Senior Field Representative, California at The Conservation Fund – Santa Cruz, California

TITLE: Senior Field Representative, California

LINE OF BUSINESS/DIVISION: Conservation Acquisitions/Western Region

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

REPORTS TO: State Director

NUMBER OF POSITIONS REPORTING TO THIS POSITION: 0

LOCATION: Remote within California

THE CONSERVATION FUND

The Conservation Fund protects the land that sustains us all. We are in the business of conservation, creating innovative solutions that drive nature-based action in all 50 states for climate protection, vibrant communities and sustainable economies. We apply effective strategies, efficient financing approaches, and enduring government, community and private partnerships to protect millions of acres of America’s natural land, cultural sites, recreation areas and working forests and farms. To learn more, visit www.conservationfund.org.

JOB HIGHLIGHTS

The Senior Field Representative, California will identify, develop and complete a portfolio of conservation real estate projects throughout California. Projects may include, but are not limited to, ecologically sensitive tracts, conservation easements on private lands, historically significant sites, recreational trails, and mitigation lands for federal, state, local and private partners. The Senior Field Representative, California will work cooperatively with landowners, government agencies, and other partners to initiate projects, secure funding, and shepherd projects through the acquisition process.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

To perform this job successfully, you must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· In coordination with with the California State Director and Western Region teams, build and manage relationships with state, regional, and local funding agencies; state, federal, and local land management agencies; private non-profits; tribal governments; the private sector; and other partners in order to identify, develop and complete a portfolio of conservation real estate projects throughout California.

· Identify and engage owners of priority conservation lands.

· Negotiate purchase and sale contracts.

· Raise project funds from public and private sources and prepare and track project budgets.

· Manage due diligence activities including appraisals, surveys, title work, site evaluations, and coordinate all with legal team.

· Coordinate project closing and transfer of lands/easements to partner entities.

· Work with TCF staff in development, finance, communications, and other TCF programs to coordinate projects.

WHAT WE NEED YOU TO HAVE

· At least seven years of experience with or strong familiarity with conservation and environmental subjects, especially in the state of California.

· Experience with or strong familiarity with conservation real estate.

· Familiarity with public and private grant funding and experience with non-profit conservation organizations.

· Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communications skills.

· Attention to detail and ability to work within deadlines and under pressure.

· Negotiation skills.

· Ability to work with minimal supervision, maintain own schedule in coordination with other staff, demonstrate flexibility and an ability to shift priorities quickly, and a dedication to teamwork.

· Ability to work positively and cooperatively with the public, TCF staff, conservation professionals and leaders, and private and governmental organizations.

· A commitment to conservation and the goals of The Conservation Fund

WHAT WE’D LIKE YOU TO HAVE

· Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in planning, environmental sciences, biology, natural resources management, forestry, political science, and/or natural resource economics.

· Experience working with California public agencies such as the Wildlife Conservation Board, State Coastal Conservancy, and Department of Conservation.

· Experience working with private philanthropic conservation funding sources.

· Experience in using ArcMap/ESRI GIS applications.

· Experience in using project management software, such as Asana.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

· Some lifting and carrying will be necessary – up to 20 pounds.

· Work is performed in both an office setting and in outdoor settings in all weather conditions.

· When visiting conservation sites, the ability to traverse all terrain in outdoor/all weather conditions will be necessary.

· Willingness to travel as necessary to carry out duties, often with short notice and in inclement weather over long distances.

· Estimated travel – Less than 25% overnight per month, with additional day travel required.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $90,000 to $125,000 and the position is eligible for opportunities to earn performance-based bonus compensation. Please note: Salary range provided is an estimate and will be evaluated on an individual basis, taking into consideration the candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and education. The final salary offer will be determined accordingly.

The Fund offers a highly competitive package of benefits including:

· Employer contributions for medical, vision and dental insurance plans.

· Retirement plan discretionary company contribution.

· Company contributions to HSA account.

· Company-paid paid life insurance, AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term disability insurance.

· Continuing education benefit for approved programs.

· Employee assistance program (EAP).

· Generous paid vacation, sick and floating holidays.

· Voluntary Life Insurance, AD&D, Spouse and Child plans at group rates.

· Six weeks paid parental leave

· 14 paid holidays

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

Frequently cited statistics show that women and people from underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they think they meet 100% of the criteria. If you meet many but not all the criteria and feel you may be a good fit for the role, The Conservation Fund encourages you to apply.

The Conservation Fund, a nonprofit corporation, is an Equal Opportunity Employer that fully and actively supports equal access for all people regardless of Race, Color, Religion, Gender, Age, National Origin, Veteran Status, Disability, Genetic Information or Testing, Family and Medical Leave status, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity or Expression. The Fund prohibits retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint, or otherwise oppose discrimination.