Program Associate Job Description

ORGANIZATIONAL PURPOSE: Sagebrush Steppe Regional Land  Trust’s (SSRLT) mission is to maintain Southeast Idaho’s quality of life by  protecting and enhancing wildlife habitat, natural lands, and working farms and  ranches, now and for future generation.  For more information, visit: www.sagebrushlandtrust.org. 

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Program Associate (PA) will  assist Executive Director in coordinating and conducting conservation,  fundraising, outreach, and operations programs at Sagebrush Steppe Land  Trust.  The Program Associate reports to the Executive Director (ED).  The full-time 40 hour per week position will require occasional evening and weekend hours and requires work in the SSRLT office, presently located in  Pocatello, Idaho. The PA will be expected to attend Board, committee and staff  meetings, and various trainings. 

POSITION STATUS: The Program Associate is a full-time, at-will position hired, supervised and evaluated by SSRLT’s Executive Director. 

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Administration and Operations - Participate  in organizational administration and operations by assisting ED to: prepare accreditation application, prepare for Board, committee, and staff meetings, complete budgeting and financial reporting tasks, maintain donor database, perform administrative tasks (mail and materials delivery, phone and office presence, etc), coordinate volunteer program, and review policies and procedures as needed.

2. Fundraising and Outreach - Participate in the implementation of the fundraising program by assisting ED to: prepare grant proposals for financial support of programs, coordinate annual fundraiser, and prepare summer membership campaign and year-end giving campaign. Participate in organization’s Outreach Program by assisting ED by participating in community events and preparing press releases, newsletters, and articles to promote SSRLT completed land protection projects and specific stewardship project activities, as needed.

3. Conservation Program  - Participate in the completion of conservation acquisitions by assisting ED to: develop conservation projects, perform project due diligence activities, take part in site visits to potential projects, and review project documentation. Participate in the implementation of the Stewardship Program by assisting ED to: conduct conservation easement monitoring, coordinate annual management activities of fee title preserves, maintain permanent and working files on all completed projects, coordinate landowner relations, document contact with landowners in permanent files, help document conservation values (baseline natural resource inventories), and research regulations governing land use, zoning, and comprehensive planning.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

A strong candidate will have experience and demonstrated success with: productive and positive inter-personal relationship capabilitiesand problem-solving skills; bachelor's degree preferred; minimum of 1 year of related professional or volunteer experience in this correlated position; strong technical and computer skills including Microsoft Office, ArcGIS, GPS, and database management; strong written and verbal communication skills; strong outdoor skills and physical conditioning with ability to navigate and locate specific properties; persistence and ability to balance and pursue multiple projects simultaneously; high tolerance for meeting competing demands efficiently; strong project management skills with ability to complete projects within deadlines and budget; commitment to the mission and passion for protecting wildlife habitat and working land; and desire and ability to work as part of a team.

In addition, a strong candidate will: be honest and dependable; have effective and clear written and verbal communication skills, including a demonstrated ability to listen well, problem solve and negotiate effectively; have a proven ability to maintain confidentiality; have a good sense of humor and like working with individuals and groups; think creatively and use time effectively; pay careful attention to detail; be able to juggle many things at once; and have an affinity for and understanding of  working in Southeastern Idaho.

Submit Cover Letter, Resume and References Electronically to:  

Joselin Matkins, Executive Director, Sagebrush Steppe Regional Land Trust, joselin@sagebrushlandtrust.org  (208)241-4662.  Position is open until filled.  Initial Application Deadline:  January 23, 2012.  Projected start date: Mid February-Early March.