REPORTS TO:

Assistant Director for Conservation & Stewardship

BASIC FUNCTION:

The Senior Planner provides key support to the Land Conservation Program and the Easement Stewardship Program in the areas of easement acquisitions, easement amendments, fee simple acquisition, easement stewardship, easement defense, and public policy related to land conservation. 

POSITION RELATIONSHIPS:

Works with other Conservancy staff as necessary. Works with other Land Conservation staff on easement- or fee-related projects. Works with the Easement Stewardship program on easement amendments and provides technical assistance to Municipal Assistance Program/Community Services on projects and issues related to land conservation.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Independently plans, organizes, negotiates, and prepares conservation easements, trail easements, easement amendments and corrections to Land Trust Alliance (LTA) accreditation requirements and LTA Standards and Practices.  Manages and coordinates these projects working with other Conservancy staff and other internal and external partners. Assists in the occasional acquisition of land in fee.
2. Identifies properties for protection within Conservancy-designated priority areas and cultivates relationships with key landowners therein.
3. Assesses the conservation resources of individual properties, reviews prospective projects with Land Conservation staff,  recommends measures for protection to landowners, estimates project costs, and prepares project proposals for landowners.
4. Independently manages the due diligence process for new easements, easement amendments, and fee acquisition projects, including but not limited to ordering and reviewing title reports, surveys, and appraisals to LTA accreditation requirements and LTA Standards and Practices.
5. Manages project-related budgets, including end of the month invoicing.
6. Works with local, state and federal land conservation programs and agency staff to identify and secure grant funds for and coordinates land protection efforts. Manages and coordinates grant applications and grant administration for purchased easement acquisitions.
7. Maintains contact with other conservation organizations, local governments, regional, state and federal agencies (as appropriate) for program development and evaluation purposes.
8. Supervises the work of consultants, other assistants, and Conservancy staff as may be assigned.  Coordinates work of legal counsel, real estate appraisers, surveyors, and others.
9. Works with Easement Stewardship Program staff and Board subcommittees to improve conservation easement program operations and comply with LTA Accreditation requirements and LTA Standards and Practices.
10. Assists other Easement Stewardship Program staff as needed with the administration and enforcement of existing easements.  
11. Makes presentations to the Conservancy Committee in order to obtain approval of proposed easements, easement amendments, and other matters reacted to conservation transactions. 
12. Participates in Conservancy public relations efforts as needed.  Contributes to Conservancy publications. Makes presentations to interested groups.
13. Follows public policy developments related to land conservation and conservation easements and related laws and regulations that may affect the Conservancy’s work through LTA and WeConservePA, among other outlets.  
14. Manages projects and project teams and performs other duties as assigned.
     

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Bachelor’s degree, or higher, in law, regional planning, land planning, real estate, environmental science, ecology, or related field.  
2. At least 7 years’ experience with conservation easements and natural resource management or land planning.
3. High degree of familiarity with legal documents, maps, conservation plans, conservation easements, and municipal plans.
4. Ability to effectively manage and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously and to work efficiently under pressure.
5. Knowledge of LTA Standards and Practices and LTA accreditation requirements.
6. Ability to comprehend legal documents and maps.  Legal drafting and legal analysis skills a plus. 
7. Willing to devote such time as required to perform assigned functions.  Usual work hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Occasional night meetings and weekend work.  Must be able and comfortable working outdoors in rural natural conditions.  Frequent travel within Pennsylvania and Delaware and to other places as necessary.  
8. Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Positive and energetic attitude. Strong personal initiative with attention to detail and organizational skills required.
9. Proficiency with Microsoft Office computer programs, including MS Teams, Word, Outlook, OneDrive, and Excel. Familiarity with GIS and GPS preferred.
10. Ability to adapt to changing priorities. 
11. Must have a means of transportation to and from work assignments.
12. Must be able to lift and carry 30 lbs.
     

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to Connie Scholz at [email protected].

We are an equal opportunity employer and consider all qualified applicants equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. The Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art is committed to building a culturally diverse staff.