Conservation Field Representative – Fauquier County (Piedmont Environmental Council)

Posted on by Ayesha Amsa

Title: Field Representative (Fauquier County)
Manager: Director of Conservation
Location: Warrenton, VA
Job Classification: Full Time, Non-Exempt

Introduction

The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that has proudly promoted and protected the natural resources, rural economy, history and beauty of the Virginia Piedmont since 1972. PEC empowers residents to protect what makes the Piedmont a wonderful place, and works with citizens to conserve land, protect air and water quality, celebrate historic resources, build smart transportation networks, promote sustainable energy choices, restore wildlife habitat and improve people’s access to nature (learn more about PEC).

Description

The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) is seeking to hire a Field Representative to work with landowners, land managers, and federal, state and local agencies to further PEC’s land conservation priorities and land use policy activities in PEC’s nine county service area (learn more about the nine counties). The geographic focus of the position will predominantly be working in Fauquier County. The Field Representative will work to advance the following goals:

  • Executing and/or facilitating conservation real estate transactions that will further PEC’s goal of conserving one million acres in the PEC region. These transactions include, but are not limited to, donation of conservation easements by landowners, purchase of conservation easements by PEC, fee simple acquisitions of land, and conveyance of conservation lands to public conservation agencies and/or private conservation buyers.
  • Creating and sustaining a network of informed residents, donors, policy makers, partner organizations, and others that are ready to advocate for policies and actions that support land conservation, resource protection, and enhanced public access to nature.
  • Ensuring that PEC’s work embodies best practices identified by the Land Trust Alliance’s Standards and Practices, particularly in regard to the stewardship of land owned and conservation easements held by PEC.
  • Increasing positive awareness of PEC and building support for PEC programs.

Areas of Responsibility

The Field Representative will be responsible for executing a diverse portfolio of land conservation, natural resource restoration, land use policy, and civic engagement efforts that further PEC’s mission. Examples of activities include:

  • Developing and implementing land protection strategies through (1) identification of key at-risk properties, landscapes, and resources; (2) outreach and education to landowners, farmers, and professional advisers on conservation tools such as voluntary conservation easement donations, Purchase of Development Rights programs, and other conservation programs; and (3) coordination with other private partners and public agencies (such as the local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, the Virginia Department of Forestry, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, the USDA National Resources Conservation Service) to further conservation in the Piedmont.
  • Executing and/or facilitating implementation of a suite of natural resource conservation practices that enhance wildlife habitat, restore water quality, and/or improve agricultural productivity on public and private lands in the Piedmont.
  • Serving as part of the PEC’s stewardship team, responsible for ensuring appropriate monitoring and stewardship of PEC’s conservation easement and fee land portfolio.
  • Serving a key staff role supporting land conservation funding sources available to PEC, including the Bull Run Mountain Conservation Fund, the James Rowley Goose Creek Conservation Fund, and the Julian Scheer Fauquier Land Conservation Fund.
  • Initiating, leading, or participating in local community based conservation planning and policy efforts, such as historic preservation, water quality improvement, habitat restoration, and/or agricultural land management demonstration projects.
  • Teaming with other PEC staff to respond appropriately to major land use, conservation, and transportation threats in the region.
  • Working directly with citizens and allied organizations to organize the public around campaigns, policies and outcomes supportive of the PEC mission, including adoption of language in the counties’ comprehensive plans and support or opposition to specific land use threats and opportunities.
  • Regularly updating PEC Board members, other PEC staff, and members of local advisory committees on land use, conservation, and transportation issues affecting the communities served by the Field Representative.

Collaborating with PEC communications and development staff to secure appropriate funding and highlight the benefits of PEC’s work in the region.

The Field Representative reports to PEC’s Director of Conservation, but will also work closely with other field representatives, departments within PEC, and members of the PEC Board of Directors.

This position will be based at PEC’s headquarters office in Warrenton, VA.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required. 3-5 years work experience or Graduate degree in agriculture, forestry, natural resources, planning, law or a related field preferred.
  • A working knowledge of conservation policies, conservation easements, and real estate
    transactions, etc.
  • Familiarity with conservation grant programs, such as NRCS Agricultural Land Easement program, the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation grant program, the Virginia Agricultural Cost Share program, and/or funding opportunities available through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
  • Demonstrated strong communication skills, both written and oral, including ability to write, edit, and proofread written materials for use in communicating public policy and conservation opportunities to the PEC Board of Directors, PEC staff, PEC members, and the public at large.
  • Ability to organize, coordinate and manage diverse activities and deadlines.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with a diverse constituency including elected officials, non-profit representatives, neighborhood associations, and individual citizens with a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.
  • Experience working with rural landowners and the farming community is preferred.
  • Experience working with local residents and/or community organizations, particularly in leading public outreach and/or education campaigns.
  • A working knowledge of local land use planning and zoning in Virginia is preferred.
  • Knowledge and experience with Google Suite and Microsoft Office productivity software. Familiarity with ArcMap a plus.
  • Requires minimal supervision.
  • Willing to work some weekends and evenings.
  • Valid driver’s and reliable transportation required.
  • Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.

Compensation

Salary range of $21.3646 to $31.25 per hour, depending on qualifications. (The equivalent of $45,000 to $65,000 per year).

Benefits

PEC offers an outstanding and robust benefits package including:

  • Two health plans (83% employer paid premium for employee only plan, 73% employer paid for added dependents)
  • Short & Long Term Disability*
  • Group Term Life*
  • Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Indemnity insurances*
  • HSA account (with employer match up to $750 per year)
  • FSA accounts (health & dependent)
  • 403(b) pension plan with employer contribution after 1 year of service with 100% vesting from day one
  • 12 paid holidays
  • PTO leave from 15-24 days per year based on longevity and accrued each pay period
  • 1 day per year of paid leave to volunteer at another non-profit or charitable cause
  • Salary Continuation Leave for employee or family illness – from 2 to 8 weeks fully paid leave eligibility every 24 months, depending on length of service
  • Paid Bereavement, Jury Duty and Military Service Training leave
  • Cell Phone Reimbursement up to $75 per month
  • Travel Expense Reimbursement
  • Hybrid work environment and Flexible Work Schedules
  • Professional Development support
  • Payment for relevant licenses & professional membership fees.

*Indicates that this insurance premium is 100% paid by PEC for employee’s coverage.

Application Process

To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to apply@pecva.org.

The Piedmont Environmental Council is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, employ, train compensate, and promote regardless of race, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender individual), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, genetic information, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job, therefore our job descriptions are guidelines, not hard and fast rules. Your experience, which may include paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work, helps build the competencies and knowledge of our organization. Diversity of experience and skills, combined with passion, is key to our organizational identity.

If selected for this position, a background check will be conducted upon your acceptance.

Resume reviews begin immediately.