Conservation Project Manager — Land Protection Lead

Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies; La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation days

Medical leave

Personal leave

Holidays

Health insurance

Retirement plan match

Continuing education

Job summary

Mississippi Valley Conservancy is seeking a highly experienced Conservation Manager to lead land protection projects, coordinate with landowners, agencies, and foundations, and drive conservation easement efforts across public and private lands. You will play a key role in budgeting, reporting, and collaboration with a diverse set of partners.

The role requires a strong background in land transactions, conservation planning, and community engagement within southwestern Wisconsin, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in natural resources, law, planning, or related field (legal experience preferred).
• Experience in conservation land acquisitions, conservation easement development, and real estate transactions.
• Ability to independently initiate, structure, negotiate, manage, and close complex land transactions.

Responsibilities

• Develop conservation projects including fee simple, conservation easement, and land transfers.
• Conduct property visits to document resources and boundaries; evaluate conservation values.
• Negotiate and draft legal documents with Conser-vation Director, Paralegal, and outside counsel.
• Complete due diligence including title reviews, appraisals, and descriptions.
• Ensure compliance with policy, grant requirements, and Land Trust Alliance standards.
• Supervise staff, volunteers, and interns; track timelines and budgets.
• Engage landowners and partners; represent the Conservancy publicly.

Skills

Communication skills

Negotiation

Project management

Independent work

Education

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

Tools

ArcPro

GIS

Job description

Mississippi Valley Conservancy is seeking a highly experienced Conservation Manager to lead land protection projects, coordinate with landowners, agencies, and foundations, and drive conservation easement efforts across public and private lands. You will play a key role in budgeting, reporting, and collaboration with a diverse set of partners.

The role requires a strong background in land transactions, conservation planning, and community engagement within southwestern Wisconsin, with