Conservation Manager
: Job Details :

About CCALT

Since 1995, CCALT has created innovative conservation solutions. Our work has permanently conserved over 800,000 acres of open space, natural habitat, and productive agricultural land. We are committed to the development of innovative programs and strategic partnerships that will increase the effectiveness of our work.

Summary of Position

The position will be based out of CCALT's Del Norte office and will be primarily responsible for managing CCALT's conservation easement transactions, upholding stewardship responsibilities in the region, and assisting in additive conservation activities. The position will have a secondary focus on engagement, representing CCALT within the broader regional community to advance our conservation projects and priorities, serving as staff liaison between the Southern Colorado Advisory Committee, the CCALT Board of Directors, and Staff, and supporting CCALT's External Relations department as needed on regional events. The position will also be responsible for regularly working at and managing CCALT's Del Norte office.

This position will help expand CCALT's ability to assist agricultural landowners in conserving their property. We are looking for someone who is passionate about working lands conservation and driven to strive for excellence in every facet of the job. This position requires an individual who has the capability to work independently with initiative, motivation, and flexibility. It also demands an ability to manage a workload with multiple, often competing, priorities and deadlines. While land conservation, legal, and real estate experience are not required, we are looking for a candidate that will bring the skills to excel in these areas and that is eager to commit to these aspects of CCALT's work. This position will require regular and statewide travel, including overnight and multi-day travel.

Specific Duties

1)At a minimum, this position will manage all aspects of conservation easement transactions, which includes (but is not limited to):

• Conducting property site visits;
• Developing projects and maintaining strong landowner relationships;
• Drafting project-related memos, board materials, etc.;
• Drafting and negotiating deeds of conservation easement and other transactional documents;
• Coordinating the completion, generally by outside contractors, of all required due diligence (e.g., appraisals, baseline inventory reports, mineral assessment reports, etc.);
• Obtaining and reviewing title commitments and associated vesting deeds, legal descriptions, ownership documents, and encumbrances on title;
• Securing funding to support bargain sale conservation easement acquisitions and to offset associated transaction expenses, and managing all aspects related to funders' due diligence and reporting requirements;
• Managing closings and post-closing follow-up;
• Research and documentation of water rights associated with each conservation easement transaction, as applicable.
• Thorough and organized record keeping throughout the life of any conservation project;
• Adherence to CCALT's established project procedures and policies.

2) Manage all aspects associated with the resolution of stewardship issues and conservation easement violations, which includes (but is not limited to):

• Landowner interviews/meetings;
• Property visits and assessment(s) of issue(s) and/or violation(s);
• Documentation of issue(s) and/or violation(s);
• Negotiations with involved parties;
• Drafting and negotiating conservation easement modifications (i.e., amendments, corrections, or supplements);
• Ensuring sound documentation and record keeping.

3) Manage an annual portfolio of conservation easement monitoring assignments, which includes landowner interviews, property visits/inspections, research and updating records as applicable, and documentation through the completion and submission of monitoring reports.

4) Provide additional support to the Director of Stewardship in other areas of CCALT's Stewardship Division of the Conservation Department, which may include (but is not limited to):

• Responding to landowner requests for approval of proposed activities on conservation easement properties;
• Drafting letters of interpretation;
• Drafting baseline inventory reports (which includes field work and report creation);

5) Assist with identifying and facilitating additive conservation projects (e.g., restoration, enhancement, or ecosystem service market opportunities, etc.).

6) Participate in stakeholder meetings, working groups, committees, etc., as advised by CCALT Conservation Department leadership, to represent CCALT and our landowner partners and broaden CCALT's understanding of and engagement in complex conservation-related issues in the region.

7) Support CCALT's External Relations Department in the planning, coordination, and execution of regional events, fundraising efforts, and other related activities and priorities as assigned.

8) Manage CCALT's Del Norte office and vehicle.

Required Skills:

• Project Management – the ability to accurately manage multiple complex projects at a time.
• Relationship Management – the ability to successfully manage relationships with landowners, community partners, staff, board members, and donors.
• Cultural Awareness – willingness to embrace, support, and advance the organizational culture of CCALT as defined through its Social Contract (attached here). The position will also require someone who is willing to invest in understanding the culture of the San Luis Valley and surrounding areas.
• Creativity – the ability to think outside of the box and challenge the status quo.
• Data/GIS – the ability to create and edit maps using ArcGIS products and the ability to access online databases to analyze property characteristics.
• Reading Comprehension and Writing – the ability to read and comprehend complex documents and master a writing style that communicates ideas clearly and efficiently.
• Initiative – the ability to work, often independently, to identify a problem, evaluate potential pathways toward a solution, and lead on the resolution either independently or with guidance and/or support from colleagues.
• Teamwork – the ability to pitch in where needed, even if it is not specifically within the job description.
• Accuracy – the ability to manage various projects with accuracy and attention to detail.

Reporting:

This position will report to either the Director of Transactions or the Director of Stewardship.

Location: This position will be based out of CCALT's Del Norte office and, outside of work-related travel responsibilities, will maintain a regular presence at the Del Norte office.

Minimum Requirements:

• Written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Salesforce, Adobe, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, field-based mapping technology, and ArcGIS. Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro preferred.
• Tactful, possessing ability to work with high degree of personal and professional initiative and maintain confidentiality. Personal reliability and regular attendance are essential.
• Able to work independently, under deadlines, and produce accurate work.
• Proven capacity to work effectively as a team player.
• Knowledge, appreciation, and respect for the people and values of rural Colorado; familiarity and/or interest in agricultural issues with a conservation context is preferred. Most important is a sincere interest and commitment to private land conservation, with sensitivity and appreciation for the diverse interests and values of others.
• Able to travel regularly and statewide, including overnight and multi-day travel.

Salary and Benefits: Range: $62,000-$68,000 (based on experience); this position is eligible to participate in CCALT's annual incentive pay plan, where the amount of incentive pay varies and is subject to the standard terms and conditions of the incentive program; flexible work environment; paid time off; retirement plan, employee health insurance (dental and vision insurance available at a cost to the employee).

Interested parties should email a cover letter and resume to Haden Cunningham --------------@----------.--- by 5:00 pm MT on Monday, November 4, 2024. This position has a desired start date of January 6, 2025.

The Colorado Cattlemen's Agricultural Land Trust is an equal-opportunity employer.