Director of Land Protection

~ Our mission is to promote the preservation, conservation and improvement of natural resources and special places in Indian River County, Florida for the benefit of the general public and future generations. ~

Our Vision Today and for the Future:

• Preserve environmentally important land and water resources
• Protect scenic waterfront areas
• Provide access for public recreation and education

Protected land provides important public benefits. Residents can learn about and enjoy our natural environment and local agricultural heritage, and they can take advantage of our protected waterways for boating, fishing, and abundant marine life.

Position Overview

Indian River Land Trust (IRLT) seeks a Director of Land Protection. This is a senior-level position that oversees IRLT's land conservation programs and the implementation and management of IRLT's conservation properties, and works as part of the senior staff team on guiding and implementing organizational goals and objectives. The position serves as staff liaison to the Land Acquisition Committee and Land Stewardship Committee.

Responsibilities

Organizational Management:

• The Director of Land Protection plays a key role in organizational management.
• Works closely with the Executive Director and senior staff in a team environment to develop project goals, priorities and budgets for IRLT's land acquisition,conservation property management, and related community projects and programs.
• Reviews project-related materials and invoices, and provides guidance on development and implementation of organizational and program goals, policies and procedures. 

Land Protection:

• Manages real estate transactions that may include fee-simple acquisitions and conservation easement transactions.
• Works cooperatively with communities, state and local agencies and other conservation partner organizations to maximize land protection impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Achieve the Land Trust's primary strategic goal of acquiring land or interests in land.
• Review or create all real estate transaction documentation including contracts, deeds, appraisals, surveys, baseline documents, and correspondence, to ensure accuracy and protection of the Land Trust's interests.
• Working closely with Executive Director and other key staff members, oversee land acquisition projects as they move through the review process with attorneys, Board committees, Board of Directors as well as partner agencies and funders.
• Maintain comprehensive project files, both digital and physical, on active and inactive projects to document activities, intentions and actions in conformance with IRLT's Record-Keeping Policy.
• Proactively contact land owners within IRLT service area pursuant to the Strategic Plan whose land meets IRLT protection criteria.
• Respond to inquiries of interested parties in donations or purchases of land or easements and pursue acquisitions of trade land where opportunities exist.
• Meet with landowners and visit potential property to evaluate its potential for acceptance by the Board of Directors.
• Ensure thorough inspections of potential property to determine its acceptability to the Land Trust and to check for hazards or potential liability problems.
• Prepare and submit project evaluation documents to the Executive Director and facilitate Board review and action.

Land Stewardship:

• Works with Executive Director and Board committees to develop budgets, program goals, management plans and maintenance schedules for IRLT's conservation properties.
• Mentors stewardship staff and oversees the day-to-day work of this position.
• Ensures strong relations with neighbors of conservation properties are established and nurtured.
• Ensures that all conservation easements and fee-simple properties are monitored regularly and meet IRLT's standards and contract work is done in a timely and responsive manner.
• Reviews existing publicly accessible conservation property needs and assesses future capacity to develop long-term strategies for maintaining and operating sites.

Outreach & Community Relations:

• In conjunction with the Executive Director, develops partnerships and relationships with other conservation professionals and leaders engaged in the community.
• Educates land owners and professional advisors on IRLT's mission and benefits of land conservation.
• Implements and achieves IRLT's internal conservation priorities through representing the Land Trust
• in relationships and negotiations with government agencies and serving on various boards and committees as determined by the Executive Director.
• Assists with development of website and newsletter content as needed.

Funding and Finances:

• Works closely with Executive Director and development staff on funding proposals, and budgets for land protection projects and personnel costs.
• Oversees grant writing, and manages awarded grants and reports for land acquisition and stewardship projects.
• Attends and assists with preparation, as needed, for IRLT fundraising and outreach events.
• Provides land project documentation as required for annual financial statements and audit.
• Ensures annual property tax exemption status and compliance with federal and state laws, as they relate to land protection activity.

Qualifications 

• A 4-year college degree; master's degree preferred.
• 5 years of land protection experience.
• Experience with real estate negotiations and closings and successful history of managing complex land transactions.
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations for non-profit organizations engaging in land protection and real estate transactions.
• Knowledge of coastal ecosystems and their management for conservation.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability and personality to work collaboratively with a small staff team to implement programs for the organization.
• Ability to understand the needs and perspectives of landowners and work to find mutually satisfying solutions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with land owners, the public, media, professional colleagues and governmental entities.
• Problem-solver who works to find creative yet practical solutions to conservation challenges.
• Proven ability with MS Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Physical ability to travel to remote and undeveloped property, hike and wade through a variety of environmental conditions, and be outdoors for considerable periods.
• Ability to travel in your own vehicle, with valid driver's license and proof of insurance.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and an occasional weekend.

Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. 

Additional Information

Work Environment:

The majority of work for this position is indoors, but will include field visits on a regular basis . Office work is primarily sitting at a desk with a computer or in meetings, but may require long periods of sitting and computer typing. Outdoor work generally involves visits to properties and the ability to hear and see to interpret landscapes and natural features.

Properties may or may not have developed trail systems and occasionally consist of wet terrain and thick vegetation. Driving to sites may require use of personal vehicle. Most travel is within Indian River County with occasional travel within the region and beyond for meetings, conferences, and trainings.

Compensation: Competitive compensation/benefits package.

To Apply:

Please click below: "Apply  Now Online!" to submit your cover letter and resume.