Water Quality Land Representative

Resource Environmental Solutions is hiring a Water Quality Land Representative based in Richmond, VA, or other specified locations. The role involves leading land searches and negotiations for water quality restoration projects, developing regional strategies, and building relationships with landowners. Responsibilities include conducting land acquisition activities, assessing site feasibility, and collaborating with various teams. The position requires strong communication skills and may involve up to 25% travel across the East and Great Lakes regions.
About the position

Resource Environmental Solutions LLC (RES) is seeking a Water Quality Land Representative to join our Water Quality Solutions Team. This role is pivotal in leading land searches and negotiations for watershed-scale water quality restoration projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing regional strategies for project development, easement, and land acquisition across various project phases, from conception to successful completion. The position is based in Columbus, OH, Richmond, VA, Glen Burnie, MD, or Orlando, FL, and requires a proactive approach to building relationships with prospective landowners and community business leaders to secure property rights necessary for project realization. In this role, you will interact with a diverse range of landowners and collaborate with various RES staff functions, including sales, regulatory, and field operations teams, as well as analysts and in-house counsel. Strong communication skills are essential for success in this position, as you will be negotiating contracts and addressing any roadblocks that may arise during the land acquisition process. Your day-to-day responsibilities will include conducting land acquisition activities, which involve researching suitable landowners, contacting them, and maintaining software reports. You will also lead negotiations with selected landowners, recommend solutions to contracting challenges, and ensure effective contract management. Additionally, you will assess site feasibility and viability for water quality restoration projects, analyze property data, and collaborate with GIS teams to enhance land search applications. The role may require up to 25% travel across the East and Great Lakes regions, including overnight stays, as you work to advance the RES business model and project development. You will assist in due diligence tasks, prepare closing documents, and support project development through budget creation and cash flow management. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful environmental restoration efforts while working within a dynamic team.

Responsibilities
• Lead land searches and negotiations for watershed-scale water quality restoration projects.
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• Develop regional strategies for project development, easement, and land acquisition.
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• Build relationships with prospective landowners and community business leaders to secure property rights.
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• Conduct land acquisition activities by researching suitable landowners and maintaining software reports.
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• Independently identify opportunities for new types of contracts and lead negotiations with landowners.
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• Determine site feasibility characteristics and assess potential site viability for restoration projects.
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• Analyze property data and land records for suitability of restoration sites.
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• Collaborate with GIS teams to develop variables for land search applications.
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• Assist in due diligence items, including surveys and title work, and prepare closing documents.
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• Support the development of projects in the proposal process for various project phases.

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Land Management, Water Quality, Agriculture, or Biological/Environmental Sciences.
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• 3+ years of experience in land acquisition or land sales, including easement and fee simple acquisitions.
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• Experience working with landowners in the East or Great Lakes area of the U.S.
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• Established network of landowners and community leaders in relevant markets.
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• Advanced knowledge of market value for land and experience developing residual value plans.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience working with agricultural landowners.
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• Strong analytical skills and experience with GIS applications.
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• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Benefits
• Competitive salary range of $67.1K - $84.9K per year.
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• Opportunities for professional development and training.
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• Supportive work environment that values diversity and inclusion.