Conservation Project Manager - Land Protection & Easements

Mississippi Valley Conservancy; La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vacation and leave benefits

Retirement plan match

Job summary

Mississippi Valley Conservancy seeks an experienced Conservation Manager to lead land protection projects, including fee simple acquisitions and conservation easements, and to engage landowners and community groups across southwestern Wisconsin.

You will oversee due diligence, negotiate legal documents, coordinate with agencies, track budgets, and ensure compliance with Land Trust Alliance standards while building partnerships and supporting the Conservancy's mission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in natural resources, law, planning, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in conservation land acquisitions, conservation easement development, and real estate transactions in a land trust or comparable setting.
• Demonstrated ability to independently initiate, structure, negotiate, manage, and close complex land transactions and manage project budgets.
• Experience negotiating and relationship building with a wide variety of landowners, partners, federal and state agencies, county, and municipal partners.
• In-depth knowledge of the flora, fauna, landscape, economy, and people of southwestern Wisconsin.
• Knowledge of current tax and conservation laws.
• Professional interests that align strongly with MVC's vision, values, and conservation goals.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop projects to meet conservation goals including fee simple and conservation easements.
• Conduct property site visits to evaluate resources and boundaries.
• Develop and negotiate legal documents with outside counsel.
• Complete project due diligence including title encumbrances and appraisals.
• Ensure all project documentation complies with policy and standards.
• Supervise staff, volunteers, and interns.
• Track project timelines and budgets.
• Review conservation plans for compliance with easement restrictions.
• Provide public outreach through presentations and events.
• Build partnerships to identify funding sources and grants.
• Serve as an expert voice for land conservation with partners and funders.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Project management

Negotiation

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in natural resources, law, planning, or related field

Tools

ArcPro

Microsoft Office

GIS technology

Job description

Mississippi Valley Conservancy seeks an experienced Conservation Manager to lead land protection projects, including fee simple acquisitions and conservation easements, and to engage landowners and community groups across southwestern Wisconsin.

You will oversee due diligence, negotiate legal documents, coordinate with agencies, track budgets, and ensure compliance with Land Trust Alliance standards while building partnerships and supporting the Conservancy's mission.