Employment

Founded in 1985, the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt California non-profit Corporation that conserves natural resources, agricultural land, and open spaces for the benefit of present and future generations. With a community-centered approach to conservation and an inclusive team environment, we prioritize professional development, collaboration, and innovation.

 

Interested? Check out our current openings to learn more and apply.

Land Programs Coordinator

Location: Santa Maria, CA

Job Type: Full-time, exempt position. 

Work Schedule: Tuesday to Saturday 

Salary Range: $69,500 – $75,000 (This salary range incorporates consideration for bilingual skills required for the role)

Organization Overview

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. We are a nationally accredited member of the Land Trust Alliance and California Council of Land Trusts. For almost 40 years the Land Trust has worked to protect the spectacular landscapes we call home to ensure essential habitats, local food systems, and access to open space for all communities now and for future generations. Several years of tremendous growth and achievement have resulted in the successful conservation of over 58,000 acres, 61 conservation easements, and thousands of residents enjoying the outdoors. The Land Trust is expanding our work to better serve everyone in this incredible county, including new community-based programs and creating a possible public preserve in the Santa Maria Valley.

The Opportunity

The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County is looking for a Land Programs Coordinator to join our dynamic team. This is an exempt position based in Santa Maria with a remote connection to the Land Trust’s office in downtown Santa Barbara. This position reports to the Land Programs Director. The Land Programs Coordinator plays a key role in advancing our community engagement and conservation goals. The Coordinator will manage and deliver community-based programs, develop partnerships with local organizations, and represent the Land Trust in diverse community settings. Programs may include a bilingual public hiking series, guided outdoor experiences, volunteer events, and other educational opportunities that connect people to the land and take place throughout Santa Barbara County. The ideal candidate will be a creative-thinker and thoughtful communicator, fluent in Spanish,  who thrives in working across cultures and communities and is passionate about advancing conservation and equity in the Santa Barbara County community. 

Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, and implements a variety of countywide community programs, such as the Land Trust public hiking program, promotional events, and other opportunities to connect the Santa Barbara County community with nature and the other work of the Land Trust
• Manages program logistics and coordination with limited supervision, exercising judgement in scheduling, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining communications with diverse stakeholders
• Develops bilingual communication tools and resources to advance community engagement tailored for diverse audiences, ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and alignment with program objectives
• Represents the Land Trust in various collaborations and working groups, public meetings, events, and building relationships 
• Builds and maintains relationships  with Tribes and BIPOC communities integrating input into programming and ensuring culturally relevant engagement
• Assists in advancing community engagement and outreach for a potential new preserve in the Santa Maria Valley, gathering input and providing recommendations to leadership
• Contributes to  fundraising activities as appropriate including preparing grant applications, coordinating donor tours, and managing special event logistics
• Monitors program and grant budget development, tracks expenditures and provides input to leadership on  as appropriate

Requirements

• College degree in relevant field or related experience
• 3+ years progressive project management or program support in the areas of community programs, engagement or outreach working with diverse stakeholders
• Spanish language fluency required
• Ability to work independently and oversee a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner with accuracy and attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills that can be adapted to reach a wide range of individuals and used to build consensus. Ability to listen to and discuss problems and complaints tactfully
• This is a Tuesday to Saturday position. Ability to travel regularly throughout Santa Barbara County and to work weekends and some evenings
• Ability to operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software application programs. Proficient with presentation software, Microsoft Office, or the ability to quickly learn new software programs
• Commitment to working with the community to advance the Land Trust’s mission
• Ability to learn and maintain CPR/wilderness first aid certifications
• Informed passion, commitment, and sense of urgency for the mission of the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County

Essential Requirements

• Access to reliable transportation
• Ability to work a Tuesday – Saturday schedule and travel throughout Santa Barbara County
• Ability to frequently hike 5 miles over rugged terrain off established trails
• Ability to sit at a desk, type, bend, and twist
• Ability to lift or move up to 40 pounds

Compensation and Benefits

Annual compensation range is $69,500 – $75,000. This salary range incorporates consideration for bilingual skills required for the role. Benefits include generous vacation, paid health and dental premiums, and a supportive team culture. Employees also have the opportunity to join an employer-sponsored retirement plan.

This is a full-time, exempt position. Candidates must be located within the Santa Maria Valley, California area.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.