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Conservation Easement Specialist
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JCI Johnston County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Overview
The Johnston County Soil & Water Conservation Department is currently hiring for a Conservation Easement Specialist. The Conservation Easement Specialist will focus on assisting with land protection efforts within Johnston County, North Carolina. This position has the opportunity to work on a range of conservation priorities affecting meaningful change on the ground within the County. This position is central to the continued growth and success of Johnston Soil and Water Conservation Districts effort to protect valuable farmlands. The Conservation Easement Specialist would be a key member of the Johnston Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) team. The focus of the position would be the realty and administrative side on conservation easements rather than parts prepared by the technically focused conservationist. The person in this position will work closely with and report to the District Director but work in concert with the entire SWCD staff and District Board of Supervisors. Responsibilities Perform work activities related to conservation easements and fee title acquisitions, including grant writing and administering, landowner negotiations, committee review of projects, project work (negotiating with surveyors, appraisers, and closing attorneys). Seek, secure, and administer grant funding for conservation easements in Johnston County. Grant preparation and reporting for governmental and private grants. Assist in creation of baseline documentation reports, which are a snapshot of a property at the time it is protected, including property descriptions, background information, maps and photographs. Collaborate with other partners at the federal, state and local level on land acquisition priorities and projects. Prepare land protection reports/information for the conservation committee/board of directors, including land protection priority checklist information, staff reports, maps, etc. Provide conservation planning expertise to SWCD regarding how to conserve the best farmlands in the County. Maintain accurate files and information on each project according to Accreditation standards and practices. Ensure program compliance with internal policies and external requirements. Coordinate the easement-appurtenant fee properties, or fee properties or conduct conservation easement due diligence. Conduct monitoring as required to include property site visits to assess compliance with easement terms. Participate in planning activities with local governments that assist with land protection efforts. Participate in educational and outreach activities to raise awareness of and importance of farmland preservation. Participate in monthly Johnston SWCD Board meetings, as well as SWC and County Commissioner meetings as needed. Assist in reviewing and drafting easement deed language as needed. Conduct on-the-ground monitoring/inspections to identify compliance with easement and/or identify unreported changes or violations to the easement. Assist in evaluating potential easement amendment requests. Participate in easement stewardship activities and recommend actions if needed.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
Knowledge of drafting, reviewing, or stewarding conservation easements and other legal agreements. Knowledge of principles of land acquisition and easement monitoring compliance. Ability to explain land protection practices and legal instruments to technical and non-technical audiences. Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and natural resource conservation. Ability to develop and maintain a variety of productive and cooperative work relationships external and internal to the County. Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to given timeline(s). Ability to effectively negotiate complex agreements. Ability to effectively communicate with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
Additional Duties
Assist with SWCD events as needed. Perform work during emergency/disaster situations.
Physical Requirements
Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Must possess the visual acuity to operate a computer terminal, to use measuring devices, to work with figures, to determine neatness, accuracy and thoroughness of completed work, and to operate trucks, forklifts and other equipment. Must be able to work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
Desired Education and Experience
Bachelors degree in conservation, natural resource management, biology or ecology with experience with conservation easement planning processes, closing documents and processes; and/or paralegal degree with similar experience. 4+ years of experience in conservation easement position; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, Word and Google Drive. Possession of a valid NC drivers license. Prefer GIS and Register of Deeds online record search experience; easement project management experience; and property monitoring and stewardship experience.
NOTE:
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job. Other duties may be assigned. If the position requires a degree, you will be required to furnish original transcripts within 30 days of hire date. We may require a background check that may include criminal, motor vehicle, sexual offender registry, pre-employment drug screening or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment.
Johnston County provides a comprehensive, affordable insurance and benefits program. Employees are offered a diverse selection of benefits including medical (no-cost for the employee plan), dental, life, and supplemental benefit coverages. Employees can also take advantage of our on-site wellness clinic and virtual telehealth program, both at no-cost! Additional benefits include participation in the NC Retirement System, a 401(k) match option, generous paid leave and holiday schedule, tuition reimbursement, and more! To learn more, visit www.myjcbenefits.com This description applies to benefits eligible positions.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Other Industries: Individual and Family Services
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at JCI by 2x Get notified about new Specialist jobs in
Smithfield, NC . Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Area 1 day ago Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Area 21 hours ago Were unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Conservation Easement Specialist
role at
JCI Johnston County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Overview
The Johnston County Soil & Water Conservation Department is currently hiring for a Conservation Easement Specialist. The Conservation Easement Specialist will focus on assisting with land protection efforts within Johnston County, North Carolina. This position has the opportunity to work on a range of conservation priorities affecting meaningful change on the ground within the County. This position is central to the continued growth and success of Johnston Soil and Water Conservation Districts effort to protect valuable farmlands. The Conservation Easement Specialist would be a key member of the Johnston Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) team. The focus of the position would be the realty and administrative side on conservation easements rather than parts prepared by the technically focused conservationist. The person in this position will work closely with and report to the District Director but work in concert with the entire SWCD staff and District Board of Supervisors. Responsibilities Perform work activities related to conservation easements and fee title acquisitions, including grant writing and administering, landowner negotiations, committee review of projects, project work (negotiating with surveyors, appraisers, and closing attorneys). Seek, secure, and administer grant funding for conservation easements in Johnston County. Grant preparation and reporting for governmental and private grants. Assist in creation of baseline documentation reports, which are a snapshot of a property at the time it is protected, including property descriptions, background information, maps and photographs. Collaborate with other partners at the federal, state and local level on land acquisition priorities and projects. Prepare land protection reports/information for the conservation committee/board of directors, including land protection priority checklist information, staff reports, maps, etc. Provide conservation planning expertise to SWCD regarding how to conserve the best farmlands in the County. Maintain accurate files and information on each project according to Accreditation standards and practices. Ensure program compliance with internal policies and external requirements. Coordinate the easement-appurtenant fee properties, or fee properties or conduct conservation easement due diligence. Conduct monitoring as required to include property site visits to assess compliance with easement terms. Participate in planning activities with local governments that assist with land protection efforts. Participate in educational and outreach activities to raise awareness of and importance of farmland preservation. Participate in monthly Johnston SWCD Board meetings, as well as SWC and County Commissioner meetings as needed. Assist in reviewing and drafting easement deed language as needed. Conduct on-the-ground monitoring/inspections to identify compliance with easement and/or identify unreported changes or violations to the easement. Assist in evaluating potential easement amendment requests. Participate in easement stewardship activities and recommend actions if needed.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
Knowledge of drafting, reviewing, or stewarding conservation easements and other legal agreements. Knowledge of principles of land acquisition and easement monitoring compliance. Ability to explain land protection practices and legal instruments to technical and non-technical audiences. Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and natural resource conservation. Ability to develop and maintain a variety of productive and cooperative work relationships external and internal to the County. Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to given timeline(s). Ability to effectively negotiate complex agreements. Ability to effectively communicate with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
Additional Duties
Assist with SWCD events as needed. Perform work during emergency/disaster situations.
Physical Requirements
Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Must possess the visual acuity to operate a computer terminal, to use measuring devices, to work with figures, to determine neatness, accuracy and thoroughness of completed work, and to operate trucks, forklifts and other equipment. Must be able to work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
Desired Education and Experience
Bachelors degree in conservation, natural resource management, biology or ecology with experience with conservation easement planning processes, closing documents and processes; and/or paralegal degree with similar experience. 4+ years of experience in conservation easement position; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, Word and Google Drive. Possession of a valid NC drivers license. Prefer GIS and Register of Deeds online record search experience; easement project management experience; and property monitoring and stewardship experience.
NOTE:
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job. Other duties may be assigned. If the position requires a degree, you will be required to furnish original transcripts within 30 days of hire date. We may require a background check that may include criminal, motor vehicle, sexual offender registry, pre-employment drug screening or others based on job requirements. Unless required by state law, a record of conviction will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment.
Johnston County provides a comprehensive, affordable insurance and benefits program. Employees are offered a diverse selection of benefits including medical (no-cost for the employee plan), dental, life, and supplemental benefit coverages. Employees can also take advantage of our on-site wellness clinic and virtual telehealth program, both at no-cost! Additional benefits include participation in the NC Retirement System, a 401(k) match option, generous paid leave and holiday schedule, tuition reimbursement, and more! To learn more, visit www.myjcbenefits.com This description applies to benefits eligible positions.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Other Industries: Individual and Family Services
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at JCI by 2x Get notified about new Specialist jobs in
Smithfield, NC . Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Area 1 day ago Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Area 21 hours ago Were unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI. #J-18808-Ljbffr