Easement Program Acquisition Specialist, NY Watershed Agricultural Council – Walton, New York

Organization: NY Watershed Agricultural Council

Position Title: Easement Program Acquisition Specialist

Location: Walton, New York

Hours and Compensation: Full time; Salary mid $40,000’s commensurate with experience.

 Application Deadline: October 3, 2014

Description: Working under the direction of the Easement Program Acquisitions Coordinator, the Land Conservation (Acquisition) Specialist shall promote watershed, farmland, and forest protection by managing the selection, negotiation, planning development, contracting and closing of conservation easement projects.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with prospective and actual participating landowners.
• Maintain excellent working relationships with New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) personnel, other partners, and subcontractors.
• Work with Acquisitions Coordinator in the ongoing development and implementation of the Conservation Easement Program and assist with the development of program goals, policies, and procedures.
• Select, develop land plans and draft conservation easements, negotiate terms of easements, review of appraisals, offers, development of purchase contracts, and other documents related to easement acquisition.
• Once a Purchase and Sales contract is signed order, review and approve title work, Environmental Site Assessment and survey.
• Coordinate with the Executive Assistant to ensure proper administration, documentation and filing of all transaction activities including creation of Baseline Documentation Report, recording of Deed and filing of Survey.
• Coordinate conservation easement closings and ensure all activities required for closing are completed.
• Assist landowner in all aspects of acquisition process and contracting phase, including review by local municipal officials.
• Adhere to the approved and prescribed acquisition guidelines and procedures.
• Maintain accurate and detailed files for all properties in acquisition.
• Research information at government records offices as needed.
• Coordinate mapping needs between DEP and WAC GIS mapping systems.
• Coordinate with the Easement Program Stewardship Program on the sound development of land plans and ensure smooth transition from acquisition to stewardship of closed properties.
• Conduct outreach with landowners, the general public and municipal officials as directed by Acquisitions Coordinator and/or Program Director.
• Manage additional duties and projects as assigned by the Acquisitions Coordinator and/or Program Director.

Other projects as assigned by the Acquisitions Coordinator and/or Program Director.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in supporting field
• Strong written/verbal communication skills
• Meticulous attention to detail
• 3 years related experience in land acquisitions High degree of computer literacy
• Outstanding human relation skills and knowledge of regional agriculture and forestry

Must have a valid and current driver’s license

Specific skills:

• Knowledge of the legal and technical aspects of Conservation Easement drafting and complex land transactions, including selection , negotiation, planning and contracting of Conservation Easements
• End-user GIS skills
• Familiarity with title search/review
• Experience with mapping and survey products

Natural resource assessment/inventory experience

How to Apply:  Send cover letter and resume to Amy Faulkner, Watershed Agricultural Council, 33195 State Highway 10, Walton, NY 13856; or e-mail[email protected].