NC Longleaf Land Protection Specialist

The Nature Conservancy

Southern Pines, NC, United States

What We Can Achieve Together:

T he Longleaf Land Protection Specialist (LLPS) implements land protection projects in the southeastern region of North Carolina, focusing on the Sandhills and longleaf pine region using the full range of protection tools, including gift, easement, purchase, and cooperative projects with federal, state, and local government, conservation organizations, and other partners as appropriate . The LLPS also employs various methods to secure public and private support for The Nature Conservancy's (TNC) conservation priorities .

We’re Looking for You:

T he LLPS implements protection projects to advance the Conservancy’s priorities with focus on the Resilient and Connected Network of lands and waterways primarily within southeastern North Carolina. They collaborate with Nature Conservancy team members and partners to develop relationships with property owners (individuals, organizations, and public entities) and secure acquisition of legal interests in land and water (by the Conservancy and others) . This work includes collaboration and integration with Conservancy staff implementing Natural Climate Solutions in support of restoration and other climate mitigation projects and with Freshwater staff around shared conservation opportunities for wetlands and floodplains involving land protection. They research land ownership information for tracts identified as potential acquisition projects and conduct negotiations with landowners to complete conservation transactions. They respond to protection inquiries, screen potential protection projects, and prepare internal project packages as appropriate . The position will also provide technical support to external partners in land protection efforts around shared priorities . They assist with the sale or transfer of non-strategic land holdings across southeastern North Carolina as needed . The LLPS works with team members and partners to identify and secure funds for transactions, including state and federal grants, mitigation funds, and other sources such as leveraging impact capital, exploring carbon offset funding, etc.

R ESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

Negotiates real estate transactions, which can bind the Conservancy legally and financially.
Plan and implement work on protection projects with several variables - set realistic deadlines, manage a timeline, and ensure accountability.
Coordinate with landowners, funders, and contractors as needed associated with TNC’s due diligence process for land projects, including appraisals, Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments, title work, minerals assessments, and surveys.
Maintains records related to land transactions.
Financial responsibility may include managing project budgets and negotiating and contracting with vendors.
Support public and private fundraising.
Works with legal staff to draft documents such as purchase and sale agreements, option agreements, and conservation easements.
Under minimal supervision, makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment.
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? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together.

We’re looking for someone who is a passionate, motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today!

What You’ll Bring:

Bachelor’s degree in natural resources management, conservation, business, law or another related field of study
3 years of related work experience in natural resource management, conservation, real estate, partnership building or other related experience.
Experience interacting with people from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to be part of a dynamic team that sets and achieves lofty conservation goals.
Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal scientists.
Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
Valid Drivers’ License

Desired Qualifications

Experience working with private landowners
Experience with grant writing.
Working knowledge of advanced principles of GIS, experience using ArcPro software, and proficiency in the use of field data collection software.
Ability to work extra hours when needed.
Familiarity with the ecology and plant and animal species of the longleaf pine ecosystem and the principles and practices of longleaf pine habitat protection, restoration and management.
Knowledge of Sandhills / southeastern NC landscape, and familiarity with landowners and projects
Ability to complete tasks independently.
Master’s degree in Conservation Science, Planning, Forestry, or other related field.

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 the Auto Safety information page 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.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $53,000 – $58,500 annually. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor .

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

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.

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

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

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.