POSITION
Land Outreach Specialist
ORGANIZATION
Sequoia Riverlands Trust
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION
Land Outreach Specialist
OVERVIEW
The primary role of the Land Outreach Specialist (LOS) is outreach work to landowners who may be eligible for a Conservation Easement or repurposing project. The LOS coordinates the capturing, managing, and updating of our growing list of willing landowners who are interested in conservation easements or repurposing projects. In addition, the LOS serves as a mouthpiece for SRT in the community, often making presentations and sharing our mission with a variety of audiences. The LOS will engage all community members who show interest and will systematically share the details of individuals interested in SRT’s work with the correct staff/department for continued follow-up.
The LOS will help landowners in the very early stages of assessing their property’s compatibility, eligibility, and readiness for a conservation easement or repurposing project. The LOS will make introductions of potential landowners to the Land Protection Program Manager and Director of Land Protection to determine final eligibility for programs provided by SRT.
The LOS is located under the Investments & Partnerships department, but works extremely closely with the Land Protection team, including the Director of Land Protection, to ensure that projects adhere to SRT’s mission, strategic plan, and Land Trust Alliance (LTA) Standard and Practices. This position is grant funded through March 2026, with the intention to seek permanent funding for the position.
ABOUT SEQUOIA RIVERLANDS TRUST
Sequoia Riverlands Trust is a regional nonprofit land trust focused on the Tulare Basin, which comprises the southern San Joaquin Valley and Sierra foothills of Kern, Kings, Tulare, and Fresno counties, with additional conservation projects in 5 other California counties. We are accredited by the Land Trust Alliance, and our mission to conserve the lands and waters of California’s heartland is supported by our ambitious programs in conservation easements (habitat and farmland), land stewardship, restoration, conservation outreach, and education.
We envision a future in which a network of protected natural and working lands thrives in the region we serve, with business, agriculture, and society aligned around sustainable land and water management practices.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Engagement and Education: Conduct outreach to landowners and community groups to raise awareness about conservation easements, multibenefit land repurposing, and SRT’s mission.
One-on-One and Group Meetings: Organize individual and group meetings with landowners and other constituents to explain the benefits of conservation easements, multibenefit land repurposing, and other SRT conservation programs, as well as to assess their interest and eligibility, and answer questions.
Information Sharing: Provide accurate and detailed information about conservation easements, multibenefit land repurposing, and other SRT conservation programs, including financial incentives, legal aspects, and long-term benefits.
Qualification: Determine the eligibility of interested landowners based on SRT’s criteria and guidelines.
Collaboration: Coordinate with transaction specialists and other team members to facilitate the transfer of interested landowners to the Land Protection team for the project development phase.
Relationship Building: Develop and maintain positive relationships with landowners, community leaders, partners, and stakeholders to foster support for SRT’s conservation initiatives.
SUPERVISION
The Land Outreach Specialist reports to the Chief Investments & Partnerships Officer and works closely with other Investments & Partnerships as well as Land Protection staff.
REQUIRED SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES
Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, natural resources management, agriculture, communications, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Experience in community engagement, outreach, or public relations, preferably in a conservation or non-profit organization context.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex information to diverse audiences.
Knowledge of agricultural practices, land conservation issues, real estate transactions, the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, and relevant local policies and regulations is desirable.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a passion for conservation and environmental stewardship.
Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle with the ability to travel within the region to meet with landowners and attend community events.
Flexible schedule to accommodate occasional evening or weekend outreach events.
DESIRED SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES
Experience working with a conservation organization or agency
Grant writing experience
Conflict resolution experience
Spanish language proficiency
WORK SETTING AND CONDITIONS
The position is based at SRT’s headquarters in Visalia, California, a city of about 130,000 residents in the southern San Joaquin Valley. The region has a Mediterranean climate, with cool, moist winters and hot, dry summers. SRT’s preserves and conservation easements are distributed over nine counties, including lands in the foothills of the southern Sierra Nevada, San Joaquin Valley and in the Carrizo Plain area. The specific work conditions of this position are as follows:
Well-lighted, heated, and air-conditioned indoor office with moderate noise
Option for hybrid home-office schedule at Executive Director’s discretion
Physical Demands
Ability to lift up to 10 pounds
Manual dexterity sufficient to reach and handle items, work with fingers and perceive attributes of objects and materials; ability to stand, walk, sit, and reach
Light physical activity performing non-strenuous daily activities of an administrative nature, using close vision
At times, be outdoors in all weather conditions
Work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, with some additional hours including weekends.
COMPENSATION
This is an exempt position and is located on Band 3 of SRT’s compensation structure. The position offers an annual salary at 2x the state minimum wage for new employees. As of January 2024, starting annual compensation is set at $66,560. Benefits include an employer matched retirement, health insurance program, and generous paid time off.
OTHER NOTES
Candidates MUST be able to pass a background check
Top candidates may be asked to provide samples of their work that demonstrate their ability to fulfill the requirements of this position
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.
Staff members are expected to consciously and continuously promote the mission, values, programs, and impact of the organization when presented with opportunities for participating in membership development and reaching out to personal connections on behalf of SRT.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
https://calandtrusts.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Job-Positions-Available-2.pdf
CONTACT
Samira Khan
[email protected]
https://sequoiariverlands.org/careers
5,597,380,211