Land Protection Manager – Groundswell Conservancy

Gathering Waters, Inc.; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A nonprofit conservation organization based in Madison, Wisconsin, is looking for a Land Protection Manager to oversee conservation projects. The successful candidate will handle negotiations, conduct due diligence, build relationships with landowners and partners, and secure funding. This role is crucial for protecting important lands and waters in Dane County. The candidate should have a background in conservation transactions and strong analytical skills. Applications will be reviewed starting April 6, 2026.

Qualifications

• Experience in conservation transactions and negotiations.
• Ability to build relationships with landowners and partners.
• Proficiency in creating and interpreting maps.

Responsibilities

• Own a portfolio of conservation transaction projects.
• Conduct negotiations and due diligence to protect land.
• Secure grant funding and maintain essential records.

Job description

Land Protection Manager – Groundswell Conservancy

Groundswell Conservancy is seeking a Land Protection Manager to play a direct role in Groundswell’s mission, assuming ownership over a portfolio of conservation transaction projects and conducting negotiations and due diligence to protect land. The role will build and maintain important relationships with landowners, agency partners, and Groundswell supporters. It is responsible for all aspects of conservation transactions, including leading project evaluation and approval, creating and interpreting maps, hiring for and reviewing environmental site assessments, surveys, and title commitments, securing grant funding, and maintaining essential records. The Land Protection Manager works as part of the land protection team under the guidance of the Senior Director of Conservation.

Groundswell Conservancy’s mission is to protect special places, forever. It is a nationally accredited nonprofit conservation organization based in Madison, Wisconsin, and serves Dane County and the surrounding region. Since 1983, it has permanently protected nearly 15,000 acres of important land and water. Learn more about Groundswell Conservancy on their website .

APPLICATION DEADLINE: The hiring team will begin reviewing applications the week of April 6, 2026.