified candidate will possess:

1. A strong and demonstrated work ethic;  
2. Passion for the protection and preservation of precious land resources;  
3. Strong ability to work as part of a team;  
4. Energy, creativity, and initiative;  
5. Exemplary writing, speaking and presentation skills;  
6. Commitment to the organizational and operational core values of CMLC;  
7. Strong background and experience in legal, financial and real estate aspects of land protection, and in natural resource assessment and management;  
8. Ability to work with all types of people and enthusiasm for getting them involved in CMLC;  
9. Willingness to work in the field, as well as to work evenings and weekends when necessary to meet deadlines and accommodate landowner and volunteer schedules;  
10. Experience working with Arc9 GIS software preferred;  
11. An advanced degree in a field related to land protection.

Job Benefits:

Full-time (40 hours per week); competitive pay commensurate with experience; health benefits; retirement benefits; supportive and engaging work environment with opportunities for professional development.

Closing Date:  April 1, 2006

To Apply:

Please send a resume, cover letter and references via email or postal mail to:

Kieran Roe, Executive Director
Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy
PO Box 2822
Hendersonville NC  28793-2822