A Conservation Director

Job Opening:
Conservation Director

The Deschutes Land Trust is seeking a Conservation Director to join its team!

The Deschutes Land Trust conserves and cares for the lands and waters that sustain Central Oregon, so local communities and the natural world can flourish together for generations to come. Since 1995, the Land Trust has protected more than 18,700 acres throughout Central Oregon for future generations. We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion, and are committed to building a conservation community with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences.

Learn more about our Equity Commitment.

The Conservation Director provides leadership for all land protection activities of the Land Trust. This senior position is the cornerstone of the organization's conservation mission—overseeing land acquisitions, and conservation easements across the trust's protected lands portfolio. Working closely with the Executive Director, board, landowners, agency partners, and community stakeholders, the Conservation Director builds lasting relationships that translate the trust's values into durable landscape-level conservation outcomes.

This is an opportunity for a passionate, experienced professional to shape the future of land protection in a region of extraordinary ecological and agricultural significance. Please see the detailed position description.

The ideal candidate brings 5–7 years of progressively responsible land conservation experience, with hands-on involvement in conservation easements and fee acquisitions. A strong foundation in real estate law, real estate transactions, title review, and other due diligence is desired as is familiarity with Land Trust Alliance Standards & Practices and accreditation requirements. Candidates should be comfortable conducting transactional due diligence. Candidates should have familiarity with ecological and climate sciences and strong research skills.

A background in agricultural lands, working forests, or water resources conservation is a plus, as is knowledge of federal and state funding programs such as OWEB and ACEP-ALE. A working knowledge of the Oregon land use system is also desirable.

Applicants must be capable of navigating the legal and financial dimensions of conservation work. This includes drafting and reviewing conservation easement documents, understanding the tax implications of easement donations and land gifts, and coordinating with attorneys, appraisers, title companies, and agency partners to bring transactions to a successful close. Familiarity with charitable giving options and landowner incentive programs is beneficial.

The Conservation Director must be a skilled communicator and relationship builder—someone who earns the trust of landowners and who can work effectively across cultures, generations, and land management philosophies. Strong written skills are equally important, from grant narratives and board reports to landowner correspondence and public outreach materials. Experience cultivating partnerships with state and federal agencies and peer conservation organizations is highly valued.

Partnerships with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and Klamath Tribes are central to our conservation work. Candidates must have direct experience working alongside Tribal nations, and familiarity with the consultation processes and Tribal governance structures. Equally important is the humility to listen, learn, and build trust over time.

The right candidate is a self-directed, collaborative leader who thrives in a medium nonprofit environment and is comfortable wearing multiple hats. The ability to manage several active projects and transactions simultaneously—while supporting and mentoring staff—is essential.

Strong computer skills, including proficiency with current office computer applications, Google Suite, and experience with GIS tools such as ArcGIS or QGIS.

Fieldwork is a regular part of the role, and candidates must be willing and able to work in varied terrain and weather conditions. A valid driver's license and reliable transportation are required.

The Deschutes Land Trust offers competitive salary and benefits to full-time…