Land Protection Specialist

The Land Conservancy of West Michigan, a regional land trust based in Grand Rapids, seeks a dynamic and outgoing Land Protection Specialist to support our mission of permanently protecting important natural lands in central West Michigan. The Land Protection Specialist will develop proactive conservation strategies in priority areas including magnificent freshwater dune ecosystem along Lake Michigan, Great Lakes marshes, stream and river corridors, oak savannas, and lands to add to publicly-owned parks and trails. Specific duties include: Identify, evaluate, and prioritize properties for their conservation values and protection opportunities; negotiate voluntary land protection strategies and manage easement and land acquisition projects; develop and implement landowner outreach efforts; and identify potential funding sources for land and easement acquisition. Qualifications: Minimum of three years in land conservation techniques and property negotiation; previous land trust experience preferred; college degree required, graduate degree preferred with knowledge/experience in real estate, land use laws, and natural sciences or natural resource management; exceptional verbal/written communication and negotiation skills; ability to work effectively with a variety of people and diverse groups; grant writing and grant management experience. Complete position description available at www.naturenearby.org <http://www.naturenearby.org/> Competitive salary and benefits, EOE. Send resume, cover letter, and three references to Julie Stoneman, Executive Director, 1345 Monroe Ave NW, Suite 324, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 or julie@naturenearby.org <mailto:julie@naturenearby.org>