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We are looking for an experienced professional to develop and launch a land conservation program focused on both agricultural land and conservation of natural resources. Experience in real estate negotiations and working with a board of directors as well as in depth knowledge of Oregon land use laws are all required. Position Closes: August 20,2012
SECTION 1. POSITION INFORMATION
Working Title: Land Conservation Specialist
Job Status: Averages 40 hour per week; flexible schedule
Salary: $45,000 - $55,000 DOE
Work Location: District office in Portland, Oregon
Term position: This is a temporary term position and is expected to end in 18- 24 months.
Benefits: Sick leave and vacation leave are accrued from the first full month of employment, with paid vacation made available after six months. Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance premiums are paid by the District. Family medical/dental/vision insurance is available but must be paid for by the employee. A retirement plan is available if the employee makes contributions to it, with the District matching up to 6% of the employee's salary. Liability coverage is provided to all employees, subject to the limitations of the Oregon Tort Claims Act, 30.260 through 30.300, and the Oregon Constitution.
SECTION 2. POSITION DESCRIPTION
GENERAL INFORMATION
This is a term position intended to fully develop and launch the District's Land Conservation programming. Responsibilities include working closely with the Board of Directors and the Executive Director to build an effective program, formulate or refine policies and procedures, ensure legal compliance, fiscal responsibility and appropriate risk management. It will be critical to fully understand the current state of legal protection for target properties and how to best effect additional permanent protections in keeping with the Board's priorities.
This position is located at the office of East Multnomah SWCD at 5211 N. Williams Ave and reports to the Executive Director.
SECTION 3. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
1. PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
- Provide Board with information and recommendations regarding Land Conservation tools and options.
- Work with the Board and the ED to craft policies and procedures including prioritization and eligibility criteria for projects.
- Work with Board and staff to vet program with key partners and to market the program effectively.
- Keep abreast of programmatic and legal developments relevant to this work, inform the Board and ED as appropriate.
- Work with the Board and the ED to develop forms, templates and operating procedures to enable staff to implement the program once this position term is complete.
- Serve as primary point of contact regarding the District's Land Conservation Work.
- Work with other staff to develop an outreach strategy including writing press releases.
- Work with partners in a variety of fields to ensure strong partnerships where appropriate and to facilitate broad support of the District's Land Conservation Work.
2. TEAM MEMBER: Work with District staff and Board members. Ensure that work and communications with partners are coordinated with the work of other programs and the Executive Director.
3. NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY: Deliver services without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. Perform all job duties in a manner that consistently demonstrates fairness, cooperation, and respect toward co-workers, office visitors, landowners, and all others. Must be proficient in English (spoken and written) for communicating with landowners and staff. Demonstrate an awareness of EEO policies and responsibilities.
4. SAFETY POLICY: Perform all job duties in a safe manner with guidance from EMSWCD and NRCS regarding federal, state, and local laws pertinent to job safety. Participate in safety training and staff safety meetings as scheduled.
SECTION 4. JOB REQUIREMENTS AND GUIDELINES
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Desired
- Knowledge of and experience with conservation easements.
- Knowledge of and experience with PDR (purchase of development rights) programs.
- Knowledge of Oregon Land Use Laws and how they operate in Multnomah County.
- Experience with real estate transactions and negotiations.
- Understanding of and experience with agricultural leases.
- Knowledge and understanding of Oregon water rights law.
- Ability to work with an elected Board of Directors and successfully navigate a political environment.
- Ability to work effectively with a variety of people including Board, NRCS and District staff and diverse partner organizations.
- Ability to ensure compliance with District policy, state, federal and local requirements.
- Ability to develop outreach materials to inform a variety of audiences.
- Must be proficient in English (oral and written) for communicating with District Board members, District staff, partner staff, and office callers and visitors.
- Possession of written and oral communication skills sufficient to navigate and explain technical and legal matters, explain program to landowners and others, negotiate easements and agreements, and write progress reports to the District Board and other interested parties.
- Possession of computer skills, including the ability to use Microsoft Word and Excel, GIS preferred.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or higher in a field related to resource conservation, real estate or law.
- Minimum three years relevant experience in program development or management at a land trust, government or similar organization engaged in land conservation.
- Experience working with a Board of Directors.
Requirements
To perform the duties of this position, the Coordinator must serve as an incidental motor vehicle operator. This requires the operation of a motor vehicle on both public and private roads during daylight hours and occasionally after dark, including inclement weather. A valid driver's license is required. The Coordinator must have access to his/her own vehicle and must maintain insurance to comply with Oregon law. Mileage will be reimbursed. The position requires travel throughout the Portland metropolitan area and may require out of area and/or out of state travel.
See also "Physical Demands and Work Environment" section of this job description.
Complexity
Must work as an integral member of the District staff by coordinating and sharing information and resources with administrative and program staff as needed to accomplish the objectives that have been identified.
The person in this position is likely to encounter complications, such as conflicting guidelines and policies among federal, state, and local governing bodies.
Must be versatile and skillful in responding to new and changing environmental conditions, regulatory requirements, and modification of previously agreed-upon plans and conclusions.
SECTION 5. WORK CONTACTS
Soil and water conservation district staff and board members
Landowners
General public
Multnomah County
Metro
Oregon Department of Agriculture
Land trust organizations
Watershed councils
Public natural resource agencies
Community nonprofit organizations
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Special Districts Association of Oregon
Academic partners &Extension Service
Attorneys
Media reporters, editors
SECTION 7. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The position involves frequent travel to offices of partner organizations and agencies. If site visits are required to review grant applications or potential sites for conservation easements, the work may require walking long distances across sloped, uneven terrain, sometimes in inclement weather.
The Coordinator will have an assigned desk, telephone, and computer at the District office. The District office is the primary work station for this position, and is a smoke-free and drug-free environment.
Attendance at evening meetings is required. Occasional overnight travel to attend conferences and trainings may be required.
SECTION 8. REVIEW OF PERFORMANCE
A performance review will be given every six months. The review will be conducted by the Executive Director or by a personnel committee of the East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District with input from the Board of Directors and other district staff as appropriate.
Any future pay increases will be based on annual performance reviews and program funding. East Multnomah SWCD is an at-will employer.
The East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District (EMSWCD) prohibits discrimination in all of its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisals, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. It is further agreed that there will be no discrimination against persons with disabilities unless bona fide job-related reasons exist. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication or program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the District Office at 503/222-7645.