Land Protection Program Manager, Volgenau Virginia Coast Reserve

Nassawadox, Virginia, USA
VA405

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

The VVCR Land Protection Program Manager coordinates and implements a comprehensive program on the Eastern Shore of Virginia to protect and manage prioritized natural areas, habitat and marsh migration zones using the full range of protection tools, including gift, easement, purchase, lease, registry, and conservation brokerage. They will be required to orchestrate and/or play an active role in complex cooperative projects with federal, state, and local government agencies as well as with private sector non-profit conservation organizations and other partners as appropriate. They are responsible for implementing and achieving the Conservancy’s land protection priorities by representing the Conservancy in relationships and negotiations with government agencies and advisory committees. They assist in securing public and private funds for land protection. They research land ownership information for tracts identified as potential acquisition projects and prepare project packages as appropriate. They respond to protection inquiries and screen potential protection projects. The Land Protection Program Manager will coordinate the Conservancy’s monitoring of fee lands and conservation easements on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and will
serve as lead/member of the Virginia Eastern Shore Conservation Alliance, the Eastern Shore Rail Trail Foundation and Steering Committee, as well as work as part of a professional, multi-disciplinary internal team at the VVCR and within the Virginia Chapter of TNC. They will work to increase collaboration with TNC Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay Program and will assist the VVCR Director in encouraging local policies that facilitate land conservation, habitat restoration and coastal adaptation and resilience. They may manage staff and volunteers to ensure accomplishment of protection goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Ability to represent and lead TNC’s land protection priorities with local, state and federal partners as well as with the community of the Eastern Shore of Virginia.
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently and on short notice, sometimes on weekends.
• Negotiate real estate transactions, which can bind the Conservancy legally and financially.
• Plan and direct work on protection projects.
• Maintain records related to land transactions.
• Recruit and supervise staff and interns as needed or as funding is available; responsible for performance management, training, and development.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? The Nature Conservancy’s Virginia program works to create a future where people and nature thrive together. Our innovative science-based solutions are designed to secure clean water in our rivers and bays, restore healthy forests from the Appalachians to the Atlantic, protect our oceans and coasts, and foster resilient communities. We are looking for a dynamic individual who is proactive and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. The successful candidate will be intellectually curious and willing to learn new skills. They are able to balance multiple priorities and are comfortable working both independently and as part of a team. Come join TNC and apply today!
This position will be based in the Nassawadox, VA office of The Nature Conservancy.

• BA/BS degree in natural resources management, conservation, business, law or another related field of study and 3 years of related work experience in real estate, real estate finance, fundraising or other related experience.
• Experience in managing multiple projects and timelines.
• Experience negotiating complex agreements.
• Supervisory experience.
• Experience working with computers, including GIS and database management.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 3 to 5 years of related work experience in conservation, real estate, fundraising or other related experience. Equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.
• Knowledge of current trends and strategies in conservation and land protection.
• Knowledge and experience with culture of Eastern Shore of Virginia.
• Successful experience in developing, directing and managing multiple projects and timelines.
• Ability to motivate, lead, set objectives and manage performance.
• PC familiarity, including GIS, Microsoft Office, and on-line database knowledge in order to maintain records related to land transactions.
• Ability to draft, review, and edit documents required for real estate sales, purchases, lease, conservation easements, and other documents involved in such transactions.
• Experience in document research in Office of the Clerk of Circuit Court. (deeds, wills, surveys, maps)
• Experience working successfully with diverse groups of people including landowners, government representatives, donors, board members and the general public.
• Experience in contract negotiations and ability to bring negotiations to closure.
• Experience in construction contracting and management is a plus.
• Experience in grant writing and knowledge of land conservation grant programs at state and federal level.
• Ability to perform tasks requiring physical exertion, outdoors, in all weather conditions and on difficult and sometimes hazardous terrain.

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

To apply for job ID 52573, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on January 15, 2023. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

Where legally permissible, TNC requires all new employees to be fully vaccinated and willing to keep up to date with vaccines that protect against COVID-19. By accepting an offer of employment, you agree to comply with this requirement, unless you are entitled to a legally mandated exemption.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.