Peninsula Open Space Trust Careers

REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST

Are you passionate about the environment and looking for an opportunity to translate your real property or transaction related experience, project management strengths, and relationship skills into a career conserving open space and farmland properties? This is an opportunity to join one of the most successful land trusts in the country to protect the spectacular landscapes of the San Francisco Peninsula and South Bay for the benefit of all.

The Real Estate Specialist position plays a key role in supporting the early phases of land transaction projects by identifying, screening, and developing new opportunities and by providing specialized advice to the Transactions team regarding open market transactions, property appraisals, and broader market trends.

Additional core duties include managing straightforward land transactions, supporting acquisition due diligence efforts, and assisting the transfer of lands to external partners. This position reports to the Senior Manager of Real Property and Projects and works closely with other members of the Transactions team and Land Department.

POST is currently a hybrid workplace designed for each job to optimize work responsibilities, team collaboration, and culture-building across our organization. The successful candidate for this particular role should expect to work in person approximately two to three days per week (likely more during the onboarding period) and will reside within a reasonable commuting distance to POST’s Palo Alto office, and to its lands on the San Francisco Peninsula and in the South Bay.  As an organization that is about land, places, and communities, “in person” work for us includes time in our office, as well as time in the field (visiting properties, attending events, or for other work connected to the places or communities we serve).

DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION AND REAL ESTATE TRENDS (40%)

• Proactively identifies and screens potential transaction projects from open market listings, landowner inquiries, property tax default auctions, broker relationships and other sources and communicates these to internal team members and/or external partners as appropriate.
• Gathers information and collaborates with colleagues to prepare materials that inform and/or develop new project opportunities.
• Actively compiles, organizes and analyzes information from property listings, comparable sales, appraisals and other sources to understand and report out market values and relevant trends to the Transactions team.
• Builds and maintains a network of local realtors, appraisers and other consultants in support of POST’s conservation goals. 

TRANSACTIONS SUPPORT (60%)

• Reviews appraisal reports commissioned by POST and its partners to ensure they align with our understanding of highest and best uses, real estate trends and other comparable property features.
• Supports the cultivation of new acquisition opportunities with property research, , landowner engagement, and POST partner coordination.
• Supports drafting and finalizing sales contracts by utilizing POST purchase and sale agreement templates or standard CAR (California Association of Realtors) forms.
• Supports project managers in due diligence and negotiation efforts, including the hiring and managing of consultants, service providers, appraisers, attorneys, surveyors, land use planners, environmental consultants, or biologists.
• As needed, manages straightforward real property transactions involving realtors/brokers.
• As needed, supports successful post-acquisition activities such as the transfer of properties to external partners or the transitioning of post-acquisition projects to our Stewardship team.
• Represents POST at occasional donor, funder, and public events in support of our marketing and fundraising efforts.
• Works in alignment with POST’s organizational values and its commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive culture.
• May supervise and train temporary support positions such as volunteers, interns, and fellows.

KNOWLEDGE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Three years or more experience in a real property or transactions related role, such as real estate, urban planning, paralegal/law, project development or data-driven consulting.
• Knowledge of real property transactions and processes are central to this role and could be demonstrated by holding an active license as a real estate salesperson or broker. Additional training may be required for individuals without an active real estate license and/or membership in the CA Association of Realtors.
• Demonstrated ability to collect, document, and analyze data to produce reports and presentations about trends and values.
• Experience managing projects and collaborating in teams with diverse backgrounds.
• Experience building relationships in service of long-term business goals.
• Effective communicator: strong writing, speaking, presentation and listening abilities.
• Self-motivated, creative problem solver comfortable asking for help.
• Knowledge of land trust practices and conservation easements is helpful; training can be provided.
• Ability to effectively use Google Suite and Microsoft applications for day-to-day tasks.
• College degree in a relevant field of study, or equivalent and relevant work experience and/or certifications will be considered in lieu of a college degree.
• Knowledge of or experience working with natural resources concepts related to property types and uses is preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record to facilitate the use of POST vehicles for required site visits.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Requires regular and accurate communication with others using telephone, computer, and video technology, and ability to interact effectively with digital and printed materials.
• Requires the ability to drive company vehicles to various locations.
• Requires the ability to traverse uneven, rough, or steep terrain and exposure to outdoor elements.
• There are occasional events or duties that occur outside regular work hours. 
• Reasonable accommodations will be made to allow a person to perform essential functions.

TO APPLY:

Please write a cover letter telling us why you are a great match for this role and submit it with your current resume. The cover letter is required; applications without a cover letter will not receive the same level of consideration.

STARTING SALARY RANGE:

$86,310-95,900 depending upon level of skills and experience. This salary range may be increased on July 1 of each year as a labor market increase as part of our budget planning process. POST offers excellent benefits including medical, dental, and vision plans, retirement account contribution & matching, generous time off, paid maternity/paternity/ family medical leave, excellent learning and mental/physical wellness programs, personal cell phone/home internet usage stipend, commuter benefits, and many more!

POST’S CORE VALUES:

Nature Connects Us All:

We believe that we are part of an interconnected web of life and that diversity of all types creates strength and resilience. In our work, we strive to protect and heal the ecosystems that support our collective well-being.

Act Today for the Long-Term:

We take action today in ways that support our bold, long-term vision. We accept and balance the tension between the present and the future while staying true to our purpose.

Commit to Learning and Growth:

We are creative, curious and courageous in our approaches and willing to change course when necessary. We learn from our successes and mistakes.

Care About How We Work:

We believe all living things should be treated with dignity. We acknowledge the many injustices against people and nature. We are dedicated to striving for equity in our actions.

Honor Our Collective Strengths:

We have the most positive impact when we work together toward a shared vision. We catalyze, collaborate and complement to support the best outcomes for all.

POST is an equal opportunity employer. We believe diversity and equity are central to our mission to protect open space for the benefit of all. We are committed to creating an inclusive, values-driven workplace where all employees can thrive. Come join us!