CPRG Peatlands Project Lead

What We Can Achieve Together

The CPRG Peatlands Project Lead manages and implements climate pollution reduction restoration projects. The focus of this work is acquisition and hydrological restoration of pocosin peatland properties as part of the deliverables associated with the five‑year $200 million Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) from the EPA to TNC in 2024. The project lead will coordinate and implement acquisition and restoration work across eastern NC to deploy and scale peatland protection and restoration as a natural climate solution that reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

They will work closely with the CPRG Project Steering Committee, project team, and staff in NC, and will be responsible for building strong internal and external partnerships to ensure timely execution of projects.

• Establish objectives and key results to track progress and ensure projects meet key deliverables for the Peatlands Pathway within the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG).
• Manage the grant expenses related to peatlands restoration and acquisition, ensuring timely and appropriate reporting to project leadership.
• Contract for project activities and coordinate staff to effectively deploy CPRG resources.
• Work with state agencies and partners in accounting of project results, including GHG benefits, acres protected, and co‑benefits.
• Develop communication resources that showcase results from the five‑year project.
• Work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Perform frequent domestic travel and be available for evening and weekend hours.

The Nature Conservancy has received a $200 million grant to support implementation of nature‑based solutions across four states. Projects will focus on improved forest management, peatland restoration, and tidal wetland enhancements. This grant is part of a historic $421 million award from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) Program that will fund both state‑led projects and TNC‑led projects. North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland, and TNC chapters within those states joined together in forming the Atlantic Conservation Coalition to implement this program.

TNC seeks to protect 67 650 acres across the Appalachians and 25 450 acres of bottom land hardwoods, restore 33 000 acres of peatlands and protect an additional 10 500 acres, and restore 150 acres of tidal wetlands. When complete, these efforts will result in sequestering the equivalent of between 200 054 and 507 871 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually through 2050 – roughly equivalent to taking more than 120 874 gas‑powered vehicles off the road each year.

• BA/BS degree and 5 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience directing a large project of strategic importance, including management/supervision of multi‑disciplinary teams and meeting deadlines.
• Experience restoring hydrology and ecological function of peat‑based wetlands in eastern North Carolina.
• Experience with land acquisition and practices relevant to securing conservation interest in properties.
• Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
• Experience in orchestrating the work of individuals, leaders, managers as well as cross‑functional and strategy teams in a collaborative and influential manner.
• Experience in partnership development with non‑profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies.
• Experience negotiating.
• Experience managing risk and project‑based adaptive management.
• Experience with financial management.

• 7–10 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Familiarity with natural climate solutions strategies, methodologies, and accounting in peatlands and wetlands.
• Developing practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes.
• Knowledge of methods and standards of biodiversity information systems and initiatives and…