NC Longleaf Land Protection Specialist

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Longleaf Land Protection Specialist (LLPS) implements land protection projects in the southeastern region of North Carolina, focusing on the Sandhills and longleaf pine region 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. The LLPS also employs various methods to secure public and private support for The Nature Conservancy's (TNC) conservation priorities.

This is a three-year, time-limited position with a strong likelihood of renewal.

The LLPS implements protection projects to advance the Conservancy’s priorities with focus on the Resilient and Connected Network of lands and waterways primarily within southeastern North Carolina. 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 in support of 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 southeastern North Carolina as needed. The LLPS 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.

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references.

• 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, make 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 southeastern 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!

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources management, conservation, business, law or another related field of study.
• Minimum of three years of professional experience in land protection, conservation, real estate, or other closely related fields, with a strong emphasis on real estate transactions.
• Experience interacting with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to be part of a dynamic team that sets and achieves lofty conservation…