To apply for this position, please submit your cover letter and resume via email here:
ABOUT WESTERN RIVERS CONSERVANCY
Western Rivers Conservancy protects outstanding river ecosystems in the western United States through land acquisition. We buy land along the West’s finest rivers and streams to conserve habitat for fish and wildlife, protect key sources of cold water and provide public access for all to enjoy. The riverlands we protect become community treasures, not for some, but for all. WRC is committed to creating an organization that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, and is actively inclusive of the rich and varied perspectives that diversity brings.
ABOUT THE WYSS FELLOWS PROGRAM
The Wyss Fellows Program provides experience and training for individuals who have the potential to become future conservation leaders. Fellows work at sponsoring organizations on a variety of projects determined by the sponsoring organization during their two-year fellowship. Wyss Fellowships are ideal for talented and committed individuals just completing their education and looking to launch their career in conservation, or for those looking to make a career change. Fellows also participate in annual week-long training programs, where they have the chance to meet other Wyss Fellows and learn about their work.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Associate Project Manager works with WRC’s team of project managers to provide support in each phase of the land acquisition and conveyance process. The position reports to the President and is based in Portland, Oregon, with travel required throughout Oregon and Washington.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Project Identification and Evaluation
The Associate Project Manager assists Project Managers in identifying and evaluating potential projects. The position assists in the following:
- WORK WITH FISHERIES BIOLOGISTS, RECREATION PLANNERS AND OTHERS TO FOCUS ON RIVERLANDS THAT HAVE HIGH RESOURCE VALUES
- COMMUNICATE WITH CITIZEN GROUPS, ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS AND PUBLIC AGENCIES TO IDENTIFY RIVER CORRIDORS THAT SHOULD BE CONSERVED THROUGH PUBLIC LAND ACQUISITION
- RESEARCH OWNERSHIP AND CONTACT LANDOWNERS
- WORK WITH PUBLIC AND NONPROFIT AGENCIES TO SECURE FUNDING TO BUY LAND AND TRANSFER IT TO PERMANENT STEWARDS
Transaction Management Assistance
The Associate Project Manager provides support to Project Managers throughout the life cycle of each transaction. Specifically, the position assists Project Managers as they:
- WORK THROUGH ALL PHASES OF COMPLEX AND POLITICALLY SENSITIVE REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
- WORK WITH LANDOWNER AND PURCHASER TO GAIN COMMITMENTS ON PURCHASE AND SALE OF PROPERTY
- NEGOTIATE DONATIONS AND PURCHASES OF RIVERLANDS FROM PRIVATE OWNERS, INCLUDING CORPORATIONS
- WORK WITH LANDOWNERS, APPRAISERS, ATTORNEYS, PUBLIC OFFICIALS, SURVEYORS, CONSULTANTS AND TITLE COMPANIES TO COMPLETE THE TRANSACTION
- WORK WITH PURCHASING AGENCIES, PUBLIC OR PRIVATE, TO HELP THEM SECURE FUNDING FOR PURCHASE AND COORDINATE WITH THEM IN THE ACQUISITION PROCESS
- WORK WITH PUBLIC AGENCIES (PRIMARILY FEDERAL AND STATE), TRIBES, NONPROFITS AND OTHER LONG-TERM STEWARDS TO COMPLETE THE SALE OF RIVERLANDS TO THEM FOR LONG-TERM PROTECTION
Public Support and Funding Development
The Associate Project Manager helps Project Managers build public support and secure funding for transactions. The position assists Project Managers as they:
- DEVELOP LOCAL SUPPORT FOR LAND ACQUISITION PROJECTS
- WORK WITH OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS TO GAIN SUPPORT FOR PROJECTS
- IDENTIFY FUNDING SOURCES
- ASSIST IN THE COMPLETION OF GRANT APPLICATIONS
- ASSIST IN THE PROCESS OF LOBBYING FOR FUNDS
- PARTICIPATE IN THE COMPLETION OF GRANT REPORTS
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
A successful candidate for this position will likely possess:
- A LOVE OF RIVERS
- FAMILIARITY WITH REAL ESTATE, FINANCE AND NATURAL RESOURCE SCIENCES
- STRONG WRITING AND PRESENTATION SKILLS; EXCELLENT VERBAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS
- INITIATIVE, RESOURCEFULNESS, AND THE ABILITY TO RESPOND CREATIVELY TO CHALLENGES
- STRONG ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS AND THE ABILITY TO MANAGE A RANGE OF ACTIVITIES AND DEADLINES
- LEADERSHIP SKILLS, WITH THE ABILITY TO BE BOTH A SELF-STARTER AND HIGHLY COLLABORATIVE
- AN UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE OR EQUIVALENT EXPERIENCE IN A RELATED FIELD
COMPENSATION: Annual salary of $60,000. WRC offers a generous benefits package that includes paid vacation, sick leave and holidays; medical and dental insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan; and a bicycle commuter benefit.
TO APPLY: Please email a cover letter and resume here. Applications may also be mailed to: Hiring Committee, Western Rivers Conservancy, 71 SW Oak St, Suite 100, Portland, OR 97204.
CLOSING DATE: November 3, 2023 for priority consideration.
