Conservation Florida is an accredited, statewide land conservancy that protects the Sunshine State’s water, wildlife, and wild places – the places that make Florida home. From Pensacola to the Florida Keys, we prioritize strategic and evidence-based land protection by facilitating, purchasing, or accepting donations of land and conservation easements.We focus on creating functional conservation corridors that support native plants and animals while also preserving Florida’s rich agricultural heritage. Through land protection, education, and advocacy, we serve all Floridians – now and for generations to come.
POSITION OVERVIEW
Reporting to the Director of Land Protection, the Land Protection Associate is responsible for advancing Conservation Florida’s mission by developing, coordinating, and facilitating land protection projects throughout Florida. The Land Protection Associate manages projects through all phases of the conservation process, including landowner engagement, due diligence, project coordination, funding coordination, and real estate transactions through closings.
The Land Protection Associate serves as a primary representative for Conservation Florida throughout the land protection process, building trusted relationships with landowners, conservation partners, public agencies, and professional consultants while coordinating complex conservation transactions from initial inquiry through closing. This position conducts property evaluations, prepares maps and supporting materials, submits applications for conservation funding opportunities, coordinates due diligence activities, and works collaboratively with attorneys, appraisers, surveyors, title companies, funding partners, and governmental agencies to advance Conservation Florida’s conservation priorities. The Land Protection Associate may also be expected to assist with grant writing for project-related needs.
The Land Protection Associate maintains accurate project records and documentation, manages project timelines, due diligence requirements, and organizational tracking systems, and ensures compliance with Conservation Florida policies and Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices. This position collaborates across departments to support board reporting, grant administration, stewardship activities, fundraising initiatives, and other organizational priorities while helping strengthen Conservation Florida’s statewide land conservation program. Regular travel throughout Florida, including field visits, landowner meetings, and occasional evening and weekend meetings or events, is required.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, environmental science, biology, ecology, geography, planning, real estate, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in land conservation, natural resources, environmental planning, real estate, project management, or a related field
• Experience managing or coordinating real estate transactions, conservation projects, or other complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, consultants, and deadlines
• Experience with conservation easements, fee acquisitions, facilitated transactions, and other land protection strategies preferred
• Proficiency with GIS software, Microsoft Office Suite, and database management systems
• Familiarity with Florida’s ecosystems, land conservation priorities, and conservation challenges
• Ability to read and interpret maps, surveys, legal descriptions, deeds, title commitments, and other property-related documents
• Valid Florida driver’s license with the ability to travel throughout the state, conduct fieldwork in varying terrain and weather conditions, and occasionally work evenings or weekends as needed
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with the ability to professionally represent Conservation Florida and build effective relationships with landowners, public agencies, conservation partners, funding partners, volunteers, board members, and other stakeholders
Salary Range: $50,000 – $60,000