Land Project Manager

Date of Notice:

Revised July 24, 2008

Reporting to:

Land Conservation Director

Mission of Position:

To initiate and manage the successful completion of land preservation transactions and farmland protection projects.

Qualifications:

Minimum of three years of related professional experience desired. Bachelor's degree in related field required, with advanced degree desirable. Ideal candidate will have a solid track record of completing complex real estate transactions. A background in agriculture is preferable, and experience in land conservation, farmland protection, land use planning, natural resources conservation, environmental studies, real estate, finance, law, or related field is a plus. Experience in applying innovative conservation finance and land use planning principles desirable. Strong entrepreneurial and writing skills are a must. Individual must be detail-oriented, self-directed, outcome-driven, flexible, and also be able to work well as part of a team. Willingness to attend occasional evening meetings and travel throughout the Hudson Valley is required. Must demonstrate a commitment to Scenic Hudson's mission.

Background:

Scenic Hudson works to protect and restore the Hudson River and its majestic landscape as an irreplaceable national treasure and a vital resource for residents and visitors. A crusader for the valley since 1963, we are credited with saving fabled Storm King Mountain from a destructive industrial project and launching the modern grass-roots environmental movement. We are the largest environmental group focused on the Hudson River Valley. Our team of experts combines land acquisition, support for agriculture, citizen-based advocacy and sophisticated planning tools to create environmentally healthy communities, champion smart economic growth, open up riverfronts to the public and preserve the valley's inspiring beauty and natural resources.

We are guided by these enduring principles:

• Everyone deserves opportunities to experience the Hudson River, to enjoy open space and to have a voice in decisions affecting their community.
• The beauty of the Hudson River Valley is a unique source of spiritual and artistic vitality and must be preserved forever.
• An outstanding quality of life is achievable only when a clean, healthy environment is a key component of economic growth.

Principle Responsibilities may include:

• Devises acquisition, financing, and disposition plans for land preservation projects.
• Identifies Hudson Valley farms and communities with critical parcels of farmland that should be conserved.
• Develops a rapport with farmers and other owners of Hudson Valley farms to determine their level of interest in selling their development rights.
• Negotiates the acquisition of land and conservation easements.
• Participates in and coordinates the mechanics of multiple real estate transactions, tracks and follows up on various aspects of same in a timely manner.
• Identifies and pursues project specific funding sources and financing strategies; prepares grant proposals.
• Working as part of Scenic Hudson's Land Acquisition Team, assists in the identification of Hudson River Valley properties exhibiting significant scenic, ecological, historic and/or recreational value.
• Collaborates with park management staff on land management and park planning and development, where appropriate.
• Produces background reports on specific properties.
• Builds local, and where necessary, state and federal support for specific projects.
• Works with public officials, planning departments, and non-profit organizations involved in land preservation and environmental advocacy in order to advance land acquisition projects.
• Provides general assistance to the Executive Director and Land Conservation Director of the Scenic Hudson Land Trust, and when necessary, to other appropriate staff.
• Makes presentations to Scenic Hudson Land Trust board of directors.
• Works with and directs consultants.
• Makes public presentations on land protection issues.
• Completes other assignments as deemed necessary.

Compensation:

Full Time, with competitive salary and benefits. Salary and job title commensurate with experience.

Contact:

Applications should be sent to: HR, Scenic Hudson, One Civic Center Plaza, Suite 200, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 or faxed to: ((845) 625-1461 or e-mailed to: tvanyo@scenichudson.org. Send resume and brief writing sample.

No phone calls please.

Scenic Hudson is an EOE promoting cultural diversity and excellence.