What We Can Achieve Together:
The Land Protection Manager is responsible for guiding land protection projects through TNC’s land protection process, which includes property research, relationship building, negotiations, project configuration, internal review and approvals, due diligence, assessments, fundraising and real estate closing. The position will respond to protection inquiries and screen potential protection projects for TNC VT. To fund conservation projects, the position will work with TNC philanthropy staff, apply to public and private funding sources, and track and manage grants. As project manager, the position will also manage budgets, contracts, files, and records for each protection project. To successfully see projects through the protection process, the position will need strong project management skills, attention to detail, creative thinking, and problem solving.
The position sits within TNC VT’s Lands Team, a team dedicated to protecting Vermont’s terrestrial resilience and connectivity. As such, the position will work closely with other members of the Lands Team to review and execute protection projects, and to support and strengthen Vermont’s conservation network through programming like the Vermont Biodiversity Protection Fund. The position is overseen by the Director of Resilient and Connected Lands, who will direct conservation priorities and projects. In addition to the Lands Team, the position works with other teams within TNC, including legal, stewardship and philanthropy, to craft impactful, responsible, equitable, and sustainable conservation projects. The position will also work with regional TNC chapters to develop and execute protection projects that advance connectivity and climate resilience across the Appalachians. Outside TNC, the position will work with federal, state, and local governments, conservation organizations, landowners, contractors, funders and other partners as appropriate to negotiate and execute land protection projects. This requires the position to have strong communication and interpersonal skills. The position has a limited field component to visit and inspect properties, but mostly will be in the office, working at a computer.
We’re Looking for You:
The Nature Conservancy in Vermont seeks an ambitious, creative, and driven Land Protection Manager to oversee its land protection projects. Through real estate transactions, the position advances TNC VT’s land protection goals to protect TNC’s Resilient and Connected Network and an ecologically functional landscape across Vermont. This is an exciting opportunity to manage conservation projects through the protection process, working closely with internal and external parties to do so. Specific responsibilities include:
Manage all aspects of real estate transactions: screen potential projects; communicate with property owners; conduct property inspections; negotiate, track and record project progress; contract for due diligence; prepare and present project materials.
Maintain files and records related to land transactions.
Participate in conservation planning and prioritization.
Work closely with internal and external parties to achieve TNC’s land protection goals.
Develop and manage project budgets.
Negotiate and contract with vendors.
Support fundraising for land protection work, including writing grant proposals for public and private funding, managing grants, and working with philanthropy staff.
Support other work within TNC VT’s Lands Team, including the Vermont Biodiversity Protection Fund and efforts to strengthen Vermont’s conservation network.
Ensure compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
Under minimal supervision, make independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
What You’ll Bring:
BA/BS in relevant field and 5 years’ experience in natural resource management, conservation, environmental science, law, real estate, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Proven experience with real estate transactions and land protection.
Ability to negotiate complex transactions and agreements.
Experience building relationships and partnerships.
Experience communicating with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, both in writing and verbally.
Experience managing multiple projects at one time.
Experience staying organized, completing tasks, and tending to timelines while working independently.
Experience managing files and databases, as well as using common software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, ArcGIS, Web Browsers, etc.
Must have valid driver's license and ability to travel regularly within Vermont.
Ability to occasionally attend and travel to meetings within Vermont on nights and weekends.
Comfort working in variable weather conditions and at remote locations as necessary.
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. 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 $65,000 – 70,000. 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. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.
Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.
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.
