High Country News | Classifieds | Employment & Education

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER
The Southern Arizona Land and Water Protection Manager will work in southern Arizona to initiate and complete property acquisitions, conservation easement acquisitions, transfers, and assists in priority areas and perform ongoing project management and monitoring for current TNC land interests. To accomplish this, the position will work with a broad range of stakeholders to coordinate conservation objectives and develop funding for project implementation. This position will also work with strategic partners to support and expand their land protection work. Some of the work is office based but will require meetings with landowners, partners, and other stakeholders to develop, implement and monitor transactions. Currently supervises two Protection Program employees.
We’re Looking for You:
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!

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Southern Arizona Land and Water Protection Manager is responsible for implementing and achieving the Conservancy’s conservation priorities by initiating and completing property transfers and acquisitions in priority areas across Southern Arizona; supervising Protection Program staff (Land and Water Asset Manager and Conservation Easement Program Manager); supporting conservation asset management and stewardship; building support and capacity for conservation partners; and, developing and managing programmatic funding sources and opportunities. The Southern AZ Protection Manager represents the Conservancy in relationships and negotiations with landowners, government agencies, public and private funders, land trust partners and community-based organizations. Position assists in securing public and private funds for land protection and in creatively structuring individual transactions. The Protection Manager acquires and maintains local ecological and market knowledge of real estate transactions; conducts ongoing research of land ownership information for tracts identified as potential acquisition projects; explores potential projects by contacting owners, nonprofit organizations and public agency officials; and prepares project packages for internal approval.

A. Protection project management in priority areas across Southern Arizona (approximately 65%)
1. Assumes primary responsibility for initiating, documenting, and closing real estate transactions, primarily conservation easements, with the oversight of legal and finance staff. Manages transaction documents (e.g., letters, contracts, conservation easements, deeds) from initial draft using Conservancy templates, through negotiations with landowners, funders with close collaboration with Conservancy attorneys and other internal staff/programs.
2. Maintains ongoing communication and relationships with internal and external partners, ranging from landowners, federal and state agencies, non-profit conservation partners, public and private funders, finance and legal teams, tribal nations, and consultants.
3. Collaborates with Director of Land and Water Protection, Chapter leadership and conservation staff to periodically evaluate and revise land and water protection priorities in alignment with Chapter and Global conservation goals.
4. Collaborates with Water Program Lead, Director of Stewardship and Preserve/community-based Program Managers to develop public-private partnerships for TNC property management or transfers that will leverage landscape-scale conservation.
5. Follows guidance of Conservancy legal team on legal aspects of property and water rights transfers, agricultural and residential leases, and management agreements.
6. Develops funding proposals and collaborates with Conservancy staff and external partners to secure funding. Assumes primary responsibility for managing project fund sources (budgeting, contracting, reporting).
7. Maintains ongoing communication and maintains relationships with all internal and external partners, ranging from landowners, federal and state agencies, non-profit conservation partners, public and private funders, finance and legal teams, and consultants.
8. Responds to land protection inquiries and opportunities.

B. Land Transfers (approximately 10%)
1. Provides project management for transactions to transfer TNC lands and participates in prioritization process for property divestitures.
2. Tracks threats to Conservancy lands – coordinates and supports Chapter response as appropriate.

C. Supervisory Responsibilities (15%)
1. Supervise Protection Program staff, including Land Assets Manager and Conservation Easement Program Manager
2. Ensure that staff are trained to implement activities that help achieve established goals in Arizona Business Plan.
3. Conduct performance feedback and career development coaching on a regular, on-going basis.

D. Support for other Conservation Programs and AZ Chapter functions (approximately 10%)
1. Supports in local collaborative conservation efforts such as the Fort Huachuca Sentinel Landscape partnership, Malpai Borderlands Group, Altar Valley Watershed Working Group, Lower San Pedro Collaborative, etc.
2. Participate in Arizona Chapter and Protection Learning Network meetings and planning efforts.
3. Occasional travel within Arizona and in the U.S. (both with possible over-night / weekend stays).
4. Administration: Timely and accurate completion of administrative functions such as timecards; expense reports; employee performance evaluations/check-ins; self-performance documentation.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
– Primary geographic focus is Southern Arizona for transactional work.
– Negotiate real estate transactions, primarily conservation easements, that bind the Conservancy legally and financially, in collaboration with Conservancy attorneys, who ensure compliance and risk management.
– Develop and track funding proposals to implement real estate transactions in priority areas.
– Develop long-term relationships with landowners and other stakeholders in conservation priority areas.
– Plan and direct work on protection projects.
– Maintain records related to land transactions.
– Recruit and supervise staff and interns as needed or as funding is available, responsible for performance management, training, and development.
– Ability and willingness to travel for meetings and property visits, sometimes on short notice, weekends/overnight. Occasional travel throughout U.S. for training, conferences, etc.
– May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
– Lift, push, pull, move 25 pounds.
– Other duties as required.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING
– BA/BS degree in natural resources management, conservation, business, law or another related field of study and 3 years of related work experience in conservation, rural land real estate, fundraising or other related experience.
– Experience developing and/or managing funding sources.
– Experience in developing, directing, and managing multiple projects and timelines.
– Experience developing and maintaining partnerships (e.g., rural landowners, non-profit and agency partners, community, tribal governments).
– Supervisory experience.
– Experience working with computers, Windows, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel and Word), databases, and internet research.
– Valid Driver’s License.
– Youth certified (within initial 30 days of employment; annually thereafter).

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
– Four + years of related work experience natural resources management, real estate transactions or project management. Equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.
– Graduate degree in natural resources, law, or business or related.
– Knowledge of current trends and strategies in conservation and land protection.
– Experience with grant writing, securing funding, and managing project fund sources (budgeting, contracting, reporting); experience with use of federal conservation funding for land protection is preferred.
– Experience in successfully negotiating and conducting rural land real estate transactions.
– Thorough knowledge of land protection tools including conservation easements, fee-title acquisitions, donations, deed restrictions, facilitated land purchases, management contracts and land leases.
– Familiarity with western (Arizona preferred) real estate and water rights issues.
– Familiarity with GIS or other mapping tools is a bonus.

WHAT WE BRING
Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.

NEXT STEPS
To apply for this position, Job ID 55105, submit your current resume and cover letter online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact [email protected].

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER
The Southern Arizona Land and Water Protection Manager will work in southern Arizona to initiate and complete property acquisitions, conservation easement acquisitions, transfers, and assists in priority areas and perform ongoing project management and monitoring for current TNC land interests. To accomplish this, the position will work with a broad range of stakeholders to coordinate conservation objectives and develop funding for project implementation. This position will also work with strategic partners to support and expand their land protection work. Some of the work is office based but will require meetings with landowners, partners, and other stakeholders to develop, implement and monitor transactions. Currently supervises two Protection Program employees.
We’re Looking for You:
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!

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Southern Arizona Land and Water Protection Manager is responsible for implementing and achieving the Conservancy’s conservation priorities by initiating and completing property transfers and acquisitions in priority areas across Southern Arizona; supervising Protection Program staff (Land and Water Asset Manager and Conservation Easement Program Manager); supporting conservation asset management and stewardship; building support and capacity for conservation partners; and, developing and managing programmatic funding sources and opportunities. The Southern AZ Protection Manager represents the Conservancy in relationships and negotiations with landowners, government agencies, public and private funders, land trust partners and community-based organizations. Position assists in securing public and private funds for land protection and in creatively structuring individual transactions. The Protection Manager acquires and maintains local ecological and market knowledge of real estate transactions; conducts ongoing research of land ownership information for tracts identified as potential acquisition projects; explores potential projects by contacting owners, nonprofit organizations and public agency officials; and prepares project packages for internal approval.

A. Protection project management in priority areas across Southern Arizona (approximately 65%)
1. Assumes primary responsibility for initiating, documenting, and closing real estate transactions, primarily conservation easements, with the oversight of legal and finance staff. Manages transaction documents (e.g., letters, contracts, conservation easements, deeds) from initial draft using Conservancy templates, through negotiations with landowners, funders with close collaboration with Conservancy attorneys and other internal staff/programs.
2. Maintains ongoing communication and relationships with internal and external partners, ranging from landowners, federal and state agencies, non-profit conservation partners, public and private funders, finance and legal teams, tribal nations, and consultants.
3. Collaborates with Director of Land and Water Protection, Chapter leadership and conservation staff to periodically evaluate and revise land and water protection priorities in alignment with Chapter and Global conservation goals.
4. Collaborates with Water Program Lead, Director of Stewardship and Preserve/community-based Program Managers to develop public-private partnerships for TNC property management or transfers that will leverage landscape-scale conservation.
5. Follows guidance of Conservancy legal team on legal aspects of property and water rights transfers, agricultural and residential leases, and management agreements.
6. Develops funding proposals and collaborates with Conservancy staff and external partners to secure funding. Assumes primary responsibility for managing project fund sources (budgeting, contracting, reporting).
7. Maintains ongoing communication and maintains relationships with all internal and external partners, ranging from landowners, federal and state agencies, non-profit conservation partners, public and private funders, finance and legal teams, and consultants.
8. Responds to land protection inquiries and opportunities.

B. Land Transfers (approximately 10%)
1. Provides project management for transactions to transfer TNC lands and participates in prioritization process for property divestitures.
2. Tracks threats to Conservancy lands – coordinates and supports Chapter response as appropriate.

C. Supervisory Responsibilities (15%)
1. Supervise Protection Program staff, including Land Assets Manager and Conservation Easement Program Manager
2. Ensure that staff are trained to implement activities that help achieve established goals in Arizona Business Plan.
3. Conduct performance feedback and career development coaching on a regular, on-going basis.

D. Support for other Conservation Programs and AZ Chapter functions (approximately 10%)
1. Supports in local collaborative conservation efforts such as the Fort Huachuca Sentinel Landscape partnership, Malpai Borderlands Group, Altar Valley Watershed Working Group, Lower San Pedro Collaborative, etc.
2. Participate in Arizona Chapter and Protection Learning Network meetings and planning efforts.
3. Occasional travel within Arizona and in the U.S. (both with possible over-night / weekend stays).
4. Administration: Timely and accurate completion of administrative functions such as timecards; expense reports; employee performance evaluations/check-ins; self-performance documentation.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
– Primary geographic focus is Southern Arizona for transactional work.
– Negotiate real estate transactions, primarily conservation easements, that bind the Conservancy legally and financially, in collaboration with Conservancy attorneys, who ensure compliance and risk management.
– Develop and track funding proposals to implement real estate transactions in priority areas.
– Develop long-term relationships with landowners and other stakeholders in conservation priority areas.
– Plan and direct work on protection projects.
– Maintain records related to land transactions.
– Recruit and supervise staff and interns as needed or as funding is available, responsible for performance management, training, and development.
– Ability and willingness to travel for meetings and property visits, sometimes on short notice, weekends/overnight. Occasional travel throughout U.S. for training, conferences, etc.
– May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
– Lift, push, pull, move 25 pounds.
– Other duties as required.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING
– BA/BS degree in natural resources management, conservation, business, law or another related field of study and 3 years of related work experience in conservation, rural land real estate, fundraising or other related experience.
– Experience developing and/or managing funding sources.
– Experience in developing, directing, and managing multiple projects and timelines.
– Experience developing and maintaining partnerships (e.g., rural landowners, non-profit and agency partners, community, tribal governments).
– Supervisory experience.
– Experience working with computers, Windows, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel and Word), databases, and internet research.
– Valid Driver’s License.
– Youth certified (within initial 30 days of employment; annually thereafter).

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
– Four + years of related work experience natural resources management, real estate transactions or project management. Equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.
– Graduate degree in natural resources, law, or business or related.
– Knowledge of current trends and strategies in conservation and land protection.
– Experience with grant writing, securing funding, and managing project fund sources (budgeting, contracting, reporting); experience with use of federal conservation funding for land protection is preferred.
– Experience in successfully negotiating and conducting rural land real estate transactions.
– Thorough knowledge of land protection tools including conservation easements, fee-title acquisitions, donations, deed restrictions, facilitated land purchases, management contracts and land leases.
– Familiarity with western (Arizona preferred) real estate and water rights issues.
– Familiarity with GIS or other mapping tools is a bonus.

WHAT WE BRING
Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.

NEXT STEPS
To apply for this position, Job ID 55105, submit your current resume and cover letter online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact [email protected].

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.

Posted Online 1 week ago