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NEOGOV · 1 month ago

Land Conservation Specialist

Stafford County, VA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

$76K/yr - $133K/yr

5+ years exp

NEOGOV is seeking a Land Conservation Specialist responsible for managing the County’s Land Conservation and Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Program. The role involves providing technical expertise and policy guidance, overseeing program funding, and leading conservation planning and outreach efforts.

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Responsibilities

Functions as the Primary staff person for County land conservation efforts

Leads conservation planning, outreach, and analysis for new conservation

Conducts research and develops studies, reports and recommendations relating to land conservation and environmental planning

Develops and updates codes, policies, and processes to support land conservation and environmental planning initiatives

Identifies, develops, and completes land protection projects and initiatives in and around the County

Oversees the successful acquisition and effective stewardship of conservation easements and related real estate transactions

Coordinates with property owners and their attorneys, County attorneys, and grant agencies regarding deed preparation

Actively seeks and leads efforts on grant funding for project and staff support, and oversees grant management

Coordinates and manages budgets for conservation program in conjunction with other staff and agencies

Coordinates and manages contracts for easement/property appraisals

Develops baseline documentation reports for new easements/properties

Ensures all easements are monitored on an annual basis in conjunction with other staff and agencies

Maintains and updates materials relevant to the easement acquisition process

Updates the County’s PDR ordinance/program, as needed

Coordinates and oversees partnership agreements with Northern Virginia Conservation Trust (NVCT) or other agencies regarding conservation of properties

Collaborates on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) strategic planning layer to develop criteria for property/easement acquisitions

Assists with development of Comprehensive Plan policies and implementation with regard to mitigation of environmental impacts from development

Oversees the County’s Transfer of Developments Rights (TDR) Program, including processing and reviewing TDR applications

Provides staff support to the Agricultural and Land Conservation Committee

Supports agricultural related activities and programs, including farmers markets and agri-business

Assists with efforts by Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and NVCT staff on projects associated with land additions to Crow’s Nest Natural Area Preserve

Develops and sustains partner and landowner relations, working cooperatively with stewardship and other land conservation colleagues, as well as with other members of the land conservation community

Presents regular land conservation program updates to the Board of Supervisors

Performs related tasks as requested

Qualification

Land conservation expertiseReal estate transactionsConservation financeArcGIS proficiencyUrban planning knowledgeNegotiation skillsVerbal communicationWritten communicationInterpersonal skillsOrganizational skills

Required

A combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university, preferably with major coursework in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management or related field and 5 years of experience with land conservation programs or related

Possession of a driver's license valid in the Commonwealth of Virginia

Advanced knowledge of conservation practices and principles including but not limited to agriculture, forestry, conservation biology, or similar fields

Strong understanding of real estate transactions and conservation finance

General knowledge of urban planning, land development, and engineering practices

Exceptional negotiation skills

Effective and professional verbal and written communications including editing

Exceptional interpersonal and collaboration skills

High level of organization with the ability to successfully manage multiple projects

Ability to work independently

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with professional colleagues, employees and representatives of other public agencies

Preferred

A master's degree is preferred

Proficiency with ArcGIS is preferred

Previous leadership/supervisory experience or training is desired, this may include completion of training courses focused on leadership or supervisory development