Land Programs Manager- Whiterock Conservancy- Coon Rapids, Iowa

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Agency

Whiterock Conservancy

Location

Coon Rapids, Iowa

Job Category

Full time Positions

Salary

DOE

Last Date to Apply

11/15/2021

Website

https://www.whiterockconservancy.org

Description

Land Programs Manager Whiterock Conservancy is looking to add a key position for the future of the organization. Do you have a knack for building and maintaining programs and initiatives? Are you detail-oriented but highly relational? Do you have a background in agriculture or conservation? We want you! As the Land Programs Manager, you'll have the unique opportunity to help shape Whiterock Conservancy's new conservation easement monitoring program. In addition, this position will work in conjunction with the Land Manager on government and non-government land-related contracts. Responsibilities include but are not limited to building relationships with landowners and leaseholders, completing site inventories, drafting reports and leases, and interpreting and generating maps via GIS. You'll work as a team with other Whiterock staff and partners to manage, protect, and preserve Whiterock Conservancy's land assets and to accomplish organizational goals. This position reports to the Whiterock Conservancy Land Manager. A position like this doesn't come around every day. Don't miss your chance to be on the ground floor of a program that has the potential to shape the future of agriculture and conservation. Who we are: Whiterock Conservancy is a 5,500 acre non-profit land trust located in Coon Rapids, Iowa. As a multi-faceted organization we focus on sustainable agriculture, conservation, recreation and education. Whiterock Conservancy recently made history by accepting and helping to develop the nation's first-ever Soil Health Conservation Easement. We are innovators who are passionate about the outdoors and preserving natural resources. Every day offers something new and different. This is a fast-paced environment. Come join our team, we promise you won't find a better office view. Responsibilities: Documentation and Reporting • Visit easement and leased properties to meet with landowners and assess compliance with easement requirements • Collect and record landowner and easement data, both qualitative and quantitative. Collect, document, and process easement and land program inquiries from interested organizations and landowners • Coordinate the collection of soil samples and third-party testing; assist in the collection and testing of soil samples when needed • Assist with GIS-based land management mapping needs • Generate internal and external easement and land program reports • Easement monitoring and acquisition will be conducted according to Whiterock Conservancy board policies and Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices. • Day-to-day management of budgets related to land programs as assigned Analysis of Data • Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications department to package data and transform land program information into educational materials • Coordinate with external thought leaders and channels to create educational materials • Analyze land and easement data for accuracy, trends, or violations. Contract Management • Understand and communicate easement provisions and regulatory requirements for current and future conservation easements • Generate and execute lease agreements for pasture, row crop, hay, hunting, and others as assigned • Assist with WRC’s USDA program contracts and contract implementation, including Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contract and mid-contract management practice implementation, Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) contract practice implementation, and land certification, as well as cost-share programs • Coordinate crop insurance enrollment and adherence Communication • Support Whiterock Conservancy’s mission by promoting land programs, recreational and educational opportunities, accommodations, events, and fundraising opportunities • Support landowners and producers in learning about and implementing conservation practices • Engage in continuing education for conservation, soil health, sustainable agriculture, easement best practices, and other relevant areas • Work to build a professional network of soil health advisors • Brief Whiterock Conservancy staff, committee members and Board of Directors on soil health concepts, easements, and other topics as needed. Communicate breach of contract violations through an approved process to the Land Manger, Executive Director, and Board of Directors in a timely fashion. • Conduct preliminary evaluations of prospective easements (virtual and physical) • Keep up to date with conservation and soil health research with implications for agriculture and conservation practices, and communicate to internal and external stakeholders • Serve as an onsite conservation contract and sustainable agriculture expert • Prepare and present to internal and external groups on conservation and agriculture • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, natural resources management, or related field or comparable experience required • 3-5 years in a professional setting • Background in contract management, insurance, agriculture, and conservation is a plus • Detail-oriented with Proven project management skills • Ability to problem solve, strategize, and build new programs • Strong community outreach skills and embodies an attitude of respect and partnership • Excellent written, verbal, and digital communication skills • Ability to organize information and effectively collaborate and communicate with staff, landowners, partners, and donors • Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel • Ability to meet the physical demands of the position including ability to consistently lift 50lbs, navigate steep or uneven terrain, and hiking long distances in all weather conditions • Valid driver’s license and clean driving record. Ability to travel within Iowa and to attend some evening meetings and weekend events or meetings • Work schedule will vary by season but will include both office and field work. Overnight travel may be required. Occasional night and weekends required. Driver’s license required; must be willing to use own vehicle, if necessary, under the existing WRC business travel reimbursement policy Preferred • Experience with conservation agriculture practices and soil health • Experience with ArcGIS Pro and field apps • Experience using a CRM system • Self-motivated

Contact Person

Nicole Reynolds

Contact Phone

7127908221

Contact eMail

[email protected]

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