Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) is one of the nation’s most dynamic and successful local land trusts. Since its founding in 1977, POST has protected more than 75,000 acres of open space, farms and parkland in and around Silicon Valley. Our headquarters are in Palo Alto near Caltrain.
Land Transaction Associate
BASIC FUNCTION AND PURPOSE OF POSITION:
Under the supervision of the Director of Land Transactions, the Land Associate is responsible for managing various aspects of real estate transactions and conservation planning, in close coordination with the entire Land Transactions team, to further POST’s land conservation projects.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS:
Investigates and analyzes target conservation properties, and identifies and helps to prioritize project opportunities.
Assists in preparing and reviewing acquisition and transfer documents (i.e., purchase agreements, gift deeds, letters, conservation easements, appraisals, environmental assessments, exchange agreements, title documents, and escrow instructions, etc.).
Hires and manages consultants of varying expertise, such as environmental scientists, surveyors, attorneys and appraisers.
Coordinates implementation of acquisition and transfer activities, including title review and other due diligence tasks, closing oversight, funding distribution and acceptance.
Supports and coordinates larger conservation programs where appropriate.
Responsible for investigation and research of potential projects including:
Coordinates property research, property rankings, real estate market research, landowner research and related administrative tasks.
Conducts analyses of market value of potential acquisitions using market data and analyses of zoning, policy and development potential/economics.
Review and performs property valuation analyses for planning and transfer properties.
Reviews appraisals and other third party valuations with Director of Land Transactions.
Provides support for Land Transactions budget planning and tracking.
Assists with coordinating early involvement of stewardship team to consider management of properties proposed for acquisition.
Handles special projects and miscellaneous duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS NECESSARY TO PERFORM THIS JOB:
Minimum one year of experience supporting land conservation transactions
Experience with land trust real estate transactions and conservation easements preferred.
Ability to effectively collaborate with diverse groups.
Ability to manage multiple complex projects.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Highly self-motivated.
Computer literate.
Outstanding planning and analytical skills.
Experience with project budgets and accounting.
Familiarity with local geographic area.
College degree required, graduate degree preferred
Mapping experience with GIS software preferred.
Knowledge of current tax and conservation laws.
Knowledge of natural resources.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Supervision of consultants and interns, and potentially of project support staff.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer, and strength to lift and carry materials weighing up to 10 pounds; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Must be able to hike rough terrain.
This position requires occasional evening and weekend work.
How to apply
Please email your resume along with a cover letter explaining how you personally connect to POST’s mission and why this position is a good fit with your career objectives INCLUDING THE WORDS LAND TRANSACTION ASSOCIATE IN THE SUBJECT LINE to: hiring@openspacetrust.org.
No phone calls please. Compensation DOE with a full benefits package.
POST is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from people of under-represented groups who will contribute to the diversity of its staff. POST is located in downtown Palo Alto, conveniently located for public transit.