News

In McCormick County, near the banks of the upper Savannah River, 991.8 acres of undeveloped land will soon be protected by conservation easement. Ms. Della Coulter of Columbia, SC and a fifth-generation owner of the land, has partnered with the Upper Savannah Land Trust to obtain this easement and ensure her land legacy endures.

Today, partners are excited to share that, through collaborative planning and robust community involvement, the Beefield Community Park initiative has made strides forward in not only the technical planning and implementation of the park and its intentional features, but in fostering a sense of stewardship and excitement within the community that spans far beyond the 4-acre site. It is a testament to the power of a historic, determined community committed to perpetually representing its history, culture, and conservation values. Click here to learn more.

State of SC Position Number: 61123185 (Agency Head) Job Description Position Overview The Director of the South Carolina Conservation Bank, an appointee who must be confirmed by the South Carolina Senate prior to hire, provides strategic leadership and administrative oversight for the agency, and serves as the primary liaison between the Conservation Bank Board and the state’s conservation community. Working under the direction of the 17-member Board of Directors, the Director is responsible for implementing the Conservation Bank Act and advancing the agency’s mission to protect South Carolina’s natural resources, working lands, historic landscapes, and significant open spaces. The Director oversees the agency’s grant programs, manages staff and agency operations, and builds partnerships with federal, state, and local governments, nonprofit organizations, land trusts, and private stakeholders to advance land conservation across South Carolina. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership The Director works closely with and reports to the Board to develop and implement the agency’s long-term strategic plan. This includes identifying statewide conservation priorities, maintaining a Conservation Priority Map, and ensuring the agency’s programs align with statutory goals and evolving conservation needs. Grants Program Administration The Director oversees the Conservation Bank’s grant program, which provides funding to qualified entities for land conservation projects throughout South Carolina. Responsibilities include: • Reviewing grant applications and supporting documentation • Conducting site visits and evaluating conservation values of proposed projects • Coordinating due diligence review, including appraisals and other technical analyses • Working directly with applicants to refine proposals and ensure program compliance • Presenting project recommendations and findings to the Board and its Grants Review Committee. Policy and Program Management The Director ensures that the Conservation Bank operates in full compliance with the Conservation Bank Act and applicable state regulations. This includes maintaining and updating the agency’s policies and procedures, supporting Board governance, and ensuring transparency and consistency in all program operations. Budget and Fiscal Oversight The Director prepares annual budget requests to the General Assembly, manages the agency’s annual operating budget and oversees the administration of grant funds, personnel resources, and operating expenditures. The Director ensures all financial activities comply with state requirements and that agency funds are administered responsibly and effectively. External Relations and Partnerships The Director represents the Conservation Bank in communications with the public, state and local governments, conservation organizations, and other partners. Responsibilities include: • Communicating the agency’s accomplishments and conservation impact • Maintaining productive relationships with conservation partners and state agencies • Identifying opportunities to leverage Conservation Bank funds with federal, state, local, and private funding sources • Supporting collaborative conservation initiatives across the state • Maintaining productive relationships with the General Assembly and legislative staff Staff Leadership and Administration The Director supervises agency staff and provides overall leadership for the organization’s operations. Responsibilities include hiring staff, assigning responsibilities, and ensuring the effective coordination of the agency’s administrative and programmatic functions. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university Executive-level leadership or management experience in administration, public service, conservation, real estate, land management, or a related field. Strong public communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of public and private partners are essential. Preferred qualifications include knowledge of South Carolina state government, public finance, grant administration, and natural resource or land conservation issues. To read more or apply, click here.

South Carolina is a uniquely conservation-minded state with abundant opportunities to not only enjoy recreational activities on protected land, but also to join the growing workforce behind land protection. Often, park rangers, the forest service, or the DNR stand out as the obvious routes for young folks entering the conservation field. Such organizations are essential. But perhaps less commonly considered is the world of land trusts, and specifically stewardship. For those interested, here’s a look inside.