ADMINISTRATOR III Easement Conservation Specialist

Introduction One (1) Long‑Term Contractual Vacancy; Part‑time; 20 hrs/week; 12 Month Contract with possibility of renewal. This recruitment will be used to fill current vacancies for the position and may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification/function. Future vacancies may also be filled via other recruitments. The resulting eligible list will be maintained for one year. Grade 18 Location of Position Annapolis, Anne Arundel or in assigned area Main Purpose of Job This position relates directly to the mission of the Department by administering, coordinating, facilitating and implementing programs that protect land that provides open space and rural landscapes for citizens to enjoy the Chesapeake Bay, diverse landscapes, and the natural resources of Maryland. This position has responsibility for the administration, management, and oversight of activities and for the development and final execution of conservation easements funded by, acquired by, and held by the Department of Natural Resources or our partners. This responsibility includes administration, oversight, and review of activities for the development and final execution of conservation easement acquisitions for the Rural Legacy Program (RLP), conservation easements for Program Open Space (POS) and conservation easements for the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). In addition, where federal funds are used, this position has the responsibility to ensure that the federal program conservation objectives, policies, and procedures are met in a manner that is compatible and consistent with the state program conservation objectives, laws, policies, and procedures. Position Duties The Department of Natural Resources, Land Acquisition & Planning Unit, located at the Tawes State Office Building, Annapolis, Maryland, is currently accepting applications for a Part‑Time Long Term Contractual Conservation Easement Specialist. The Land Acquisition & Planning Unit works to advance land conservation and outdoor recreational opportunities in Maryland. This position would work within Land Acquisition and Planning, which handles permanent conservation easement as well as fee simple acquisitions for Rural Legacy, Program Open Space – Stateside, and the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). The primary purposes of this position are to administer, review, and oversee: 1) conservation easement acquisitions (including working closely with local Rural Legacy partners) in Rural Legacy Areas; 2) CREP permanent easement acquisitions; and 3) fee simple and conservation easement acquisitions for Program Open Space – Stateside. Duties involve conservation planning; assessing/evaluating conservation attributes of land; and, corresponding and working with landowners, local land trusts, conservation not‑for‑profit organizations, County staff, the Office of the Attorney General and staff of other state agencies to complete conservation easement acquisitions. The position will collaborate with other State land conservation programs such as Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation, Forest Legacy, and the Maryland Environmental Trust. The position may be assigned to work in one or more regions of the State. Minimum Qualifications Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate. Experience: Six years of administrative staff or professional work. Notes Candidates may substitute 30 college credit hours from an accredited college or university for each year up to four years of the required experience. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and two years of experience in administrative staff or professional work for the required experience. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university for the required experience. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer involving staff work related to the administration of rules, regulations, policy, procedures and processes, or overseeing or coordinating unit operations or functioning as a staff assistant to a higher ranking commissioned officer on a year‑for‑year basis for the required experience. Selective Qualifications Applicants not using a substitution to meet the minimum qualifications must have three (3) years’ experience working with land conservation programs or conservation easements and three (3) years’ experience with natural resource or land conservation project management. (*job duties must be clearly described in your application to receive credit) Desired or Preferred Qualifications Possession of a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school Experience working with land trusts. Experience working with landowners interested in permanently conserving their property. Experience writing, drafting and negotiating permanent land conservation easements. Experience conducting deed/title/property and plat records research. Knowledge of Maryland or federal land preservation programs and tools related to land acquisition and conservation. Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Adobe, MDLANDREC or FINDER or equivalent, SDAT Real Property Database, PLATS.NET for data research, management and presentation. Licenses, Registrations and Certifications Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland. Benefits Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits. Leave may be granted to a contractual employee at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year. Should benefits be available, this information will be discussed at the time of hire. EEO Statement Candidates with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Maryland