The Land Trust for Tennessee (“LTTN”) is an accredited non-profit land conservation organization with offices in Nashville and Chattanooga. Now in our 20th year, LTTN has protected over 126,000 acres through almost 400 conservation projects across Tennessee. Tennessee’s landscapes are diverse with farms; vast forests; rivers of local and international significance; fragile and robust wildlife habitats; and some of the fastest growing cities and towns in the country. LTTN seeks a collaborative professional to join our committed team and our highly-regarded board in this full-time position. The position is based in Nashville with a focus on rural land throughout the state and offers an impactful, demanding work opportunity at one of the nation’s premiere conservation organizations .The organization operates in an intentional culture of accountability, collaboration, and balance.

Summary: The Conservation Project Manager, Rural Lands, will work directly with the Vice President of Conservation and Director of Transactions to implement a comprehensive program in rural Tennessee to protect open space, farmland, forestland, and scenic vistas using the full range of protection tools, including conservation easements, direct acquisition, conservation brokerage and facilitation, and cooperative projects with state and local government, and other conservation partners as appropriate.

The position requires a resourceful, driven, personable individual that can clearly articulate the need for land and water conservation in focal conservation areas, see land protection projects from their infancy to completion, and conduct education and outreach efforts in priority areas.

Reports to: Director of Transactions and Vice President of Conservation

Essential Functions:

-Cultivates, engages, and maintains relationships with private landowners to permanently conserve land, with a focus on rural and agricultural lands;

– Visits properties and speaks with landowners, answering any and all questions someone may have about LTTN and conservation easements;

– Completes conservation easement transactions and other land transactions, managing a project from start to finish;

– Writes thorough reports to capture the current conditions of a given property;

– Works closely with other project managers and entire conservation team to implement the strategic conservation plan in priority areas throughout rural Tennessee;

– Develops and implements effective education and outreach programs that engage landowners, community groups, and potential funders about the work of LTTN;

– Works to cultivate and maintain partnerships with other land conservation organizations, applicable local governments, funders, community groups, and other stakeholders in the region to develop projects of mutual interest;

– Assists the President and Vice President with securing funding opportunities to support LTTN’s work in rural areas, including operational and project funding;

– Works closely with the Director of Stewardship and Stewardship Manager to ensure conservation projects have long-term sustainability and enforceability;

– Occasionally assists the Director of Communications with spreading news of LTTN success and impact in rural areas.

Preferred Qualifications:

– A bachelor’s degree or higher, preferably in environmental or land planning, agricultural sciences, natural resource sciences, history, environmental studies, or public policy

– Professional experience in environmental or land planning, real estate, natural resource conservation, or public policy; local experience preferred

– Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including negotiation and listening skills; writing skills; ability to communicate and work with private landowners, developers, political appointees, government officials, partner organizations, and potential funders

– Ability to represent LTTN and interact effectively with a wide range of organizations and individuals; ability to work cooperatively with all LTTN staff and Board members

– Understanding of and commitment to the land conservation goals of LTTN

– Ability to work independently and to engage in independent and group problem solving

– Ability to regularly perform field work and to work outside in all weather conditions; the position can at times require an extensive amount of walking

– Flexibility to work some nights and weekends as required for events or landowner schedules

– Ability to travel extensively around Tennessee; valid driver’s license and vehicle required

Personal Characteristics:

– You believe in the importance of land conservation.

– You enjoy working with all kinds of people.

– You like to both plan and execute projects.

– You multi-task and prioritize assignments well.

– You work well with a team in a fast-paced environment.

The essential functions and basic skills have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.

Salary is commensurate with experience. Background check required prior to hire. Comprehensive benefits package, including medical and life insurance with dental, vision, and disability options. The Land Trust for Tennessee is an equal opportunity employer and a tobacco-free environment.

Please send résumé and salary requirements by July 15, 2019, or until job is filled to: Kayla McBride, Operations Manager (email) or by mail to Kayla McBride, The Land Trust for Tennessee, PO Box 41027, Nashville, TN 37204. No phone calls, please.

Please mention how you learned of this opening.