Conservation Field Representative - Rappahannock

Full-Time Conservation Field Representative – Rappahannock County

Title: Field Representative (Rappahannock County)

Manager: Director of Conservation

Location: Warrenton, Va.

Job Classification: Full Time Non-Exempt

The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) conserves and restores the lands and waters of the Virginia Piedmont, while building stronger, more sustainable communities. Founded in 1972, PEC is a locally based, community-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit and accredited land trust. At the core of PEC’s approach is a focus on educating, engaging and empowering people to effect positive change in their communities.

The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) is seeking to hire a Field Representative to work with landowners, land managers, and federal, state and local agencies to further PEC’s land conservation priorities and land use policy activities in PEC’s nine county service area (learn more about the nine counties). The Field Representative will work to advance the following goals:

• Executing and/or facilitating conservation real estate transactions that will further PEC’s goal of conserving 1 million acres in the PEC region. These transactions include, but are not limited to, donation of conservation easements by landowners, purchase of conservation easements by PEC, fee simple acquisitions of land, and conveyance of conservation lands to public conservation agencies and/or private conservation buyers.
• Creating and sustaining a network of informed residents, donors, policymakers, partner organizations, and others that are ready to advocate for policies and actions that support land conservation, resource protection, and enhanced public access to nature.
• Ensuring that PEC’s work embodies best practices identified by the Land Trust Alliance’s Standards and Practices, particularly in regard to the stewardship of land owned and held in conservation easements by PEC.
• Increasing positive awareness of PEC and building support for PEC programs.

The Field Representative will be responsible for executing a diverse portfolio of land conservation, natural resource restoration, land use policy, and civic engagement efforts that further PEC’s mission. Examples of activities include:

• Developing and implementing land protection strategies through:
  • Identification of key at-risk properties, landscapes, and resources;
  • Outreach and education to landowners, farmers, and professional advisers on conservation tools such as voluntary conservation easement donations, Purchase of Development Rights programs, and other conservation programs; and
  • Coordination with other private partners and public agencies (such as local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the USDA National Resources Conservation Service).
  • Preparing grant funding proposals available through the NRCS Agricultural Land Easement program, the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation grant program, and/or similar funding opportunities
• Educating and assisting landowners to implement a suite of land management practices that enhance wildlife habitat, restore water quality, and/or improve agricultural productivity on public and private lands in the Piedmont.
• Serving as part of PEC’s stewardship team, responsible for ensuring appropriate monitoring and stewardship of PEC’s portfolio of conservation easements and lands.
• Serving in a key staff role supporting effective use of PEC’s internal land conservation funds, with activities including project identification, coordination with landowners and/or community organizations, and programmatic support for the funds’ advisory committees.
• Serving as PEC staff representative to regional conservation initiatives.
• Initiating, leading, or participating in local community-based conservation planning and policy efforts that further PEC’s mission and land conservation goals, including public access and trails, historic preservation, water quality improvement, habitat restoration, and/or agricultural land management demonstration projects.
• Working directly with staff, residents and allied organizations to organize the public around…