Forest Legacy Conservation Easement Assistant

Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation; Des Moines, Northern (IA, KY); Hybrid; USD 47,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation is hiring a Forest Legacy Conservation Easement Assistant to support the Forest Legacy Coordinator in the Iowa DNR Forestry Section. The role focuses on researching application data, preparing baseline reports, and maintaining records for conservation easements across Iowa.

The entry-level position requires map creation in ArcPro, familiarity with ecosystem management, and strong organizational and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Familiar with ecosystem management and Iowa native species.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office required.
• Ability to create maps in ArcPro; GPS experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Research and write Forest Legacy applications; coordinate with landowners and sites; document and organize information.
• Prepare baselines reports with photo documentation and map production in ArcPro.
• Maintain project data, track progress, and ensure timely documentation and record-keeping.

Skills

Microsoft Office

ArcPro

GPS

Communication

Organization

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

ArcPro

GIS software

Job description

Forest Legacy Conservation Easement Assistant

Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation is seeking to hire a Forest Legacy Conservation Easement Assistant. This position will serve as a full-time assistant to the Forest Legacy Coordinator within the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Forestry Section. The Forest Legacy Program was established in 2001 for Iowa to identify and assist willing landowners with conserving Iowa’s most important forest areas that are threatened by conversion to non-forest uses. This program develops conservation easements for Iowa forest landowners that establish guidelines for how that forest is to be sustainably managed into perpetuity.

This new entry-level position will research data for Forest Legacy applications, compile baseline documentation reports for new easements, maintain databases, prepare documents, create maps, assist with paperwork and record keeping and other duties as needed.

This full-time, non-exempt position involves 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with some overnight travel and occasional weekend commitments. The position will be based out of Iowa DNR’s main Des Moines office located at 6200 Park Ave. Des Moines.

Job Description

Standard

45% Easement & Grant Writing Assistance

• Help with research and writing applications for funding through U.S Forest Service’s Forest Legacy Program including coordinating with landowners, site visits, report writing, follow up correspondence, abstract updating, organizing information and documentation.
• Assist with preparation of conservation easement baseline reports including photo documentation, map preparation in ArcPro and written documentation of natural resource values.
• Accurate and clear documentation of information used in grant writing.

40% Conservation Team Assistance

• Maintain land project data and track project progress.
• Prepare legal documents, management plans, brochures and PowerPoint presentations.
• Create maps or shapefiles in ArcPro for applications and monitoring. Perform queries to find information or compare information to help with grant applications.
• Assist with site visits and track progress.
• Record keeping according to DNR Standards & Practices.
• Consistent, accurate and timely duties performed. Clear written and verbal communication.

10% Education and Training

• Participate in professional continuing education programs, as appropriate, to keep current on new developments and programs and to provide for continued personal and professional growth.
• Continued growth through active engagement in relevant trainings, meetings and conferences.

5% Administration

• Administration including staff and department meetings, submitting time and expense reports, and vacation.
• Good time management and communication with staff is maintained. Expense reports are submitted at least monthly. Time cards are submitted bi-weekly.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Requirements

Education & Experience

Familiar with general ecosystem management and Iowa native plant and animal species are essential. Proficient use of Microsoft Office is required.Ability to create maps in ArcPro is essential; experience with GPS is a plus. Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent related experience is required.

Skills

Ability to organize information and effectively collaborate and communicate with staff, landowners and partners. Team-centered with strong interpersonal skills and attention to detail are essential. Well-organized self-starter, capable of working independently, as well as comfortably, effectively, and dependably with a wide variety of people and able to organize support and cooperation. Effectively allocate and prioritize time between varying demands and tasks.

Physical Requirements

Physical requirements include hiking rugged and uneven terrain in all weather conditions, sitting and/or standing at a desk and some light lifting. Work schedule will vary by season but will require some long days and overnight travel. Must have a valid driver’s license and provide own transportation to and from the Iowa DNR office in Des Moines, IA. Must be able to work in an office environment with low to moderate noise levels.

Salary and Benefits Summary

Starting salary is $52,000. INHF Benefits provided: Medical, dental, and vision insurance; short- and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; 403(b) contribution; 11 paid holidays; three weeks of vacation; monthly sick leave accrual; Flexible Spending Accounts for health and dependent care; and participation in an Employee Assistance Program.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing or service in the military.

All offers are contingent upon a background check.

If you have any questions, contact Kari Walker, Human Resources Director, at [e-mail].

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