Deadline: Tue, 03/14/2023 - 12:00pm Employer: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Job Field: Policy/Administrative Other Job Type: Full Time Location: South Carolina Location Detail: Columbia Job Description: This employee will be responsible for the conservation of natural resources through land protection which involves: ) Leading efforts for the agency to identify properties for land acquisition and developing relationships with partners to further the DNR's goals to acquire property for conservation. ) Conducting sensitive and complex negotiations with a variety of property owners, public officials, attorneys, real estate agents and others to obtain options to purchase real estate to fulfill the agency's mission. ) Managing agency property records in digital format and databases. ) Leading and coordinating agency property rights management regarding licenses, land use agreements, trespass resolutions, etc. on agency owned lands to ensure the DNR's interests and responsibilities to the natural resource and the public are maintained. Job Duties Include: Managing and coordinating the acquisition of land for conservation purposes for the Agency. Effectively communicates with Agency Senior Leadership, the HPC Committee, associated DNR Boards, conservation partners (e.g., Conservation Board Director), members of the General Assembly, school boards and the Department of Administration on land acquisition projects. Providing a financial overview of habitat acquisition obligations for Agency Director and senior staff. Serving as the main point of communication with conservation partners such as the SC Conservation Bank, The Conservation Fund, Open Space Institute, The Nature Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited, etc. regarding potential land acquisition decision-making. Staying up to date on all conservation initiatives that provide funding opportunities and opportunities to collaborate with partners on connecting existing habitats, restoration opportunities and expanding recreational outdoor opportunities for the public. Seeking out ways to develop a strategic mapping and planning process to guide proactive conservation acquisition approaches that utilize the Conservation Blueprint, the SC Conservation Bank map priorities, the State Wildlife Action Plan, ecological community gap analyses and habitat suitability modeling in Habitat Protection prioritization and planning. Serving as the primary contact for any requests to use DNR property and coordinating DNR's internal evaluation of the request and responsibility with agency staff, appropriate Deputy Director and Director. Also serves as a liaison between legal and agency property management staff on property rights management issues and documents, such as easements, licenses, land-conflicts (boundary conflicts, access, trespass, timber theft encroachments), etc. Assembles the Heritage Trust Program report that by statute is to report annually to the Governor and General Assembly the activities of the Program and its future plans and to make any specific recommendations that would assist in achieving the goals and purposes of the Heritage Trust Program. Qualifications: Minimum and Additional Requirements A master's degree and four (4) years of related experience; or a bachelor's degree and five (5) years of related experience. Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of the Department's mission and natural resource environmental interests. Specialized knowledge and experience in real estate acquisition negotiating contracts and coordinating use of land agreements (e.g., utility easements, leases, etc.). Knowledge of real estate title, legal descriptions, land survey methods, closing procedures and real estate contracts including but not limited to Options, Offers to Purchase and Exchange Agreements. Experience in the review of property related files such as deeds, plats, easements, deed restrictions, conservation easements, title opinions, phase I environmental site assessments, and building assessments. Knowledge of landowner contact, negotiation skill sets, maintaining the highest ethical and professional standards in public communications and public relations skills. Knowledge and familiarity with basics of GIS mapping, applications and uses, including ability to read soil maps, topography maps, FEMA and wetland maps. Knowledge of appraisal techniques. Knowledge of computer software programs for word processing, data base management and project tracking. Knowledge of program management and administration. Knowledge of real estate policies, laws, and rules specifically governing the Departments real estate process, as well as knowledge of statutes and regulations involving relocation. Knowledge of state procedures for acquiring land, the Department's structure and external conservation partners and land protection efforts. Ability to provide clear, concise and technically accurate information in both written and oral form about a property for agency staff, associated agency Boards, the Director, executive level staff, other boards and commissions, and members of the General Assembly as required. In addition, the employee should have the ability to multitask and understand processes and property details in order to present technical information to peers, supervisors, elected officials, etc.; efficient and well-organized; ability to work in the office and travel to remote outdoor locations, including areas only accessibly by foot or boat. Real estate experience desirable. Salary: Hiring Range $63,707-$90,788 Benefits: Benefits for State Employees The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies. Insurance Benefits Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses. Retirement Benefits State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options. Workplace Benefits State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more. Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available. How to Apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sc/jobs/3917106/program-manager-ii
