CPRG Peatlands Project Lead

The Nature Conservancy • Durham, NC

1d • $77,000 - $98,000

About The Position

The CPRG Peatlands Project Lead manages and implements climate pollution reduction restoration projects. The focus of this work is acquisition and hydrological restoration of pocosin peatland properties as part of the deliverables associated with the five-year $200 million Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) from the EPA to TNC in 2024. The Peatlands Project Lead will coordinate and implement acquisition and restoration work across eastern NC to deploy and scale peatland protection and restoration as a natural climate solution that reduces greenhouse gas emissions. They will work closely with the CPRG Project Steering Committee, Project Team and staff in NC, and will be responsible for building strong internal and external partnerships in order to ensure the timely execution of projects. The Peatlands Project Lead will establish objectives and key results to track progress and make sure projects meet key deliverables for the Peatlands Pathway within the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG). In addition, they will be responsible for managing the grant expenses related to Peatlands restoration and acquisition, ensuring timely and appropriate reporting to project leadership, contracting for project activities, and coordinating staff to effectively deploy CPRG resources. They will also work with state agencies and partners in accounting of project results, including GHG benefits, acres protected, and co-benefits. The Peatlands Project Lead will work with the CPRG Director, TNC Division Marketing Directors, and others to develop communication resources that showcase results from the five-year project. They may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. The work may require frequent travel domestically and evening and weekend hours. The position is full-time for a 3.5 year term subject to renewal based on available funding. Want to help save the planet? The Nature Conservancy has received a $200 million grant that will support implementation of nature-based solutions across four states: North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Maryland. Projects will focus on improved forest management, peatland restoration and tidal wetland enhancements. This grant is part of a historic $421 million award from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) Program that will fund both state-led projects and TNC-led projects. North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Maryland, and TNC Chapters within those states joined together in forming the Atlantic Conservation Coalition to implement this program. TNC seeks to protect 67,650 acres across the Appalachians and 25,450 acres of bottomland hardwoods, restore 33,000 acres of peatlands and protect an additional 10,500 acres, and restore 150 acres of tidal wetlands. When complete, these efforts will result in sequestering the equivalent of between 200,054 and 507,871 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually through 2050. At a minimum that is the equivalent of taking more than 120,874 gas-powered vehicles off the road each year.

Requirements

• BA/BS degree and 5 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience directing a large project of strategic importance, including management/supervision of multi-disciplinary teams and meeting deadlines.
• Experience restoring hydrology and ecological function of peat-based wetlands in eastern North Carolina.
• Experience with land acquisition and practices relevant to securing conservation interest in properties.
• Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
• Experience in orchestrating the work of individuals, leaders, managers as well as cross functional and strategy teams in a collaborative and influential manner.
• Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies.
• Experience negotiating.
• Experience managing risk and project-based adaptive management.
• Experience with financial management.
• 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."
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 7-10 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Familiarity with natural climate solutions strategies, methodologies, and accounting in peatlands and wetlands.
• Developing practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes.
• Knowledge of methods and standards of biodiversity information systems and initiatives and experience conceiving and implementing strategic initiatives.
• Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Familiarity with communications and philanthropic engagement strategies.
• Politically savvy.

Responsibilities

• Manages and implements climate pollution reduction restoration projects.
• Coordinate and implement acquisition and restoration work across eastern NC to deploy and scale peatland protection and restoration as a natural climate solution that reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
• Work closely with the CPRG Project Steering Committee, Project Team and staff in NC
• Building strong internal and external partnerships in order to ensure the timely execution of projects.
• Establish objectives and key results to track progress and make sure projects meet key deliverables for the Peatlands Pathway within the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG).
• Managing the grant expenses related to Peatlands restoration and acquisition, ensuring timely and appropriate reporting to project leadership, contracting for project activities, and coordinating staff to effectively deploy CPRG resources.
• Work with state agencies and partners in accounting of project results, including GHG benefits, acres protected, and co-benefits.
• Work with the CPRG Director, TNC Division Marketing Directors, and others to develop communication resources that showcase results from the five-year project.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level