Conservation Easement Planner III

The State of Utah is seeking a Conservation Easement Planner III to work on projects that protect agricultural land and open spaces. Responsibilities include acquiring conservation easements, developing relationships with agencies, negotiating contracts, and managing GIS data. Candidates should have a relevant degree or equivalent experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects. The position involves office work and opportunities for fieldwork.
Job Title: Conservation Easement Planner III

Job Description:
Do you enjoy working on fast-paced projects to protect agricultural land and open space? Find a fulfilling career working to preserve the quality of life for Utah residents by assisting landowners and agricultural producers to conserve agricultural land, wildlife habitat, and natural resources. The Division of Wildlife Resources is seeking a conservation easement planner to work with landowners to establish easements across the state.

Why you should join our team:
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is an amazing place to work. When you work for the DWR, you're helping improve the quality of life for everyone who calls the Beehive State home. Utah's beautiful open space, rural lifestyle, abundant wildlife populations, and quality wildlife habitats are a direct result of active, hands-on work by our employees and partners. Division employees give Utahns and visitors to the state something to smile about and stories they can't wait to share with their friends and family. Plus, the generous paid time off and great benefits help ensure that you can spend quality time with your loved ones.

The Division

Responsibilities

As a Conservation Easement Planner, you will:
• Acquire conservation easements and promote land conservation
• Develop relationships with key state and federal agencies and funding partners
• Negotiate easement contracts
• Review easement applications from outsider parties
• Write technical reports and articles
• Acquire Geographic Information System (GIS) data
• Write grant proposals and necessary supporting documents

Qualifications

Required/Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelors degree or equivalent related experience in Agronomy, Botany, Agriculture Education, Agriculture Engineering, Real Estate, Title Work, or related field. Or directly related work experience equivalent
• High degree of self-motivation and work with minimal supervision
• Ability to work with technical and professional staff, elected officials, and local stakeholders
• Ability to lead many projects at once, with varying deadlines, requirements, and complexities
• Ability to find creative, pragmatic ways to solve problems and improve processes
• Capability to quickly learn new software systems provided by NRCS and UDAF
• Experience with GIS, Word, Excel and database management
• Excellence in both written and verbal communication
• Ability to work with agencies, people, teams, and partners with diverse backgrounds and interests with a positive attitude

Preferred/Additional Qualifications (Ideal Candidate):
• Experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Experience with database management
• Experience in the real estate aspects of buying, selling, owning, and managing landscape habitats

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions:
• Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.
• Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, etc. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work
• There are also opportunities to participate in hands-on fieldwork which is conducted in variable weather conditions and terrain — there could be walking standing, bending, carrying light items, and possibly carrying items up to 50 pounds, depending on physical ability
• Use of specialized off-highway vehicles and 4x4 vehicles
• Work Schedule: Flexible, M-F 8-5, some weekend and after hours
• Maybe eligible for telework*

Requirements:
• Requires occasional work on weekends, evenings and during emergency situations
• Travel is required to attend meetings and conferences and to inspect properties
• Must be able to pass a background check

Certifications/Licenses:
• Valid Utah driver’s License.
• The successful applicant must become a notary in Utah within 3 months of hire
• Please note, that a position's eligibility for telework is established by agency management and is subject to change at their discretion at any time and for any reason.