Join Our Team

Land Protection Specialist

 

Valley Conservation Council (VCC) seeks an experienced and enthusiastic Land Protection Specialist to support land protection and stewardship activities.  Please apply if you have relevant work experience, interest in taking ownership of a role in a self-starting environment, and a passion for land conservation.

Who We Are

Founded in 1990, VCC is a land trust and growing nonprofit committed to protecting open space and natural resources in 11 counties within the greater Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia.  Throughout its history, VCC has helped to protect tens of thousands of acres of farmland, forests, open spaces, and historic landmarks, implementing conservation easements and other land conservation tools.

VCC’s service area includes the headwaters of both the James and Potomac rivers including the incomparable Allegheny Highlands.  The Shenandoah Valley has a vibrant agricultural and recreational economy and an abundance of public lands.  Four of Virginia’s most productive agricultural counties are located in the valley.  Surrounded by Shenandoah National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, the region offers abundant opportunities for hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, canoeing, and other recreational activities.  For more information about our conservation work go to: www.valleyconservation.org

Position Description

The Land Protection Specialist will report to the Director of Land Protection but is expected to be a self-starter and capable of managing projects/tasks independently.  Ideal candidates are resourceful, conscientious professionals who do not mind wearing multiple hats and like rolling up their sleeves to get work done.  They must commit to VCC’s mission and be excited about engaging with individuals and partners about land preservation in the Shenandoah Valley.  The Land Protection Specialist will be a full-time wage position.

Primary Responsibilities:

 Stewardship: Support VCC’s land protection activities.

• Monitoring all VCC easements on an annual basis
• Manage landowner requests and timely response from VCC board and staff
• Maintain updated maps for existing easements
• Maintain files for new and existing easements

 Land Protection: Support VCC’s easement acquisition programs.

• Perform outreach for new easement leads in priority areas.
• Assist with land protection committee and board review of new easements.
• Assist the Director of Land Protection with the creation of baseline documentation reports for new easements.

 

Outreach: Support VCC’s member outreach.

• Writing and sharing landowner stories and highlights in monthly publications

While this description is a fair representation of the Land Protection Specialist position, there may be additional related responsibilities.

 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and relevant professional working experience in related field (additional professional work experience may be considered in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree)
• Superior organizational skills with ability to project manage/prioritize to meet deadlines
• Familiarity with land conservation programs and conservation easements, including Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices
• Excellent skills with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc), Google Drive, and database management.
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in related field
• Experience with ArcGIS
• Knowledge of and connections with the Shenandoah Valley

Personal Attributes 

• Personal passion for land conservation, the environment, rural communities, and the outdoors
• Disciplined self-starter, capable of working independently as well as part of a team
• Can adapt to changing priorities and address opportunities and challenges with common sense, strategic thinking, and appropriate engagement with Director of Land Protection and other staff
• Demonstrates problem-solving skills and ability to learn on the job
• Natural relationship-building skills
• Inspires trust and confidence through strong work ethic, attention to detail, and commitment to results
• Thrives in a fast-paced work environment, while maintaining patience, good humor, and professionalism

Working Environment

• Primarily office-based work (Staunton, Virginia)
• Flexible work arrangements available but must be able to come into office approximately 50 percent of work time (15 – 20 hours per week)
• Occasional evening and weekend events
• Frequent automobile travel within Shenandoah Valley
• Must have own vehicle and valid driver’s license (mileage will be reimbursed)

Compensation

• Starting salary $35,000 to $55,000 commensurate with experience (or $17- $25 per hour)
• Paid leave benefits
• Professional development opportunities

How to Apply

Interested applicants may email a cover letter, resume, and contact details for three professional references to employment@valleyconservation.org. No phone calls, please. The position is open until filled. Interviews will begin on January 5, 2021.

 

(Posted 11/16/2020) VCC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not accept solicitations from job placement services.