Land Use Advocate

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Agency agenda and CEQA Net tracking, project research and review, and analysis.
• Representing SMD at community and government agency meetings; making persuasive public comments and presentations.
• Responding to land use projects in the 12-county Diablo Range, including ballot measures, a national monument campaign, reservoir projects, alternative energy projects, etc., with an emphasis on the southernmost six counties (San Benito, Monterey, Fresno, Kings, San Luis Obispo, Kern) of the range.
• Assisting SMD in monitoring and updating its rolling three-year Strategic Plan.
• Working on non-candidate political campaigns implementing campaign activities as directed, coordinating volunteers, building grassroots support, etc.
• Traveling to advocacy and decision-making body meetings; requires use of a vehicle.
• Landing use project research, analysis, review, and interpretation, and developing or supporting strategy, land campaigns, and other responses to development proposals, including document and report creation, EIR comment letters, and legislative digests.
• Developing and implementing elected official, planning agency and public outreach, and landowner education programs, including constituent hikes and site visits.
• Representing SMD on coalition efforts, identifying and helping develop new organizational relationships.
• Writing land use and advocacy-oriented communication materials, including blog posts, email alerts, flyers, and other digital and print deliverables.
• Preparing and directing development of photo, map, and other graphic materials for land use reports and presentations.
• Honoring SMD’s organizational values (Respect for the Land and Stewardship of It for Future Generations—Advocacy, Activism, and Empowering Individuals—Collaboration—Pragmatism—Integrity—Equity—Gratitude, Kindness, and Respect—Science and Research).
• Staffing and supporting important SMD committees like the Land Committee.
• Supporting preparation for land use events.
• Assisting with departmental administration, scheduling, and internal reporting.
• Managing volunteers and interns active on particular land use projects. Documenting contact information and interests, notifying volunteers about tasks to complete, reviewing and intake of work products, and scheduling of potential activities.
• Assisting with other organizational priorities and efforts as called upon.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 2-4 years of experience in environmental policy and/or community advocacy.
• Familiarity with laws related to land use planning, including knowledge of CEQA, ESA, and other regulations.
• Strong written, verbal communication/public speaking, organizational, and document review skills.
• Environmental and public policy, grassroots advocacy experience.
• Familiarity and experience using Microsoft Office Suite and Google Earth.
• Ability to be accurate and detailed in accomplishing daily tasks.
• Proven ability to respectfully work with staff, volunteers, interns, partners, and others.
• Proven ability to work independently.
• Sincere and demonstrable passion for nature and conservation.