Land Protection Specialist

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube  or on Glassdoor.  

Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Land Protection Specialist develops and implements strategic land protection projects throughout Wisconsin to help meet ambitious conservation goals, working with a team to secure important habitats for plants and animals along with resilient and connected natural systems that facilitate climate adaptation for both people and nature. The Land Protection Specialist employs a full range of tools to acquire varying degrees of legal interest in land, most commonly fee-title and conservation easements. This includes working closely with other land trusts, government agencies. Tribal Nations, private partners and others to develop and implement lasting conservation strategies for the most climate resilient lands and waters in Wisconsin. While most of this work will occur in Wisconsin, the Land Protection Specialist may also provide assistance to projects that extend beyond state borders in support of larger regional goals.

The Specialist takes a lead role in working with colleagues to identify key lands for protection, determining desired protection strategies, and implementing protection projects for key lands and waters. The Specialist builds and sustains working relationships with landowners, agencies, and organizations to achieve TNC protection goals. The Specialist serves as the principal negotiator on TNC-led real estate transactions and represents TNC in cooperative projects with partners. The Specialist coordinates with legal counsel to develop land protection documents and to resolve acquisition issues. The Specialist ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements. Where appropriate, the Specialist may transfer land interests to partner organizations, assist land management staff with monitoring and enforcement of existing conservation easements, and supervise staff and interns. Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, and assisting in the development of public grant applications and private donor proposals. Under minimal supervision, the Specialist will make independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.

This position may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. The Specialist may travel frequently, up to 20% time, sometimes for extended periods or on short notice.

This is a remote position that can be based anywhere in Wisconsin. Close proximity to a Wisconsin TNC office is preferred.

We’re Looking for You:

Through the efforts of The Nature Conservancy over 243,000 acres in Wisconsin have been preserved
for people and nature. From towering forests and wild lakes in the Northwoods to the sun-kissed prairies and wetlands in the south, nature in Wisconsin is abundant, diverse and beautiful. The Wisconsin Business Unit is dedicated to conserving the natural resources that make Wisconsin special. As the Land Protection Specialist, you will work with innovative and passionate colleagues, local landowners, and a wide range of partners to design and implement strategic land transactions that secure naturally and culturally significant lands in the pursuit of a healthy, vibrant future for plants, animals and people. You will bring knowledge of land protection tools, strong organizational skills, creativity, and a collaborative spirit to your work. And through this work, you’ll contribute to TNC’s conservation goals in Wisconsin and beyond.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor of Arts or Science, law or business degree and 5 years’ experience in natural resource management or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience negotiating complex agreements.
• Experience with principles of land acquisition and ability to structure and negotiate a deal.
• Experience building strong relationships across an organization and with partners such as nonprofit organizations, public agencies and Tribes.
• Experience managing projects.
• Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
• Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers.
• Fluency in English both spoken and written.

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!

Auto Safety Policy:

This position requires a 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.” To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee’s motor vehicle record.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $60,400 – $71,315 for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate’s location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.