Land and Water Protection Manager, Northern AZ

OFFICE LOCATION

Arizona, USA

Remote from home office in northern or central AZ, USA

Who We Are

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor .

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

What We Can Achieve Together

The Land and Water Protection Manager, Northern Arizona works within the Land and Water Protection Program. The Protection Program consists of staff who use the full range of protection tools, including land gifts, conservation easements, land purchases, leases, and cooperative projects with federal, state, and local governments, and conservation organizations. Protection staff identify and implement land and water protection projects in high priority conservation areas that encompass representative landscapes with high biodiversity and ecological importance. Additionally, Protection staff track threats to the Conservancy's assets by monitoring and addressing all legal issues pertaining to our land asset portfolio.

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!

The Land and Water Protection Manager, Northern Arizona will work in northern and central Arizona to initiate and complete property 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.

Essential Functions

The Land and Water Protection Manager, Northern Arizona is responsible for implementing and achieving the Conservancy’s conservation priorities by initiating and completing property transfers and acquisitions in priority areas across Northern and Central Arizona; supporting conservation asset management and stewardship; building support and capacity for conservation partners; and developing and managing programmatic funding sources and opportunities. The Northern Arizona Protection Manager represents the Conservancy in relationships and negotiations with landowners, government agencies, public and private funders, land trust partners and community-based organizations. This 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.

Duties are anticipated in the percentages below, and may fluctuate based on the business needs:

• Protection project management in priority areas across Northern Arizona (approx. 65%)
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Collaborates with TNC Arizona’s Water Program and Stewardship Program and Preserve/community-based Program Managers to develop public-private partnerships for TNC property management or transfers that will leverage landscape-scale conservation.
• Follows guidance of Conservancy legal team on legal aspects of property and water rights transfers, agricultural and residential leases, and management agreements.
• 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).
• 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.
• Responds to land protection inquiries and opportunities.
• Land Transfers and Annual Monitoring (approx. 20%)
• Provides project management for transactions to transfer TNC lands and participates in prioritization process for property divestitures.
• Supports annual cycle of Conservation Easement and Fee Land (Conservancy-owned property) monitoring and reporting and biennial Trade Lands monitoring and reporting.
• Tracks threats to Conservancy lands - coordinates and supports Chapter response as appropriate.
• Support for other Conservation Programs and AZ Chapter functions (approx. 15%)
• Supports in local collaborative conservation efforts such as the Verde Front, Greater Chino Valley Collaborative, Verde Watershed Restoration Coalition working groups, etc.
• Participate in Arizona Chapter and Protection Learning Network meetings and planning efforts.
• Occasional travel within Arizona and in the U.S. (both with possible over-night / weekend stays).
• Timely and accurate completion of administrative functions such as performance reviews, expense reports, and timecards.

Responsibilities & Scope

• Primary geographic focus is Verde Valley and Upper Verde River, with additional work throughout Northern and Central Arizona.
• Position will execute all duties within the Conservancy’s Policies, Standard Operating Procedures, business practices, processes and guidelines and Business Unit (BU) practices.
• Work is diverse and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines.
• 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.
• Travel in Arizona for meetings and property visits, sometimes on short notice, sometimes on 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.
• Occasionally requires working long hours, weekends, and holidays.
• Lift, push, pull, move 25 pounds.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• 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.
• Developing, directing, and managing multiple projects and timelines.
• Developing and maintaining partnerships (e.g., rural landowners, non-profit and agency partners, community, tribal governments).
• Developing partnerships (i.e., partners, community, government, etc.)
• Working with computers, Windows, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel and Word) and internet research.
• Supervision (if applicable).
• Youth certified (within initial days of employment and annually thereafter).

Desired Qualifications

• Three to five years of related work experience natural resources management, real estate transactions or project management. Equivalent combination of education and experience is acceptable.
• 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, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into 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 and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Additional Job Information

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including; health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, accrued paid time off (including annual, personal, and sick leave), life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellness benefits. Benefits may be subject to generally applicable eligibility, waiting period, contribution, and other requirements and conditions. Learn more about our benefits at nature.org/careers. We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellness, 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 $65,000 - 80,000 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.

APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID 56266, submit your current resume with cover letter summarizing how your experience aligns with TNC and this position online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on March 24, 2025. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

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 applyhelp@tnc.org 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.