Land Protection Program Manager

Land Protection Program Manager

Position Title: Land Protection Program Manager

Reports to: Director of Conservation

Status: Full-time, exempt

MRT Pay Grade: Level E ($68,492 – $95,889)

The Land Protection Program Manager oversees a growing portfolio of land and conservation easement acquisition projects in alignment with the Trust’s strategic objectives and current holdings. The Program Manager develops and manages land acquisition projects, including fee simple, conservation easement, and partner‑assist transactions throughout the McKenzie River Trust’s service area. They also assist with protection‑related inquiries for properties already in our portfolio.

The Program Manager negotiates terms and develops instruments for the acquisition of conservation easements and properties through purchase and donation from willing landowners. The position requires project management, landowner outreach, negotiation, partnership facilitation, and close coordination with the Trust’s stewardship and development staff.

• Identify opportunities and negotiate and manage land transactions
• Assess new land protection opportunities for their conservation values in relation to the Trust’s strategic objectives and project selection criteria.
• Mentor and supervise program staff in land protection actions
• Develop and maintain contacts and relationships with landowners, public agencies, funders, and other partners.
• Respond to inquiries from landowners and discuss conservation options, costs and basic financial implications and benefits of conservation projects.
• Prepare and review acquisition and transfer documents (e.g., purchase agreements, conservation easements, appraisals, transfer agreements, title documents, escrow instructions, property/easement donation agreements etc.).
• Select, hire, and manage consultants with a range of expertise (such as attorneys, appraisers, realtors, environmental scientists, and surveyors) and complete property due diligence in accordance with MRT’s procurement policy and any grantor requirements
• Coordinate all land protection projects with other Trust staff in fundraising, stewardship planning and cost calculation, and outreach.
• Work with other staff to ensure that all land conservation transactions are adequately documented, including written reports, database management (Salesforce), GIS maps, and other means, in a manner that maintains MRT’s accreditation with the Land Trust Alliance (LTA).
• Identify long‑term property disposal scenarios for all new properties and manage disposal/sale of Trust properties.
• Support GIS capabilities of the Trust by securing spatial data in support of the land conservation work. Produce updated maps of protected lands for both internal and external audiences.
• Manage the flow of new prospective properties into the transaction process in order to keep the number of transactions at a manageable level. Provide feedback to other staff regarding capacity and plan projects on a timeline that leads to success
• Manage tribal rematriation projects and ensure projects align with Tribes’ priorities and sovereignty.

Minimum BA/BS degree in natural resources management, conservation law, or another related field of study, and at least 5 years of experience in land conservation, real estate, or related field.

Experience in real estate transactions, paralegal work, or document review and editing, either through experience or education/training.

Experience with land conservation real estate transactions and conservation easements.

Strong negotiation and relationship building.

Strong speaking, writing, and listening skills. Ability to work with diverse people and develop positive working relationships, especially with co‑workers, landowners, rural stakeholders, conservative communities, Tribes, and government agencies.

Familiarity with lands and waters of western Oregon.

Knowledge of current tax and conservation laws.

FULL

JOB DESCRIPTION:

(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Please prepare a resume and cover letter describing your interest, addressed to Eli Tome, Director of Conservation. Send your letter and resume, combined into one PDF no longer than 4 pages total, via email to jobs with Land Protection Program Manager in the subject line of your email.

Originally posted on January 29, 2026, applications will be accepted until Friday, February 20, 2026. MRT typically conducts a remote interview via Zoom, a second interview, a writing exercise, and a final in‑person meet‑and‑greet with the staff before a formal offer is made. The MRT hiring processes can take up to two months. The Hiring Manager will keep applicants informed throughout the process.