Conservation Easement Program Coordinator

About the Role

The Conservation Easement Program Coordinator (CEPC) is an essential position for the stewardship of TNC land interests in South Carolina. This role focuses on the stewardship of over 160 conservation easements covering over 190,000 acres, spanning virtually every habitat type and ecoregion in the state. The CEPC will work with easement landowners and other TNC staff to ensure conservation easements comply with their documented terms, serve as a subject matter expert for land management practices, and use GIS and data systems to track reserved rights on easement properties. The position also assists in managing TNC fee lands and transitioning conservation properties in and out of TNC ownership, while engaging with land conservation teams to share knowledge and develop best practices.

Responsibilities

• Assure TNC conservation easements in South Carolina are monitored annually.
• Serve as the primary contact to easement landowners and guide them toward best land management practices compliant with their easements.
• Identify emerging and extant conservation easement compliance issues and serve as the subject matter expert for internal resolution teams.
• Report to the South Carolina Business Unit’s Stewardship Program Manager and coordinate with other TNC land protection and management staff as needed.
• Perform tasks with minimal supervision, making independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
• Recruit and supervise contractors and interns to assist with workload execution.
• Ensure program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• Work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Track and record landowners’ use of retained rights into TNC data systems and collaborate with the GIS Manager on data housing and acquisition.
• Assist other TNC staff with fee land and preserve management duties as time allows.
• Plan and execute the easement monitoring workload, including recruiting ancillary resources such as contractors and interns.
• Work with TNC teams in- and outside the South Carolina Business Unit to ensure adequate budgeting and operational support.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of experience in natural resource management or a similar field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing staff or volunteers.
• Relationship-building experience working closely with partners such as media, government officials, and internal scientists.
• Experience completing tasks independently within set timelines.
• Proficiency in communication via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Experience using common software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, web browsers).
• Experience in training.
• 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." Employment contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Desired Qualifications

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience.
• 3-5 years of experience in natural resource management or a similar field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
• Familiarity with principles of land acquisition or similar asset acquisition.
• Knowledge of ecological land management principles.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and natural resource preservation.

Pay

The starting pay range for this position is $52,000 - $57,000 for candidates whose country of employment is the USA. The final salary will be based on qualifications, specific skills, and experience.

Benefits

• Competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care, flexible spending accounts, and a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match.
• Parental leave and accrued paid time off.
• Life insurance, disability coverage, and an employee assistance program.
• Additional life and work well-being benefits.
• Flexible work environment supporting health and well-being.