Land Transactions Associate

~ Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) protects and cares for open space, farms and parkland in and around Silicon Valley. We are one of the nation's most dynamic and successful local land trusts, protecting open space along Skyline Ridge, the San Francisco Peninsula, the Santa Cruz Mountain range and along the San Mateo County Coast. ~

Located right in downtown Palo Alto, POST lives in the heart of the peninsula and the thriving Silicon Valley. Our offices are just two short blocks from CalTrain and the SamTrans bus depot. Our work often takes us outdoors to the properties that we have worked hard to protect with the people, partners and donors that share our vision of land conservation.

Position Overview 

Under the supervision of the Senior Conservation Project Manager, the Land Associate is responsible for managing various aspects of real estate transactions and conservation planning, in close coordination with the entire Land Transactions team, to further POST's land conservation projects. 

Responsibilities 

Essential Duties & Functions 

Provides support for the Land Transactions Department including: 

• Investigates and analyzes target conservation properties, and identifies and helps to prioritize project opportunities
• Point person for fielding and responding to initial inquiries of potential projects

Conducts investigations and research of potential projects, including: 

• Conducting density analyses, research of property ownership, natural resources, and potential partners
• Conducting real estate market research, including monitoring of listings, tax defaults, etc. and analysis of recent sales and listings
• Analyzing market value of potential acquisitions using market data, analysis of zoning and planning policies, development potential and economics of development
• Reviewing of appraisals
• Performing background property research, including ownership, zoning/land use, title, and natural resources
• Assists with coordinating early involvement of stewardship team to consider management of properties proposed for acquisition
• Assists Project Managers with the due diligence and acquisition process, as needed
• With oversight from Director of Land Transactions, serves as project manager for smaller acquisition and transfer projects as appropriate 

Handles miscellaneous special projects, such as: 

• Providing occasional mapping assistance and other support to the GIS Associate, as needed
• Coordinating any real estate gifts, including assessment and compliance with POST gift acceptance policy
• Coordinating with Land Transactions Coordinator on budget planning and tracking, and database management.
• Other duties as assigned 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• Supervision of consultants and interns 

Qualifications  

Knowledge & Skills Required: 

• Undergraduate degree in a related field required - Master's degree preferred
• One year of relevant experience required
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to effectively collaborate with wide variety of individuals and groups
• Ability to prioritize and effectively handle multiple tasks
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Ability to work independently
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and database programs, administrative support tools and skills
• Mapping and GIS skills strongly preferred
• Google Earth knowledge preferred
• Valid California Driver's License
• Professional appearance and demeanor 

Physical Requirements: 

• Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer, and strength to lift and carry materials weighing up to 25 pounds; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
• Must be able to hike rough terrain.
• Must be able to drive.
• Must be able to work some evenings and weekends. 

Benefits at POST 

• POST offers a competitive benefits package to our employees.
• POST covers the full premium for basic medical, dental and vision coverage and a portion of upgraded or dependent plans.
• We offer Flex Spending Accounts and a 403(b) plan with employer match after one year of service.
• POST offers paid vacation and sick leave.
• Other benefits: Caltrain GoPass at no cost to employee, flexible schedules, gym and commuter reimbursements, and a dog friendly office! 

~ We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from people of under-represented groups to contribute to the diversity of our staff. POST offers competitive salaries with excellent benefit packages. If you find working in a dynamic, mission-minded, stable and leading edge non-profit interesting, come talk with us. ~