Regenerative Crop Systems Specialist

Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Location is flexible - preferred location in Minneapolis/Midwest.

This is a remote position.

#PDN

#LI-REMOTE

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.”

TNC is working with partners to catalyze systems change in agriculture to support food and fiber production that works in partnership with the world around us. A regenerative food system goes beyond sustainability to enable food production that benefits our planet as well as the farmers, ranchers and others who work to provide our food—without sacrificing the livelihoods of rural people and communities of color. By developing smart strategies in partnership with producers, we work to make farms and ranches more productive while restoring habitats, protecting clean drinking water, increasing biodiversity, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions all while securing the food supply for a rapidly growing population.

The Regenerative Crop Systems Specialist develops, manages, and advances regenerative agriculture projects in service of our programmatic goals. The position will work within a highly-matrixed, multi-disciplinary team, as well as with external partners and staff in a variety of state business units. To be successful in this position, the Specialist must be detail-oriented, highly organized, a good communicator and have experience with and/or knowledge of agriculture, agribusiness, farmer networks/engagement, farmer incentives and technical assistance and/or food system corporate sustainability.

The Regenerative Crop Systems Specialist provides technical leadership and support to the Regenerative Crop Systems strategy team by assisting, planning, and executing projects in service of our programmatic goals, including pilots and collaborative efforts with ag retailers, CPGs, commodity groups, farmer-led groups, universities, and NGOs. In collaboration with and under the guidance of the Farmer Advisor Strategy Manager, and other strategy managers, the Specialist will be responsible for advancing project activities to meet outcomes, identifying, and developing key performance indicators, monitoring and measuring progress, communicating information to stakeholders and ensuring all organizational and divisional standards are met. The Specialist may be responsible for managing contracts, tracking budgets and deliverables, producing reports, meeting planning and facilitation, and may serve as the liaison for external partners and TNC staff. The Specialsit work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

The North America (NA) Agriculture Program at TNC employs science-based, solutions-focused approaches to drive actionable, systems-change strategies that aim to increase the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices across working lands in the United States. The team works together with public and private sector decision-makers to co-create solutions, drawing on TNC’s practical experience and expertise working with local partners on the ground. If you have a passion for conserving and protecting the natural world, addressing climate change and enhancing the sustainability of our food system, and believe in TNC’s mission and values, please apply for this position and learn more about the Conservancy.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BS degree in conservation, agronomy, sustainability, environmental economics/sociology or a related field and 5 years’ experience in natural resource management, project management or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience negotiating complex agreements.
• Supervisory experience.
• Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
• Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers.
• Real estate license (if required).
• Experience with principles of land acquisition.
• Experience in training and curriculum design.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Experience working with / in ag retail or agribusiness.
• Grant / proposal writing experience.
• Experience in partnership development with non-profits, universities, agricultural organizations, community groups, agribusinesses, food companies, food distributors, and/or government agencies.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in regenerative agriculture; including cover cropping, conservation tillage, precision ag, etc.
• Knowledge of GHG protocols and scope 3 emissions accounting, methods and standards.
• Demonstrated social and emotional intelligence by successfully engaging and motivating others to support a new path forward, building energy and involvement to sustain results over time.
• Ability to explain conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences.

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!

The salary for this position is dependent on candidate's location and experience; we anticipate an approximate salary range of $65,000 - $75,000 annually. In addition, 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.

To apply for job ID 52070, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on September 26, 2022. 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.