JOB OPENINGS
Join the NWA Land Trust family and be a part of something truly meaningful! At the NWA Land Trust, we are committed to preserving and enhancing the quality of life for all people in Northwest Arkansas through the permanent protection of land. As a member of our team, you'll play a vital role in conservation efforts, working alongside passionate individuals who share a deep love for Northwest Arkansas.
NOW HIRING
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Director of Land Protection
Full/Part Time: Full Time
Office Location: Fayetteville, AR
ABOUT THE LAND TRUST
The Northwest Arkansas Land Trust (NWALT) is a regional non-profit, 501c3 conservation organization based in Fayetteville, Arkansas. This nationally accredited organization is dedicated to preserving quality of life in Northwest Arkansas through the permanent protection of land. We work to save important natural areas that support clean water, wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation, local farms, and cultural heritage. To accomplish our mission, we collaborate with diverse partners including private landowners, local communities and governments, state and federal agencies, and other regional conservation partners. To learn more, visit www.nwalandtrust.org.
The Northwest Arkansas Land Trust is a growing organization offering competitive wages, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We believe in providing professional development opportunities and promotion from within. We strive to hire and retain people who are passionate about our work, who strive for excellence in their personal and professional development, and who fit the supportive, inspiring and collaborative culture of our workplace.
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THE POSITION WITH NWALT
The Northwest Arkansas Land Trust seeks highly qualified applicants for the senior position of Director of Land Protection (DLP). The DLP plays a critical role in the organization and must have experience in conservation land acquisition, real estate transactions, grant management, as well as solid business skills and a natural skillset that includes excellent attention to detail, strategic thinking, common sense, strong communication and negotiating skills, excellent time management and a strong sense of professionalism. The position requires quick development of a comprehensive knowledge of the land trust’s policies, procedures, operations, programs, partnerships, and core values. This position reports directly to the Executive Director and has supervisory responsibilities over the Conservation Easement Manager position.
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Director of Land Protection – Job Description
Overall: Ensuring NWALT’s land protection portfolio continues to expand meeting strategic land protection goals and safeguarding our region’s most valuable natural resources and farmlands.
Core Program Responsibilities
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Land Protection
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Grant management
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General/Administrative
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Land Protection
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Work with ED and other staff and partners to regularly assess NWALT’s strategic land protection priorities and partnerships to best serve the region and future through land protection.
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Oversee the drafting of conservation easements and other land acquisition documents, title research and other due diligence, and record keeping ensuring the permanence of NWALT-protected properties in keeping with Land Trust Accreditation Commission accreditation standards.
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Work with landowners and legal counsel to negotiate and pursue the timely completion of land protection projects.
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Work with outreach and marketing staff to conduct landowner outreach and develop resources to help landowners and partners understand and promote conservation opportunities for their land.
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Apply GIS and data-driven approaches toward land protection programming.
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Maintain and promote continued positive partnerships (including MOA’s) with key partners including Beaver Water District and other stakeholders, particularly to direct needed funding and resources toward shared outcomes.
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Conduct site visits and maintain a prioritized pipeline of land protection projects.
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Work with ED and development staff to identify and successfully obtain grants and donations for land acquisition/needs and to help craft, track, and complete key grant metrics.
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Work with the NWALT land committee to utilize board members as key resources and ambassadors for NWALT’s land protection goals and projects.
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Make public appearances and serve on key committees and coalitions to promote land protection.
General/Administrative
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Uphold NWALT’s organizational core values and staff core values at all times. 
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Effectively manage, lead, and inspire any direct reports, including support staff, interns, or volunteers to achieve stated objectives. 
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Participate in annual staff or organizational reviews, surveys, and planning retreats. 
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Help prepare annual budget as requested by the Executive Director/CEO. 
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Track monthly expenses in keeping with annual budget for core programs and grant-specific items. 
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Track time regularly and accurately in NWALT’s online time tracking software. 
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Be familiar with Land Trust Accreditation Commission Standards and Practices and other laws/regulations or best practices, particularly as related to land protection; assist with Accreditation renewal as needed. 
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Be familiar with NWALT policies and ensure adherence to those policies and procedures. 
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Ensure all program files (including hard and electronic) are organized, complete, and accurate, in keeping with NWALT’s policies. 
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Recommend, develop and/or update NWALT’s policies, practices, and systems where relevant to continually improve effectiveness in core job functions. 
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Take initiative to stay current on changes in the profession/field that impact the organization; regularly seek cost-benefit opportunities for professional development. 
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Be a responsible steward of resources, both environmental and organizational; support NWALT’s sustainability values and help control costs. 
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Assist with all other land trust needs or events and support other staff and other programs as requested. 
 
Required Qualifications
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Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s Degree preferred
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Minimum of five (5) years’ experience as a leader in land acquisition with non-profit land trusts or other land resource agencies or comparable field work
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Experience in natural resource management, land management, planning, real estate, or related field
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Strong experience with cartography software/hardware (e.g. GPS units & GIS software, ArcGIS)
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Knowledge of field mapping, aerial photo interpretation, and land survey techniques
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Ability to read and evaluate physical and cultural landscape elements
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Experience working with landowners, civic groups, town, county, state, and federal agencies
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Exemplary communication abilities including written, oral, and presentation skills
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Experience communicating with partner organizations and ability to negotiate agreements
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Supervisory experience with demonstrated ability to lead and motivate staff and volunteers
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Ability to set and implement priorities, manage multiple projects, and evaluate project success
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Experience with budget preparation and expense tracking
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Advanced computer & technology skills
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Strong interest in research and relational database integration
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Willingness to work occasional irregular hours, including weekends, evenings and/or holidays
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There is a significant fieldwork component to this position - must be able to traverse varied terrain while carrying program equipment
Applicants who do not demonstrate the above required qualifications will not be considered.
Preferred Qualifications
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Master’s Degree
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Knowledge of leading trends and national standards and practices in land trust management
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Familiarity with conservation tax law and benefits of land donations
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Experience working with organizations and agencies in Arkansas
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Experience successfully applying for state and federal land acquisition grants and funds
Pay and Benefits:
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Salary commensurate with experience and demonstrated skills - range $55,000 - $65,000.
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Paid holidays, vacation, sick and personal leave
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Health and retirement benefits to be decided
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Professional memberships and training encouraged and paid for by the Land Trust
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HOW TO APPLY:
The successful applicant must meet or exceed the minimum qualifications outlined above.
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Email Grady Spann, Executive Director, gspann@nwalandtrust.org
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Indicate your interest in the Land Protection Director position in the subject line.
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Provide a resume and detailed cover letter highlighting your interest and relevant experience.
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Provide three references who can speak to your experience related to this position
The Northwest Arkansas Land Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
Aerie Real Conservation Intern
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Full Time/Part Time: Part Time
Office Location: Fayetteville, AR
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With generous support from the Aerie Real Foundation, The Northwest Arkansas Land Trust is seeking a talented and hardworking individual for a seasonal internship with our Land Stewardship Team. The Aerie Real Conservation (ARC) Intern will primarily be focused on monitoring and inspection of conservation easement properties and land trust properties. The ARC Intern will also be involved with native habitat restoration and public access infrastructure work across NWALT’s public access preserves.
The Land Trust holds nearly 8,500 acres of conservation lands in Northwest Arkansas and actively manages 6 public access preserves in Washington and Benton Counties. A primary focus of the Stewardship Team in winter is the monitoring and inspection of conservation easements and Land Trust owned properties. Conservation easements are legally binding agreements between willing landowners and the Land Trust which place certain restrictions on a property to protect its conservation values. Over the course of the monitoring period, the Stewardship Team visits every conservation property to meet with landowners, inspect easements, and record any violations to the easement terms and conservation values of the properties. The Stewardship Team also does regular upkeep on public access infrastructure (i.e. trails, kiosks, interpretive signs) and native habitat management activities on NWALT’s nature preserves. On-the-job training will be provided. The ARC Intern will have the opportunity to contribute to our team in the following ways:
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Duties include but are not limited to:
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Using phone/tablet enabled GPS and photo software to monitor conservation easements in Benton and Washington Counties to photo document and collect data at established photo stations.
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Inspection of Land Trust owned preserves in Benton and Washington Counties.
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Installation of signs along property boundaries as needed.
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Alerting Land Trust staff to any potential violations to the terms of the conservation easements.
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Preparing simple monitoring reports.
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Invasive species removal and trail maintenance on NWALT preserves
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Biological monitoring and surveying
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Maintenance of native plant gardens
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Participation in volunteer days and on the land events
Your experience at NWALT will:
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Provide direct learning and experience in land stewardship and environmental monitoring practices.
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Provide direct learning and experience in reading and interpreting legal land documents.
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Provide direct learning and experience in the use of GPS and photo tools for environmental monitoring and data recording.
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Have the opportunity to see and explore lands which are not open to the public, many of which have incredible ecological significance.
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Provide exposure to the greater Northwest Arkansas Community.
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Provide direct learning and experience in land management practices for ecological and public benefit.
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Cultivate a deeper awareness of self, skills, and interests in the environmental field​.
Qualifications:
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​Applicants must be enrolled in or a recent graduate of an environmental science, biology, wildlife management, or other natural resources program at an accredited university or community college in Arkansas.
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Applicants should have a personal vehicle and be comfortable driving to and from sites in Benton and Washington Counties.
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Applicants should be comfortable hiking and working outside in a range of habitats, weather, and often rugged landscapes.
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Applicants should have basic smart phone skills and be able to use GPS to navigate to various established photo points.
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Applicants should be comfortable working independently and providing data in a timely manner.
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Self-motivated, good organizational skills, detail-oriented, ability to prioritize, multi-task and meet deadlines.
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Applicants should be familiar and comfortable with the use of hand tools and infrequent use of power tools under supervision (weed eater, push mower on occasion, leaf blower, etc.)
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Willingness to use non-restricted use herbicides when needed (training and personal protective equipment provided)
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Valid state issued driver’s license- may occasionally be asked to drive work truck; use of personal vehicle will be reimbursed at $0.67/mile.
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Enthusiasm for the mission of Northwest Arkansas Land Trust and the community we serve.
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Preference will be given to applicants with knowledge of or interest in Arkansas ecology and the flora and fauna of the Ozarks and Boston Mountains ecoregions.
Internship Term:
January through March; 300 hours maximum, with potential to extend season.
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All scheduled holidays/breaks observed by the University of Arkansas will be followed.
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Individual work schedules will be determined by supervising staff member.
Compensation: $13/hour
To Apply:
Send your resume/CV and cover letter explaining your interest in this position with Northwest Arkansas Land Trust to Renee Sniegocki rsniegocki@nwalandtrust.org
The Northwest Arkansas Land Trust does not discriminate against any applicant or person participating in any aspect of this program on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age or physical or mental disability.
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About the NORTHWEST ARKANSAS LAND TRUST
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Now in its 21st year, NWALT is the region’s only local and accredited land trust, dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of life for all people through the permanent protection of land. By holding and managing donated land and providing conservation easement services, the land trust protects water quality, local farms, wildlife habitat, and places for outdoor recreation. The service area of the land trust includes 13 counties in Northwest Arkansas, with a core focus on Benton, Carroll, Madison, and Washington counties.
About Aerie Real Foundation #AerieReal Life
The Aerie Real Foundation works to build confidence in women, foster an inclusive community, and protect our planet to make the world a better place for all.
www.ae.com/aerie-real-life/aerie-real-foundation/
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