EASEMENTS ACQUISITION ASSISTANT

The Trust for Tomorrow has one opening for an Easement Acquisition Assistant, with an emphasis on supporting enrollment and acquisition of conservation easements. This position will support USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) enrollment, acquisition, planning, implementation, and monitoring of conservation easement projects in Louisiana. The anticipated start date for the position is February 1, 2025.

Duties will include:

Assist the NRCS easement team in the administration of Farm Bill Programs including but not limited to the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) – Wetlands Reserve Easements (WRE) and Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Emergency Watershed Protection Program – Floodplain Easements (EWPP-FPE).
Gathers program information to assist leadership staff in analysis of Farm Bill program performance. Monitors agency program information and progress, using tables, charts, and other formats to present clear, concise information to program managers and members of the State Management Team.
Assists in the review of application packages for completeness and works directly with easement staff, landowners, and contractors on potential issues.
Assist in procedures for implementation of the easements acquisition process.
Maintains easement files, databases, and spreadsheets to track application status, easement closings, restorations, and monitoring.
Assist the NRCS easement team in ordering and reviewing Title Commitments and Policies. Works directly with the easement team to clear any unnecessary requirements, exceptions or encumbrances; recognizing and addressing items that are encumbrances. Draws and maps out legal descriptions to assure adequate access, boundaries and clearing unnecessary encumbrances.
Tracks funds for easement acquisition appraisals, title work, commitments, obligations, etc. Communicates directly with financial management staff in order to ensure funds are obligated on schedule.
Assists in the review of necessary documents for title clearances, such as Mortgage Subordination agreements, Affidavits, Right-of-Way agreements, etc.
Performs administrative review of easement boundary surveys as needed and directed.
Assists in the preparation and review of easement packages for the internal controls process.
Coordinates conservation easement closings and ensure all activities required for closing are completed.
Performs other duties as assigned by Assistant State Conservationist for Easement Programs.

Qualifications:

Specialized experience in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position.
Experience with deeds, easements, rights-of-way, surveys, and legal descriptions preferred.
Ability to communicate effectively with internal/external stakeholders.
Must be computer proficient with Microsoft programs and internet-based applications.
The individual’s primary work location will be at the NRCS State Office in Alexandria, LA.

Salary will be based on experience and qualifications with a projected salary range of $50,000.00 - $70,000.00 . The Trust for Tomorrow provides employees with 10 days paid sick leave, 10 days paid annual leave, and 11 Federal holidays, as well as health, dental, and vision insurance.

To apply, submit a cover letter, resume and three references by December 31, 2024, to:

April Temple, Executive Director

The Trust for Tomorrow

aprtemple@trustfortomorrow.org

The Trust for Tomorrow

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The Trust for Tomorrow | Easements Acquisition Assistant