Landowner Outreach Specialist

The Nature Conservancy (All); Cumberland (MD); Hybrid; USD 53,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy is launching a pilot program in western Maryland to engage forest landowners and sustain their forested properties. The Landowner Outreach Specialist will build relationships, enroll landowners, and deliver program benefits while gathering insights to shape future investment.

3–5 days per week involve in-person work across Allegany and Garrett Counties. This fixed-term role (15 months) requires independent work, strong communication in English, and a valid driver’s license

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Relationship-building experience with partners such as media, government officials, and internal scientists.
• Experience completing tasks independently concerning timeline(s).
• Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
• Experience in training.
• Must have valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation of the pilot in western Maryland by building relationships with private forest landowners.
• Enroll landowners in the program and coordinate delivery of program benefits.
• Gather insights on landowner motivations, barriers, and opportunities to inform future investment.
• Conduct outreach across Allegany and Garrett Counties, including in-person engagement 3–5 days per week.

Skills

Relationship-building

Independent work

English communication

Multilingual communication

Computer literacy

Training experience

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Word

Excel

Web browsers

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is launching a pilot program designed to engage forest landowners and help them maintain, enhance, and sustain their forested properties in the Appalachians, one of North America's most ecologically important forest landscapes.

The Landowner Outreach Specialist [a 15-month fixed term position] will lead implementation of this pilot in western Maryland by building relationships with private forest landowners, increasing participation in the program, and helping TNC understand what motivates landowners to engage with conservation organizations. Working in Allegany and Garrett Counties, the Landowner Outreach Specialist will conduct outreach, enroll landowners in the program, coordinate delivery of program benefits, and gather insights that will help shape future investment and pilot expansion decisions. Success in this role will be measured not only by enrollment goals, but also by the quality of insights generated about landowner motivations, barriers to participation, and opportunities to improve future program design and delivery.

This role has an expectation of 3-5 days of in-person work for at least part of the day, across mainly Garrett and Allegany Counties.

We’re Looking for You:

This is an opportunity to help shape and refine a new conservation approach from the ground up. The Landowner Outreach Specialist will have significant responsibility for testing outreach tactics, identifying opportunities, and helping determine what works best to engage landowners.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys meeting new people, building relationships, working independently, and helping others access conservation resources. Much of this role involves connecting with landowners through phone calls, in-person visits, community events, referrals, and partner networks. The ideal candidate is comfortable initiating conversations, following up consistently, and guiding participants through the enrollment process.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Relationship-building experience in working closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, and internal scientists.

• Experience completing tasks independently concerning timeline(s).

• Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.

• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.

• Experience in training.

• Must have valid driver's license.

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 Auto Safety information page. 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 $53,000-$57,035 annually. 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.

Who We Are

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. 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 include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience.

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 and Perks here.

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

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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.