Wyoming, USA

Preferred locations include Lander, Pinedale, Casper, and Cheyenne

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."

A partner funded position between the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and The Nature Conservancy, the WY NRCS Conservation Easement Specialist coordinates, implements, and advances farm and ranch conservation funding programs across Wyoming. Specifically, the WY NRCS Conservation Easement Specialist works as a liaison between NRCS-Wyoming staff and Wyoming land trust staff to administer and implement easement acquisitions under the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) - Agricultural Land Easement (ALE) and Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) easement programs. The position provides technical leadership and support for ACEP-ALE and RCPP applications and coordination between Wyoming land trusts applying for funding and NRCS Wyoming easement program staff. By providing additional capacity to NRCS staff and focusing on frequent and clear communication regarding ACEP-ALE and RCCP easement program requirements with Wyoming land trusts applicants, the WY NRCS Conservation Easement Specialist increases the rate of land protection in Wyoming. The position is employed and supervised by The Nature Conservancy but will have daily coordination and communication with NRCS and land trust applicant partners. The WY NRCS Conservation Easement Specialist develops and implements a range of tools and communication methods to increase efficiency and conservation outcomes. The WY NRCS Conservation Easement Specialist coordinates multiple projects, sets deadlines, and manages project completion. This position may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE:

• Assist ACEP-ALE and RCPP easement program applicants in completing NRCS documentation requirements.
• Work closely with land trust applicants and NRCS staff to communicate program application requirements, including: providing guidance, training, and feedback on required ALE forms, inventories, waiver processes, land eligibility, entity eligibility, signature authority, due diligence materials and other application checklist items to ensure complete and correct application submissions.
• Maintain a tracking tool for application progress to meet state-specific timelines; provide follow-up with applicants as necessary to ensure timely and efficient progression.
• Communicate with applicants regarding ranking outcomes, deferrals, waiver requests, obligations, EAB communications and other relevant information as directed by NRCS.
• Assist NRCS with the review of applications and agreements.
• Ensure application information is properly documented in NRCS business tools like Protracts, Conservation Desktop (CD), and Conservation Assessment Ranking Tool (CART).
• Ensure timely accomplishment of agreements and closings according to program deadlines.
• Support NRCS review procedures, including pre-obligation review, deed review, internal control review and easement acquisitions.
• Improve communication and clarity between land trust applicants and NRCS State Office.
• Develop an annual training and outreach plan for ACEP-ALE and RCPP easement programs targeted at interested parties such as land trusts and the general public.
• Produce and maintain an annual report of application numbers and obligated agreements, as well as outreach and training efforts, making it accessible to NRCS and WY land trusts.
• Serve as a liaison between NRCS and WY land trusts. Organize, facilitate, and lead conference calls, meetings, and workshops to ensure efficient communication and address issues promptly.

This is a 2-year grant-funded, full-time position, with the potential to extend.

The Nature Conservancy in Wyoming is recognized for our ability to organize and leverage partners -from landowners and community leaders to ranchers and students -for landscape-scale outcomes. We are members of local communities, establishing relationships with landowners, peer organizations, volunteers, and donors, performing research to identify areas of greatest conservation priority, and designing sound solutions to address key threats and community equity issues. Our current work in Wyoming is focused under our strategic plan pillars of Healthy Watersheds, Resilient Landscapes, and Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Within and beyond these pillars, we are committed to embedding diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) principles into our conservation outcomes because we recognize the inextricable nature of ecological and social issues.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service helps producers, soil and water conservation districts, and other partners protect and conserve natural resources on private lands throughout the United States. With approximately 2,300 Service Centers in communities nationwide, NRCS and other USDA employees work side-by-side with producers in every State and territory.

By joining our Wyoming team, you will become part of a group that is a force for nature and people. We're looking for an individual with strong collaboration and organizational skills to help amplify and expedite land protection work across agencies, conservation organizations and Wyoming to join our team and contribute to these goals.

• Bachelor's degree and 3 years' experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing staff or volunteers.
• Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., private landowners, government agency personnel and partner land trusts.
• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
• Experience in training.
• Ability to obtain USDA Security Clearance and WY NRCS Conservation Planning Certificate.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• 3-5 years' experience in natural resource management, similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Familiarity with principles of land acquisition, conservation easements and NRCS funding programs.
• Knowledge of ecological land management principles and rangeland ecology.
• Experience or familiarity with GIS software.
• Strong administrative skills including attention to detail and numerical ability.

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.

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.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $48,600 - $59,800 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.

To apply for job ID 55702, 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.