Job Description:

OFFICE LOCATION

Durham, North Carolina, USA
NE033

WHO WE ARE

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."

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The Land Protection Specialist implements land protection work for the North Carolina Chapter to protect habitat important for conserving biodiversity, securing wetlands and floodplains, restoring ecological function, carbon storage and sequestration, and the many co-benefits provided to communities. This includes 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.

WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU

The Land Protection Specialist implements protection projects to advance the Conservancy's priorities with focus on the Resilient and Connected Network of lands and waterways primarily within North Carolina and guided by the Conservancy's values, which includes a commitment to equity, diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. 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 (NCS) in support of Pocosin Peatland and Climate Smart Forest 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 North Carolina as needed. The Land Protection Specialist 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.

RESPONSIBILITIES & 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.
• Travel (primarily within North Carolina) required; some evening and weekend hours.

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!

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• BA/BS degree in natural resources management, conservation, business, law or another related field of study and 3 years of related work experience in conservation, real estate, fundraising or other related experience.
• Experience negotiating complex agreements.
• Experience in managing multiple, complex projects.
• Experience in writing grant proposals or technical documents.
• Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
• Experience using applications such as GIS, Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.
• Experience developing and managing partnerships (agencies, local governments, other NGO's).
• Valid Drivers' License.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Solid familiarity with principles of land acquisition with hands-on experience closing transactions.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and natural resource preservation.
• Experience working with public agencies in land protection transactions.
• Experience securing innovative financing for land protection work.
• Experience in document research (deeds, wills, surveys, maps).
• Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means.
• Knowledge and experience with culture of rural communities.
• Politically savvy and experienced in partnership development (partners, community, government).

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. 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.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

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.

SALARY INFORMATION

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $82,000 - $90,000 for annual base salary. 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.

APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID 55756, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. 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.

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.

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.

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