Title: Land Conservation Specialist

State Role Title: Environmental Specialist II

Hiring Range: $70,000 - $80,000

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation

Location: Office

Agency Website: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

THE AGENCY
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation is the state’s lead conservation agency and it takes a diverse agency to work for a diverse commonwealth. DCR protects what people care about – access to the outdoors, natural habitats, open spaces, clean water and safe infrastructure. We manage 43 Virginia State Parks, which has thousands of campsites, hundreds of cabins, beaches, festivals, educational programs, more than 500 miles of trails … the list goes on.
If you’re someone who wants to love what you do, and make a difference, DCR is the place for you!
THE DIVISION
The Office of Land Conservation helps citizens and organizations to protect land by assisting in the distribution of state funding for land conservation and acquiring land for Virginia State Parks and the Virginia Natural Area Preserve System. The Land Conservation team helps to distribute funding for conservation by providing administrative support for the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation Board and grant program, and by reviewing the conservation value of Land Preservation Tax Credit applications for more than $1 million. They also connect landowners with information to explain Virginia’s conservation programs and the different conservation mechanisms available to them.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Land Conservation Specialist is responsible for administering the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation’s (VLCF) highly successful land conservation grant program. This position reviews the required legal documents and real estate due diligence associated with each grant project, as well as prepares internal documents to pay out funds at project closing. This position will be an integral partner within the DCR Office of Land Conservation team who will also coordinate with other DCR divisions, state agency partners, Virginia tribes, land trusts, and other conservation professionals.
Responsibilities include organizing and preparing for grant rounds; supporting VLCF board activities; making presentations; collaborating with grant awardees to ensure that they fulfill their grant agreements; submitting required due diligence deliverables; and meeting the grant deadlines. This position will also be responsible for utilizing and maintaining an online database to track grant applications and projects, as well as tracking and monitoring past projects for continued compliance; collecting and analyzing program data and assisting with annual reporting requirements; and upholding program standards and maintaining consistent processes for the management and disbursement of statewide funding.

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation offers paid leave; 12 paid holidays; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan); and is a federally recognized Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer.

Minimum Qualifications

• Familiarity with land conservation tools and programs in Virginia.
• Knowledge of real estate transactions.
• Ability to plan, schedule, prioritize, coordinate, and evaluate multiple projects and activities.
• Demonstrated experience communicating verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work cooperatively with diverse groups of employees and constituents.
• Computer skills with extensive knowledge of MS Office software.
• A valid Virginia Driver’s license is required.

Additional Considerations

• Grant management experience.
• WebGrants online database knowledge and experience.
• Proficiency with Esri mapping platforms.
• Professional experience in real estate transactions to include knowledge of due diligence documents.
• Previous experience working in land conservation and/or background in natural resources, cultural resources, or working lands.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

A valid State Driver's License is required to operate a state vehicle or if operating a personal vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the agency.
DCR is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and the highest ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that our greatest strength lies in the individual differences, experiences, and skillsets that our employees bring to the table. Because of this, we strongly encourage applications from all walks of life, and we welcome all contributions in terms of age, beliefs, color, culture, disability, education, ethnicity, gender identity/expression, language, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran’s status.
Selected candidate(s) will need to complete the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form. DCR participates in E-Verify.
Submission of an online application is required for this position. DCR does not accept applications, resumes, cover letters, etc. for this vacancy in any other format. When applying for jobs, please ensure your online application or resume is complete with duties and skills associated with your work experience.
Minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people with National Service experience are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TT
Employment in all positions within the Virginia State Parks is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check including a criminal history record check.

Contact Information

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Phone: N/A

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In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.