Job Overview
The Environmental Paralegal plays a vital support role in advancing conservation efforts that benefit wildlife and the local community. This role combines meaningful land trust work with the satisfaction of completing enduring projects that meet the high standards set forth by Conservancy policy and the Land Trust Alliance’s standards, practices, and accreditation requirements. As part of the Conservancy’s land protection team, the Environmental Paralegal position includes responsibilities in the intricacies of managing due diligence for real estate transactions, reviewing title commitments and surveys, preparing legal documents, file organization and maintenance, proofreading and review, administrative responsibilities, preparing reports and outreach communications. This position requires attention to detail, excellent record-keeping and documentation abilities, and a desire to work in a collaborative environment to make a tangible difference in conservation.

Duties

Professionally represent Mississippi Valley Conservancy with project partners and funders
Review and analyze title commitments, surveys, and property legal descriptions
Draft real estate documents including conservation easements, purchase offers, and closing documents
Research legal issues and prepare critical communications with landowners and partners
Assist as needed in the review of conservation easements, amendments, options, mortgage subordinations, access easements, tax forms, appraisals, utility easements, board approvals, baseline documentation, and other components of transactions as directed
Communicate regularly with team members on project development, timelines, updates, and issues
Maintain physical and digital property records and databases in accordance with Conservancy policy and procedures
Assist with grant applications, reporting and filing
Ensure project documentation is thorough and up to date and in accordance with Land Trust Alliance accreditation standards and practices, grant funder requirements, and Conservancy policy
Other duties as assigned

REQUIRED Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or strong real estate experience
Minimum of 2 years professional experience as a paralegal in the area of real estate
Desire to be a part of a mission-driven conservation organization
A demonstrated commitment to data integrity and record-keeping
Excellent communication and writing skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs and demonstrated expertise in databases and information management systems
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities and work under tight timeframes
Ability to be a cooperative and supportive team member with coworkers and external stakeholders
Highly attentive to details, well organized and self-directed
Desire and demonstrated ability to identify and address personal knowledge gaps; to learn on the job; and to cultivate sources of knowledge, expertise, and skill

Hiring process and timeline

Qualified candidates will be invited to interview for the position. Finalists will be invited to a second interview and asked to provide three professional references. To apply Please email a resume and cover letter as a single pdf to conservation director, Abbie Church at achurch@mississippivalleyconservancy.org. Application deadline: January 3, 2025.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $52,000.00 - $62,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Flexible schedule
Health insurance
Paid time off
Professional development assistance
Retirement plan

Schedule:

8 hour shift
Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

La Crosse, WI 54601: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Mississippi Valley Conservancy

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Environmental Paralegal