Greenway Trails Project Manager

The Open Space Institute is a national leader in land conservation and efforts to make parks and other protected land more welcoming for all. Since 1974, OSI has partnered in the protection of more than 2.5 million at-risk and environmentally sensitive acres in the eastern U.S. OSI’s land protection promotes clean air and water, improves access to recreation, provides wildlife habitat, strengthens communities, and combats the devastating impacts of extreme weather.

Position Overview

The Greenway Trails Project Manager manages land acquisition projects that convert former rail corridors into public greenway trails and expand regional trail networks across the Northeast and Midwest. Working under the direction of the Senior Vice President of Northeast Land and in coordination with the Legal Department, this role supports the completion of complex real estate transactions involving rail corridor acquisition, multi-party negotiations, public funding sources, and coordination with government agencies to expand regional trail networks. Projects may involve railbanking, corridor preservation, and coordination with railroads, public agencies, and trail partners to transition former rail infrastructure into public trail networks.

The Project Manager coordinates the day-to-day progress of acquisition projects, including managing due diligence, working with consultants, supporting purchase negotiations, navigating public review processes, and assisting with funding applications. The role also helps identify potential acquisition opportunities and supports efforts to secure funding for trail and conservation projects.

This position requires experience with real estate transactions, land acquisition, or conservation projects, strong project management skills, and the ability to coordinate multiple partners and processes to move projects forward.

Required Skills/Core Competencies

Sound understanding of real estate principles and economics.
Experience working with Class I or Class II railroads or familiarity with railroad real estate transactions preferred.
Familiarity with government real property acquisition review process.
Working knowledge of the processes for obtaining public funding for land acquisition.
Ability to manage multiple properties, multiple funding sources and processes, develop programs and use resources of the organization to accomplish larger initiatives.
Experience with mapping and related GIS analysis is a plus.
Superior written and oral communication skills.
Proficiency with computer applications including MS Office, internet tools, and databases.
Highly organized.
Ability to work well as part of a team, and individually.
High-level familiarity with public agency land acquisition departments.

Qualifications

5–8 years of experience in real estate transactions, land acquisition, conservation real estate, infrastructure corridor acquisition, or related project management work.
Experience managing or supporting real estate due diligence processes (title, survey, appraisal, environmental review) preferred.
Experience in working on railroad projects preferred.
A track record of effective relationship management, both internally and externally.
Bachelor’s degree, advanced degree in related field preferred; or equivalent experience.
Existing relationships with public agencies and government officials is a plus.

Physical Requirements

Valid driver’s license required.
Moderate to heavy travel (30% or more): evening and occasional weekend work to be expected.
Frequently sits for long periods of time.
Frequently speaks, reads, writes and uses a computer keyboard.
Requires standing, walking, stooping, bending, lifting up to 30 lbs.
Have an appropriate home workspace for remote days.

Pay for this position is $90,000-$100,000, commensurate with the candidate’s skill level and experience. The recruiting team is committed to sharing details regarding compensation based on the candidate’s qualifications during the interview process.

Tagged as: Conservation