Pacific Forest Trust

Director of Conservation

Posted on February 3, 2025
Pacific Forest Trust

Position Overview

Direct and manage all aspects of conservation easement and fee title acquisitions. This includes overseeing the development of property conservation assessments working in partnership with Stewardship and other Conservation staff;supervising property due diligence, including title investigation;negotiating option & purchase agreements;negotiating conservation easements;developing Baseline Reports;overseeing appraisals;and managing closings;all consistent with PFT’s acquisition policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

About this Opportunity
Duties and Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all aspects of conservation easement and fee title acquisitions. This includes overseeing the development of property conservation assessments working in partnership with Stewardship and other Conservation staff;supervising property due diligence, including title investigation;negotiating option & purchase agreements;negotiating conservation easements;developing Baseline Reports;overseeing appraisals;and managing closings;all consistent with PFT’s acquisition policies and procedures.
• Actively source and develop the pipeline of conservation easements and fee title projects within PFT’s strategic focal areas,
• Manage and develop Conservation staff.
• Secure acquisition-specific conservation funding, including from relevant state and national public sources, as well as philanthropic sources in coordination with PFT’s Development team.
• Identify and cultivate conservation partnerships through outreach to private large commercial and family forestland owners, foresters, public agencies, tribes, as well as other resource managers, land trusts, and other forest stakeholders.
• Maintain/improve conservation policies and procedures and ensure detailed record keeping and other compliance with Land Trust Accreditation Commission standards.
• Lead the development and supervise implementation of the annual Plan and Budget for the Conservation team.
• Manage project budgets, including contracts and grants.
• Serve as a key member of PFT’s Management Team. Participate and contribute to PFT Board and Committee meetings on behalf of the Conservation team.
• Represent PFT as requested in forestry, conservation and relevant donor events.
• Support PFT’s constituency building efforts through event engagement, field trips and other methods of cultivation as needed.

Qualifications

Qualifications
• Experience in conservation easement and fee title acquisitions with a track record of successful closings that generate revenue and accomplish strategic goals.
– Conservation Easement Transactions: eight (8) years (Required)
– Experience obtaining significant grants from public agencies for conservation acquisitions.
• Supervising a team: three (3) years (Required)
• A commitment to high standards and personal accountability with a passion for excellence.
• Strong commitment to Pacific Forest Trust’s mission and passion to ensure the permanence of conservation.
• Desire to make an enduring contribution to conservation and sustainable forestry.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Advanced degree or equivalent professional training in natural resource management (especially forestry), conservation real estate, and/or law.
• Commitment to the creation of a diverse, equitable and inclusive work culture

Benefits Offered

Benefits:
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending accounts
• Paid time off (vacation, holidays and other)
• Retirement plan

Compensation/Salary

$125,000.00 – $175,000.00 per year

How to Apply

Submit resume and cover letter to jobs@pacificforest.org and indicate “Conservation Director” in the subject line.