Location: Santa Barbara CA, with frequent travel in Santa Barbara County

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday

Job Type: Full-time, exempt position

Salary Range: $110,000-$130,000

Organization Overview

Founded in 1985, The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt California nonprofit corporation that conserves natural resources, agricultural land, and open spaces for the benefit of present and future generations. We are a nationally accredited member of the Land Trust Alliance and California Council of Land Trusts. For over 40 years, the Land Trust has worked to protect spectacular landscapes, essential habitats, local food systems, and access to open space. Several years of tremendous growth and achievement have resulted in the successful conservation of nearly 59,000 acres, 64 conservation easements, several beautiful preserves, and thousands of residents enjoying the outdoors. The Land Trust is expanding our work to better serve everyone in this incredible county, including new community-based programs, conservation opportunities, and expanded publicly accessible preserves.

The Opportunity

The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County is looking for a Land Conservation Manager to join our dynamic team. The Land Conservation Manager is a seasoned conservation project manager and real estate professional who will manage a variety of acquisition, land conservation, and conservation planning projects. As a member of the Conservation team, the position plays an essential role in managing land acquisition projects including project tracking, landowner engagement, contractor management, grant administration, and communications. The Land Conservation Manager will also play a role in the Land Trust’s evolving conservation planning and land use programs in addition to specific transactions. This is a full-time, exempt position reporting to the Director of Land Conservation, and directs the work of contractors and some other staff tasks as appropriate. The role is based in person at the Land Trust’s Santa Barbara office, with frequent travel throughout the County required.

The position requires knowledge of California real estate practices, conservation trends, and use of independent judgment in advancing projects through the necessary steps to completion. The Land Conservation Manager represents the Land Trust throughout the county in a variety of settings and is a key contact for funding and regulatory partners as well as landowners seeking to work with the Land Trust. The ideal candidate will be a responsible and motivated individual with professional experience in land transactions and conservation project management. 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement acquisition projects to meet the Land Trust’s conservation goals including fee simple, conservation easement, trail easement, partner assist, agency mitigation, and donations.
• Manage partnerships and leverage support for projects through outreach to and relationship building with landowners, agencies, and other stakeholders.  
• Work with the Director of Land Conservation to evaluate, prioritize, and conduct outreach to interested private landowners, including landowners’ education.  
• Draft, review and/or edit legal, title, insurance, and other real estate documents. Manage relationships, contracts and deliverables with appraisers, surveyors, and other consultants.
• Collaborate with the Stewardship team on development of Baseline Conditions Reports and Management Plans for land acquisitions
• Work with the Director of Land Conservation and Land Use Planner on conservation planning, land use, and policy projects that advance conservation in the County beyond transactions.
• Serve as an expert voice for land conservation in meetings and collaboratives throughout the County. Representing the Land Trust in meetings with landowners, other conservation groups, funders, and agency partners.
• Support the Director of Land Conservation, Development Director, and Executive Director on the development of funding strategies for land conservation projects.
• Track project timelines, financial obligations, billing, and reimbursements of fees/expenses.
• Communicate with the Land Committee of the Land Trust’s Board of Trustees about project details, milestones, and key conservation issues. 

• 6+ years progressive experience with land acquisition and real estate project management in a conservation setting. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of conservation real estate, land protection techniques, conservation funding, tax law, and land conservation principles.
• Working knowledge of Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices and accreditation requirements.
• Extensive project management experience including the ability to lead projects, set objectives, and manage timelines.
• Proven track record of building and maintaining partnerships with landowners, public agencies, peer organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Understanding of conservation planning tools and principles including familiarity with ESRI ArcGIS, Google Earth, and/or other mapping software to support conservation planning.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and creatively solve problems using sound professional judgement and discretion.
• Comfort coordinating a project team and working collaboratively with colleagues in other departments. 
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills that can be adapted to reach a wide range of individuals. Ability to synthesize and communicate technical and complex information for a non-technical audience.
• Proficient with presentation software, Microsoft Office, or an ability to quickly learn new software programs.
• Ability to thrive within a small, non-profit environment. 
• College degree in relevant field or commensurate experience.
• Commitment to and passion for working with the community to advance the Land Trust’s mission.

Essential Requirements

• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Ability to work in person at the Land Trust’s Santa Barbara office with frequent travel throughout Santa Barbara County. 
• Ability to work at a desk, use a computer, and perform standard office functions.
• Ability to conduct field inspections and site evaluations that may require bending, stooping, kneeling, and lifting.
• Ability to lift or move up to 25 pounds.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation is commensurate with experience. The annual salary range is $110,000-$130,000. Benefits include generous vacation, paid health and dental premiums, and a supportive team culture. Successful candidates also have the opportunity to join an employer-sponsored retirement plan. This position is a full-time, exempt (salaried) position based at our Santa Barbara office with frequent travel throughout the county. Relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate moving from outside of the County for this role.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.