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.
Although you’ll see requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Passion, innovation, and diversity are all key components to advancing our Mission and we encourage you to apply.
YOUR POSITION WITH TNC
The Agriculture Conservation Practitioner works with the Ohio/Western Lake Erie Basin Agriculture team to develop, manage, influence, and advance conservation programs, on-the-ground projects, diverse partnerships, and science-based agriculture conservation methods; She/He/They supports The Nature Conservancy in Ohio’s Agriculture Strategy to help producers achieve whole farm success by influencing and motivating implementation of practices that keep farmers farming, reduce climate change risks, and protect our soil and water resources now and into the future. The strategy centers on: Climate Adaptation and Mitigation, Soil Health and Nutrient Management, and Water Management for all producers. The Agriculture Conservation Practitioner will report to the Ohio Agriculture Director and operates throughout Ohio River and Western Lake Erie Basin watersheds. Strong preference for this position is to report to our main office in Dublin, Ohio but we will consider other locations. Although this position has location flexibility, TNC is unable to accommodate personal moves. The starting salary range for this position is $56,400 - $66,000.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Agriculture Conservation Practitioner implements, tracks, and reports on activities to promote and increase public awareness and communicate TNC’s agriculture conservation message and goals. She/He/They provides project/data management and communication of outcomes to support current programs focused on peer-to peer farmer led initiatives with particular focus on the Great and Little Miami watersheds in western/southwestern Ohio. She/He/They identifies partners and opportunities to scale successful programs and bring new programs to other watersheds in Ohio. She/He/They contributes actively to the strategic direction of the Ohio Agriculture team. Work will include direct engagement with agriculture producers and farm advisors as primary audiences. Frequent travel to field sites and for event planning is required.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
Manage multiple, trans-disciplinary projects to advance soil health and nutrient management, water management, and climate adaptation strategies in Ohio and the Western Lake Erie Basin.
Plan and execute farmer education outreach, individual farmer meetings; manage and develop databases for project tracking, reporting and communication of results.
Write and manage large public grants and contracts with producers to implement nutrient management planning and edge of field conservation for whole farm success.
Demonstrated ability to establish new and steward existing relationships within the agriculture community.
Collaboratively engage and cooperate with TNC staff, as well as diverse external partners such as public agencies, universities, agribusinesses, commodity groups, individual farmers, and non-governmental organizations.
Must be willing to travel statewide, work in variable weather conditions, and at remote locations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of experience in project management involving agriculture systems, natural resources, on-farm management, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience successfully managing large public grants and contracts.
Experience working independently to manage and prioritize tasks from multiple projects and project contacts.
Specific experience communicating with agricultural audiences is required.
Experience with soil health, nutrient management, livestock management, agriculture best management practices, and climate adaptation strategies.
Experience with interpersonal communication skills such as active listening, curiosity for the motivation of all parties, optimism in relationships and projects, and the ability to adapt to different styles within a learning organization.
Experience in situations and experiences related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Experience with computers and especially with Microsoft Office suite, Google Forms, Zoom, Microsoft Teams.
Must have valid driver's license. Must be willing to travel statewide, work in variable weather conditions, and at remote locations.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Demonstrated ability to dynamically communicate within and outside the organization through visual, written, and spoken modes.
Ability to gather and analyze program-level assessments and regularly track and report programmatic outcomes.
Ability to apply science and local knowledge to decision-making and to guide activities.
Knowledge of current trends and practices in agriculture conservation and climate adaption.