Agriculture Conservation Specialist

Founded in 1951, the Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we strive for a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Working in 74 countries, including all 50 United States, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.

The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.

YOUR POSITION WITH TNC

Join the Maryland/DC Chapter’s Sustainable Agriculture Team! Our work is focused on two areas where our outcomes can have the greatest impact for the residents of Maryland/DC: protecting clean water and tackling climate change. Our efforts span the region, from western Maryland's Central Appalachian forests to our nation's capital and beyond to the Chesapeake Bay. Your position with TNC will advance opportunities to improve water quality and habitat in agricultural landscapes of the Chesapeake Bay region. Using your agronomic experience, you will work with partners to implement practices and apply your organizational experience to evaluate and develop innovative financing to support increased implementation of priority conservation practices. Your leadership will ensure that our work is benefiting the economic, environmental, and social wellbeing of our agricultural community. You will drive change to develop and implement innovative projects that improve water quality and habitat and mitigate and build resiliency to climate change in our agricultural landscapes across the Delmarva Peninsula and the Chesapeake Bay. As a key member of TNC’s Chesapeake Agriculture Team, you will work with colleagues and partners across the watershed and have the opportunity to learn from TNC colleagues across North America and around the world.

Essential Functions

The Agriculture Conservation Specialist will work collaboratively with the agricultural stakeholders to advance practices that benefit the economic, environmental and social well-being of our region and local farmers. The Specialist will have two areas of focus. First, they will lead the development and testing of new financial tools and/or approaches that can increase implementation of priority conservation practices. As part of this work, they will identify barriers preventing the adoption of conservation practices by farmers and/or landowners and develop solutions to overcome those barriers. Second, they will actively participate in the Delaware-Maryland 4R Alliance. The Alliance is a partnership of agribusinesses, farmers, government agencies, conservation groups and scientists working to ensure that nutrient application on farms is consistent with the 4Rs – the right nutrient source, applied at the right rate, at the right time, in the right place. The Specialist will work collaboratively with Alliance partners to lead projects, provide technical support, and identify key science and resource needs that are critical to advance implementation of priority practices.

Responsibilities And Scope

• Manage and implement a portfolio of projects that help inform incentives to increase adoption of agricultural conservation practices at scale
• Coordinate multiple projects, meet deadlines, and manage projects to completion
• Advance key partnerships with public and private organizations towards outcomes
• Apply the best-available social and economic science to develop financial mechanisms and incentives that support farmers’ abilities to adopt priority conservation practices
• Maintain financial responsibility including working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development, and meeting fundraising targets
• Ensure program compliance with internal policies and external requirements
• Under minimal supervision, makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• BA/BS in conservation, agriculture, or business degree and 5 years’ experience in natural resource 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.
  
  

Desired Qualifications

• Graduate degree in agriculture, business or related field
• Experience or coursework in economics or financial programs
• Knowledge of agronomy and agricultural best management principles including nutrient management particularly related to farms in Maryland and Delaware.
• Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages
• Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities
• Established relationships with agricultural community
• Demonstrated experience advancing partnerships to achieve objectives
• Completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s)
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated
  
  

Additional Job Information

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy'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." Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers.

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 to this position, please visit www.nature.org/careers and click on Current Job Opportunities. Please submit your resume (required) and cover letter separately using the upload buttons.
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 men and women 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.