Durham County Government employs approximately 1,900 employees that work towards providing needed services throughout the community. With a wide array of services, Durham County Government is at the heart of a rapidly growing and diverse area offering residents, employees and visitors exciting opportunities to live, work, grow and play. For more information about Durham County Government, visit www.dconc.gov.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The work performed includes technical and professional duties in open space and real estate property and conservation easement acquisition, GIS map preparation, grant writing and administration, conservation easement review and monitoring, management of easement landowner relations, environmental and natural resource property review and analysis, and collaboration and outreach with conservation and funding partners.

This class works independently, under the supervision of the Open Space and Real Estate Manager.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Works with landowners to devise creative open space protection solutions involving combinations of acquisition, private preservation, conservation easements, grants, and donations.

• Develops and maintains partnerships with landowners, other governmental agencies, non-profit partners, funding agencies, and citizen boards.

• Assists in the drafting of conservation easements for Open Space and Real Estate Manager and County Attorney’s Office review including preparation of baseline documentation reports.

• Monitors existing easements annually, documents, and files required state and federal monitoring reports.

• Maintains positive, helpful relationships with easement landowners.

• Creates and maintains geographic information system (GIS) maps and data layers for open space and real estate projects and shares open space data with relevant agencies, e.g., Planning and NC Natural Heritage Program.

• Prepares context and display maps for a variety of purposes including agenda items, reports, grants, presentations, baseline documentation, and conservation easement exhibits.

• Researches, writes or assists in preparation of grants to leverage county open space funds.

• Coordinates grant processing documents, including required paperwork and required entity and landowner forms.

• Prepares site assessments based on field visits, remote imagery, and analysis of property information.

• Represents the County open space interests on various local and regional conservation and open space work groups and research efforts.

• Assists with coordination of volunteer projects, event booths, and public outreach efforts.

• Prepares background research for acquisition for real estate and open space properties.

• Coordinates conservation land protection acquisition (easement and fee) process from beginning to end including surveys, appraisals, title work and closings for open space properties with County Attorney’s Office.

• Drafts and processes contracts for appraisals, surveys, and other services for open space land protection needs.

• Assists with capital open space project development for public parks and preserves.

• Performs related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Experience working with a diversity of landowners on environmental or open space protection work.

• Experience in the use of GIS software to create and maintain maps and manage data.

• Experience writing grants and grants administration.

• Knowledge of local government laws and state statutes, land use regulations, and open space issues.

• General knowledge of local flora, fauna, and ecology.

• Experience and comfort working outside in wooded, open, and agricultural settings alone and in a group.

• Ability to read and understand property descriptions, conveyances, and a variety of maps.

• Ability to access property and field verify environmental and natural resource features and conditions.

• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, citizen boards, funding agencies, conservation partners, and the public.

• Ability to gather, interpret and analyze data and make appropriate recommendations.

• Ability to develop and maintain organized record keeping systems and procedures.

• Ability to express ideas effectively both verbally and in writing.

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

• Ability to prepare technical reports, studies, analyses and recommendations.

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely.

• Ability to work effectively with internal and external customers.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies, Natural Resources, Forestry, Planning, Public Policy, Public Administration, or a related field; from an appropriately accredited college or university.

• Two (2) years of experience in open space land protection, conservation, or a real estate related area, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• Performs medium work that involves walking, standing, stooping, jumping, digging, stretching, pushing, lifting, and raising objects all of the time and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis and 50 to 100 pounds of force on an occasional basis; exceptional skill, adeptness and speed in the use of the fingers, hands or limbs in tasks involving very close tolerances or limits of accuracy.
   

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT):

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

• Involves routine and frequent exposure to:

  • Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen.

  • Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions.

  • Extreme noise levels, Animals/wildlife.

  • Vibration; Fumes and/or noxious odors.

  • Traffic; Moving machinery.

  • Electrical shock; Heights.

  • Radiation; Disease/pathogens.

  • Toxic/caustic chemicals; Explosives; Violence.

  • Other extreme hazards not listed above.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

• Must possess and maintain a valid North Carolina driver’s license with a three-year acceptable driving history.
   

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE:

Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Durham County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.
 

STANDARD CLAUSES:

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of Durham County.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
 

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS:

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed, and employees are properly trained.

Durham County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer