Agricultural Development and Land Conservation Coordinator

General Description:

This is a professional and administrative position responsible for promoting Louisa County’s agricultural and forestal economies and land conservation programs. The coordinator manages the County’s Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) and Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) programs, supports agricultural marketing and outreach, and engages with landowners and stakeholders to advance farmland preservation. Work includes program development, community engagement, policy guidance, and interdepartmental collaboration.

The expected hiring range for this position is $65,000-$70,000 based on experience and qualifications. As part of the County’s career development program, employees may be eligible for salary increases with the attainment of additional certifications or responsibilities. A county vehicle may be provided for department-related use.

Summary:

Reporting directly to the Director of Community Development, the Agricultural Development and Land Conservation Coordinator is responsible for implementing and managing initiatives related to agricultural and forestal development, farmland preservation, and conservation easements. The coordinator will support local agricultural producers, facilitate easement and development rights applications, and serve as the staff liaison to various boards, committees, and groups relating to agricultural and forestall activities, as directed by the County Administrator and Board of Supervisors.

Essential Functions of the Position:

• Administers the County’s Agricultural and Forestal Development, PDR, and TDR programs.

• Develops, implements, and promotes support programs and services for both farming and forestry operations.

• Coordinates conservation easement transactions from application to closing.

• Conducts outreach and marketing efforts to engage landowners, stakeholders, and the public.

• Maintains accurate data, maps, and reports on agricultural, forestal, and conservation properties.

• Monitors conservation easement properties annually and supports enforcement.

• Research and prepare grant applications for agricultural and conservation initiatives.

• Serves as liaison to agricultural and forestall boards, groups, and committees as directed.

• Presents program updates and recommendations to the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors.

• Collaborates with farmers, foresters, landowners, agencies, and County departments.

Additional Functions:

• Maintains professional development and participates in relevant training and continuing education.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Thorough understanding of Virginia agriculture, land conservation tools, and local government planning.

• Familiarity with conservation easement law, zoning, and development rights programs.

• Ability to communicate effectively and build relationships with diverse stakeholders.

• Strong skills in marketing, grant writing, project management, and report preparation.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; GIS experience preferred.

• Sound judgment and ability to work independently and collaboratively.

• Must maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.

Pay Grade: 118 Pay Range: $60,004.43 - $99,007.03

Education, Experience and Training:

Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, forestry, environmental science, natural resource management, planning, public administration, or a closely related field. Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in agricultural development, forestland management, land conservation, or local government planning. Experience with conservation easements, farmland or forestland preservation programs, or development rights initiatives is strongly preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Additional Requirements:

• Must possess a valid Virginia Driver’s License.

• Must maintain a satisfactory driving record in accordance with County standards.

• Must be willing to submit to a criminal background and Motor Vehicles record check.

• Must consent to drug testing consistent with Louisa County’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy.

• Must serve a twelve (12) month probationary period.

Working Conditions:

• Environmental: Work is typically performed both indoors and outdoors, including in agricultural field conditions and rural sites. The department is currently open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. This position will require a flexible schedule to accommodate the needs of the Department and the County to include evening, weekend and occasional holiday hours.

• Physical Effort: Employee must negotiate agricultural fields and rural sites in the performance of duties, including but not limited to climbing and crawling. Light to moderate work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

• Hazards: Employee is to Outside Environmental Conditions: No effective protection from weather. Employee may be required to operate automobile during inclement weather.

Disclaimer:

This information is of a general nature and is not a comprehensive description of each and every duty. This position is also responsible for performing other duties as assigned.

EEO/Revised May 2025

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