Land Conservation Associate

Do you have experience in the protection and conservation of natural resources and sustainable land management?

Are you passionate about saving land, fostering biodiversity, and promoting sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and local communities?

Would you like to be part of a team that thrives on meaningful, collaborative efforts to create a lasting, positive impact in your community?

We are seeking a dedicated, passionate, and collaborative individual to join our team as the Land Conservation Associate.

Organization:

Catawba Lands Conservancy (CLC) and Carolina Thread Trail (CTT) is a nonprofit organization that permanently conserves and manages land and advances trail in the Southern Piedmont of North Carolina. The organization is dedicated to conserving land and connecting lives to nature. CLC protects large parcels of natural land that contribute to clean water, provide habitat for wildlife, support local farms and provide public access to nature, conserving almost 18,000 acres to date. CTT is a growing regional network of trails, greenways, and blueways that connect 2.5 million people in 15 counties across North and South Carolina. CLC and CTT also actively engage the public in their mission through community partnerships, volunteer workdays, outdoor programs and special events.

Core Values:

• We embrace and pursue possibility.
• We are learners and teachers.
• We respect and value others.
• We are dedicated to mission.

Job Responsibilities:

The position is a member of the Land Protection team and works with the team to assist with land conservation projects through outreach to landowners and public groups, grant applications, due diligence, record keeping and compliance, and post-closing relationships with landowners. The Land Conservation Associate plays a key role in advancing land conservation efforts by identifying potential landowners, building relationships, understanding their needs, and guiding them through the conservation process. This position involves outreach, prospecting, client relationship management, and coordinating transactions with landowners, CLC, and legal counsel.

Landowner Outreach:

• Identify and engage with landowners, farming groups, and community organizations to promote conservation opportunities.
  • Build and maintain relationships with landowners interested in conserving their land.
  • Manage relationships with government staff and elected officials to support conservation efforts.
  • Lead the Conservation Ambassador program, including recruiting and supporting volunteers to engage landowners.
  • Actively seek and pursue new conservation projects through various channels.
  • Manage initial landowner communications and conduct preliminary evaluation of inquiries
  • Prepare and deliver presentations to stakeholders that highlight the benefits of conservation.
• Represent CLC and CTT at public events, programs, and meetings (may require occasional weekend and evening work).

Data, Materials and Project Management:

• • Collect and organize due diligence materials for potential land transactions.
  • Maintain and update the Landscape database as necessary.
  • Monitor and report on key metrics, including landowner contacts, potential conservation acres, and conversion rates.
  • Maintain land acquisition binders in accordance with Land Trust Alliance standards
  • Assist in preparing Baseline Documentation Reports for conservation projects.
  • Prepare grant applications and track expenditures under the guidance of the Land Conservation Manager.
  • Request and review land transaction documents with assistance from staff and legal counsel.
  • File property tax exemptions for fee-owned properties

Qualifications:

• • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
  • Experience with Landscape database and GIS software preferred.
  • Ability to articulate conservation benefits clearly and persuasively in both verbal and written communication.
  • Ability to build rapport with landowners, establish trust, and manage relationships effectively.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks efficiently in a dynamic work environment.

Work environment:

• • Regular communication with stakeholders via phone, email, and video conferencing. Flexible scheduling and remote work options available.
  • Travel required to meet with stakeholders and assess conservation opportunities.
  • Some responsibilities, such as Board and Committee meetings, presentations, and landowner meetings, may occur outside of standard business hours.

Personal Traits:

• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Self-motivated with the flexibility to manage multiple evolving priorities.
• Strong attention to detail

Compensation Information:

This position is full-time, salaried with benefits including medical insurance, paid time off, and Simple IRA with matched contribution. Salary range is $45,000 - $55,000, commensurate with experience. Flexible scheduling and some remote work available. Family leave included. Half-day Fridays during summer months.

How to Apply:

Applicants should submit 1) cover letter, 2) resume, and 3) a list of three references in a single PDF, by email to careers@catawbalands.org. Please include “Land Conservation Associate” in the subject line. References will not be contacted unless you are selected for an interview.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Catawba Lands Conservancy and Carolina Thread Trail provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.