Land Conservation Manager
Location: Santa Barbara, CA, with frequent travel throughout Santa Barbara County.
About the role
Founded in 1985, The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt California nonprofit corporation that conserves natural resources, agricultural land, and open spaces for the benefit of present and future generations. It is a nationally accredited member of the Land Trust Alliance and California Council of Land Trusts. Over 40 years of work have protected spectacular landscapes, essential habitats, local food systems, and access to open space, resulting in the conservation of nearly 59,000 acres, 64 conservation easements, several beautiful preserves, and thousands of residents enjoying the outdoors. The Land Trust is expanding its work to better serve everyone in the county through new community‑based programs, conservation opportunities, and expanded publicly accessible preserves.
The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County is seeking a Land Conservation Manager—a seasoned conservation project manager and real estate professional—to manage a variety of acquisition, land conservation, and conservation planning projects. As a member of the Conservation team, the role involves managing land acquisition projects (project tracking, landowner engagement, contractor management, grant administration, communications) and contributing to evolving conservation planning and land use programs. The position is full‑time, exempt, reports to the Director of Land Conservation, directs contractors and some staff tasks, is based in person at the Santa Barbara office, and requires frequent travel throughout the County. The manager represents the Land Trust in various settings, serves as a key contact for funding and regulatory partners and landowners, and should be a responsible, motivated individual with professional experience in land transactions and conservation project management.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement acquisition projects to meet the Land Trust’s conservation goals including fee simple, conservation