BACKGROUND: Wildlands Conservancy, Inc. founded in 1973, is an eastern Pennsylvania-based, membership-supported conservation organization established for the benefit of the public. So far, it has projects in 16 counties in eastern Pennsylvania. Its main - but not exclusive - area of focus is the 10-county Lehigh River watershed, which includes the Lehigh Valley (Pennsylvania's third-largest metropolitan area, and home to over 650,000 people), and extends north into the Pocono Mountains. Wildlands Conservancy, Inc. among the largest and most successful land trusts in the state and in the country, works in partnership with state and federal agencies, county and local government entities, other not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and individuals. Its talented and committed staff of experts is involved with river conservation, land protection, experiential environmental education, community planning, native-plant projects, and recreational-trail development. Its work also involves brownfield redevelopment and urban renewal. More can be learned about the organization at www.wildlandspa.org. Wildlands Conservancy, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
Description: The Real Estate Manager is responsible for the encouragement, development, negotiation and documentation of any real estate transactions conducted by the Wildlands Conservancy, Inc. (WC). Our land protection efforts will focus primarily on Land Conservation Easements and Fee Simple property acquisition. Requires proven real-estate knowledge with specific expertise in easement acquisition and negotiation, excellent writing skills, exemplary interpersonal skills and a genuine appreciation in working with diverse audiences. Position Reports To: Director of Land Conservation and Planning Essential Functions of the position include but are not limited to: * Promote Wildlands Conservancy's mission. * Contact landowners interested in land preservation and explore ways the Conservancy can assist them. Prepare and explain appropriate documents to accomplish protection of the property. * Maintain landowner visit checklist and contact report with regard to easement discussions * Maintain model Conservation Easement documents. * Provide and keep current referral list of real estate appraisal, financial, accounting and legal professionals. * Prepare a pro forma and resolution for the President to be used with the Board of Directors explaining each easement approval request. * Organize and maintain land project records and files. * Negotiate and prepare contracts for the use of outside professionals. * Administer billings and payments for grant projects. Prepare reports and billings as required for grants secured by the Conservancy. * Establish and maintain contact with other project partners, funding agencies, public and private, and provide reports and information to keep them up to date on project activities and needs. * Develop and maintain rationale for amounts of contributions to be requested from landowners to stewardship fund to establish and maintain their conservation easement. Explain this need to landowners. * Pursue tax exemption and exoneration for Conservancy properties/interests and represent the Conservancy at any necessary meetings/hearings. * Make recommendations for and implement the creation of best practices for the organization relative to land protection issues. * Attend staff and board meetings. * Ability to write and manage grants as appropriate. * Assist in the development of baseline documentation and easement monitoring as needed. * Have a valid driver's license and working vehicle. * Perform other duties that may be assigned. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: * Minimum of a 10 years experience in real estate transactions with experience in conservation and administration. * Commitment to the mission of the Wildlands Conservancy, Inc. * Ability to deal professionally and diplomatically with consultants, contractors, government officials, representatives of other departments and agencies, interest groups and the general public. * Knowledge of local, state and federal land use regulations including Smart Growth planning, zoning, and subdivision procedures and requirements. * Ability to attend evening and weekend meetings, special events as needed. * Excellent communication, writing and office skills. * Time management and organizational skills. * Proficient with Microsoft Office. Database and GIS skills extremely desirable. * Valid drivers license * Management or supervisory experience a plus. Working Conditions: Wildlands Conservancy, Inc. offices are smoke-free. The ability to work harmoniously in manifestly friendly - but close - quarters is required. Working long and unusual hours, including some evenings and weekends, is common. Travel is usually fairly local, rarely requiring overnight stays. Salary and Benefits: The salary is open and will be commensurate with experience. Benefits include generous medical, life and disability insurance and annual retirement contributions. Submission Information: Deadline is November 14, 2008. Please-No Phone Calls. Interested applicants must submit, by regular mail only, their resume with cover letter including salary request to: Amanda J. Stein Director of Land Conservation and Planning Wildlands Conservancy, Inc. 3701 Orchid Place Emmaus, PA 18049-1637
