Land Preservation Specialist

Salary: Salary is approximately $60,000-$80,000 (full-time) based on experience. Salary will be adjusted for part-time work.

Job Type: Full-time staff member (This position is full-time but can begin as part-time and grow to full-time)—Applicants interested in a full-time or part-time work schedule should apply.

Reports to: Director of Land Preservation

Location: Rockville, MD

Work Type: Hybrid: Depending on the Park Trust’s needs, the position may be full-time in-office work or a blend of remote and in-office work. The incumbent must be able to commute to the National Park Trust office in Rockville, MD.

About National Park Trust

National Park Trust’s mission is to preserve parks today and create park stewards for tomorrow. Since 1983, we have worked closely with the National Park Service to acquire privately owned lands to expand and complete our national parks, benefiting 55 national park sites nationwide. In addition, our Youth and Family Programs support our belief that our public parks, lands, and waters should be cared for, enjoyed by, and preserved by all for current and future generations.

Position Overview

National Park Trust seeks an energetic self-starter with a passion for our national parks. The Land Preservation Specialist will report to the Park Trust’s Director of Land Preservation. The staff person selected for this position will assist in negotiating and completing real estate transactions as we expand our land acquisition initiatives that benefit our national park sites.  

Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with negotiations and contract preparation, familiarity with conservation land acquisition and/or National Park Service operations, federal or state land acquisition programs, and real estate transactions are a plus.
• Strong research skills related to real estate transactions
• Ability to work on multiple land transactions at the same time and interface with stakeholders in different time zones.

Responsibilities

• Maintain contact with National Park Service regional lands and resources offices to discuss ongoing land acquisition priorities and environmental mitigation or restoration projects.
• Work closely with Park Superintendents and their staff on acquisition or restoration projects.
• Coordinate and communicate with all involved parties, including landowners, environmental assessment contractors, title companies, and appraisers, throughout the implementation of projects.
• Conduct research on environmental mitigation situations to identify opportunities in which the Park Trust may be able to help direct environmental mitigation funding to restore or add lands in or around units of the national parks.
• Work closely under the direction of our Lands Director and the Board’s Lands and Land Preservation Committee to receive guidance and implement initiatives on projects.
• Assist the Executive Director and Director of Development in finding potential funding or acquisition partners and developing fundraising strategies for selected projects and potential donors/funders.
• Participate in presentations to the board, National Park Service, potential donors, funders, and partners.
• Maintain updated digital and physical records in organized files on all projects.
• Regularly brief the Lands Director on assigned tasks and, when needed, other staff and board members.

Under the mentorship of the senior lands staff, expand expertise in the above responsibilities as well as the following:

• Analyze project requirements and propose appropriate roles and activities
• Develop budgets for each project, including staff, transactional, and other real estate and support costs.
• Negotiate and prepare agreements between the appropriate National Park Service office and the Park Trust, as well as any funders/partners/donors for projects, addressing each party’s role, responsibilities, and costs.
• Prepare and ensure appropriate review, authorized signature, and submission of all legal and transactional documents required for a project.
• Prepare written materials on projects for press releases, newsletters, the Park Trust website, and annual reports.
• Become proficient in identifying National Park Service priority properties for acquisition by the Park Trust.
• Develop the ability to research, read, and understand real estate documents such as deeds, title records, and appraisals.

Other Requirements

• The minimum education requirement is a 4-year college degree; relevant advanced degrees are a plus. While the position is located in the Rockville, MD office, and some remote work is possible, incumbent must be within commuting distance of Rockville, MD.
• All staff are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. National Park Trust provides reasonable accommodation for medical reasons and sincerely held religious beliefs consistent with legal requirements.
• Applicants should be proficient in using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a car.
• Local and overnight travel may be required.

Benefits (Full-time Employment)

• 401(k) plan with company match
• Health and dental insurance with a vision program
• Life insurance and short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Vacation, sick leave, and observance of all federal holidays