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Regenerative Agricultural Program Manager at The Nature Conservancy

Posted: 
04/21/2021
Expiration Date: 
05/31/2021

OFFICE LOCATION

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA

 

A LITTLE ABOUT US

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. 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. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. Whether it’s career development, work/life balance, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all of our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued.

YOUR POSITION WITH TNC

The Pennsylvania and Delaware Chapter of The Nature Conservancy is a leader in developing and implementing strategies to conserve forests and streams, addressing the impacts of agriculture, energy development, and climate change, and empowering nature in cities. The Pennsylvania and Delaware Chapter of The Nature Conservancy seeks a knowledgeable, energetic conservationist for the position of Regenerative Agricultural Program Manager. This position will advance conservation strategies aimed to improve water quality, enhance habitat, and build climate resiliency in the agricultural landscapes of the Chesapeake Bayregion. The Regenerative Agricultural Program Manager will use agronomic experience, to advance innovative soil health, nutrient management, stream, wetland, and habitat restoration, and other priority conservation and climate-based agronomic strategies.This position will be grounded by local experiences that leverage science, real-world solutions, and partnerships to influence conservation decisions. The position’s leadership will ensure that the Conservancy’s work is benefiting the economic, environmental, and social wellbeing of the agricultural community.  As a key member of TNC’s Chesapeake Agriculture Team, this position will work with colleagues and partners across the watershed while also having the opportunity to learn from TNC colleagues across North America and around the world.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Conservation Planning: The Agricultural Program Manager identifies opportunities and develops strategies that accelerate the adoption of local and regional climate-smart in-field agricultural conservation practices. They will also be part of a team responsible for refining current strategies and advancing bold, emerging strategies such as TNC’s Edge of Field Initiative.

Partnership Building: The Agricultural Program Manager will develop effective partnerships with federal, regional, and state agencies, conservation groups, the agribusiness community, and other public and private organizations engaged in agricultural issues. They will foster and grow private-public partnerships that have the potential to accelerate the implementation of practices in agricultural landscapes to achieve our conservation goals and support local farming communities. They will continue TNC’s representation and active participation on the steering committee of the  PA 4R Alliance, a collaboration among agribusinesses, farmers, government agencies, conservation groups, and scientists working to ensure that nutrient application on farms is consistent with the 4Rs –the right nutrient source, applied at the right rate, at the right time, in the right place.

Program Delivery: This position is responsible for effectively implementing agricultural conservation strategies that meet our conservation goals while supporting local farming communities. They will provide leadership in two areas: 1. Lead components of collaborative projects with the 4R Alliance that increase farmer adoption of 4R priority practices, and 2. Apply their expertise and experience to develop new partnerships that accelerate Edge-of-Field practice adoption. Implementation will entail the development and implementation of technical and financial tools, targeted outreach and education, and project reporting and evaluation.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE

  • Agricultural Program Development. The position will identify creative opportunities for collaborative agricultural conservation projects that leverage existing and emerging agricultural programs and policies. The position will apply the best-available social, ecologic, and economic science to overcome barriers to implementation, supporting farmers’ ability to adopt priority conservation practices.
  • Partnership Development and Management. The position will build and maintain partnerships with private and public organizations to advance conservation outcomes. The position will strategically manage relationships that advance our conversation agenda while learning from the stewardship experiences of local communities and amplifying their leadership in conserving strategies.
  • Project Implementation. The position will coordinate multiple projects. Projects will be managed to deliverables and within project schedules and budgets. Projects will often include collaboration with teams of internal and external colleagues.
  • Program Funding. The position will identify and advance proposals that leverage private and public funding mechanisms supporting strategic research, the implementation of projects and practices, and contributions to aligned partner efforts.
  • May supervise interns and seasonal staff with responsibility for performance management, training, and development.
  • Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
  • May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • BA/BS in agriculture, conservation or natural resources and 5 years’ experience in natural resource management, agricultural conservation, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience negotiating complex agreements.
  • Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
  • Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Master's degree in freshwater, natural resources, agricultural science, or similar field or equivalent comination of education and experience.
  • Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
  • Established relationships with the agricultural community in Central Pennsylvania.
  • Knowledge of agronomy and agricultural best management principles, including nutrient management and soil health in row crop and dairy systems, particularly related to farms in Pennsylvania.
  • Knowledge and experience in edge-of-field practice (buffers, filter strips, wetlands, grass waterways etc.,) design and implementation in agricultural landscapes.
  • Supervisory experience.
  • Demonstrated relationship-building skills and ability to work closely with a variety of partners to achieve objectives and program success.
  • Knowledge of federal, state, and local policies and regulations related to agriculture.
  • Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
  • Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and agriculture.
  • Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural cross-cultural experience appreciated.
  • Completes tasks independently on time.
  • Excellent communication skills via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.

HOW TO APPLY

https://careers.nature.org/psc/tnccareers/APPLICANT/APPL/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.H...

To apply to position number 49591, submit resume (required) and cover letter separately using the upload buttons. Applications will be reviewed in the order they’re received and the position will remain open until filled.

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.