Director of Land Protection

Conservation Maven; Osprey (FL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO

Medical insurance

Life insurance

Short-term disability

Long-term disability

401(k)

Job summary

Big Waters Land Trust seeks a Director of Land Protection to lead its land protection program from initial conversations through closing and documentation. You will manage projects, set priorities, and coordinate with partners, donors, and agencies to advance conservation goals.

The role requires 5+ years of experience, a four-year degree, and strong writing and presentation skills. This on-site leadership position offers comprehensive benefits and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Commitment to the mission and values of the organization.
• Four-year college degree required.
• Experience in land protection or related field with transferable skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage land protection project lifecycles from initial conversation to closing.
• Lead negotiations with landowners and partners following organizational priorities.

Skills

Land protection experience

Negotiation

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Writing and presentation

Organizational skills

Microsoft 365

Education

Four-year college degree

Tools

Project tracking tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

### Director of Land ProtectionSave JobBig Waters Land TrustOsprey,Florida| | || --- | --- || Job Type | Permanent || Salary | $80,000 - $100,000 per year || Benefits | Benefits include unlimited PTO, medical and life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, 401(k), and optional dental and vision. || Deadline | Oct 31, 2026 || Min. Experience | 5+ years |**Reports to:** Chief Program Officer**Position Objective**The Director advances Big Waters’ mission of protecting land and water for the benefit of people and nature. Leading the Land Protection Program, they help set the Organization’s land conservation priorities and strategies. The Director initiates and responds to land conservation opportunities, leads negotiations within delegated authority and timelines, prepares real estate documents, and uses sound judgement. They work collaboratively with partners, donors, volunteers, and funding agencies to quicken the pace of land conservation while ensuring the high standards for national accreditation are maintained.**Key Responsibilities*** Manage land protection project lifecycles from initial conversation to real estate closing and document retention.* Lead landowners and partner negotiations following organizational priorities, culture, and brand.* Develop annual priorities, project recommendations, and work plans consistent with the organization’s strategic goals and conservation plan.* Engage, manage, and review work products of real estate professionals, e.g., attorneys, appraisers, surveyors, etc.* Produce technical conservation documents such as conservation easements, conservation values of property, and reports.* Build strong relationships with external stakeholders and landowners.* Create and manage annual Land Protection budget.* Maintain sound procedures, project records, and review controls consistent with the organization’s standards and practices.* Attend and participate in events as required.**Qualifications and Skills*** Commitment to Big Waters Land Trust’s mission and values.* Four-year college degree* Land protection experience or experience in a field with transferable skills to the Land Trust and conservation field.* Knowledge of real property due diligence, including the ability to comprehend and interpret appraisals, surveys, and legal documents.* Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.* Proven ability and willingness to build and maintain good working relationships with a variety of people from different and differing backgrounds.* Experience collaborating with people to accomplish goals.* Ability to motivate colleagues, volunteers, contract professionals, and partners to work together to accomplish mission.* Experience using Microsoft 365 applications and project tracking tools.* Previous experience supervising staff.* Strong writing, presentation, and organizational skills, including discretion when working with sensitive information.* Proven success working independently and maintaining timelines and using sound judgement to accomplish time sensitive priorities.* Physical ability to travel to remote and undeveloped properties, through a variety of environmental conditions, and be outdoors for considerable periods in various conditions, and potentially interact with wildlife.* Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.How To ApplyTo apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to [e-mail] by October 31, 2026.When you apply, please indicate that you are responding to the posting on Conservation Job Board.