Rappahannock-Rapidan Conservation Initiative Coordinator

~ 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 weigh in on important land use and policy decisions, 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.

Geographic Focus

The Upper Rappahannock watershed -- which covers Culpeper, Rappahannock, Madison, counties and parts of Fauquier, Greene and Orange counties within PEC’s service area. A specific focus of this position will be to execute a multi-faceted land and water conservation initiative within the Upper Rappahannock watershed.

Description of Position

The Rappahannock-Rapidan Conservation Initiative Coordinator 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.

While the Coordinator will work throughout the Upper Rappahannock watershed, the successful candidate will play a key role in engaging a broad set of partners and other allied organizations in executing a multi-faceted initiative to promote land conservation, water quality improvements, natural habitat protection and restoration, and public access opportunities along the watershed’s two primary tributaries, the Rappahannock and Rapidan rivers. A particular focus of the initiative is to develop and demonstrate a replicable model for conserving land that supports working farms in the target area.

Responsibilities

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 public and private partners to further conservation in the Piedmont.
• Initiating, leading, or participating in local community-based conservation efforts, such as historic preservation, water quality improvement, habitat restoration, and/or agricultural land management demonstration projects.
• Developing and successfully maintaining strong professional and organizational partnerships with allied groups and organizations critical to executing PEC’s multifaceted approach to conservation in the Upper Rappahannock.
• 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 the adoption of language in the counties’ comprehensive plans and support or opposition to specific land-use threats and opportunities.
• Serving as part of the PEC’s stewardship team, responsible for ensuring appropriate monitoring and stewardship of PEC’s conservation projects, including easement and fee land portfolio.
• Regularly updating PEC Board members, other PEC staff, and members of local advisory committees on issues affecting the region.
• Using PEC information systems and other technology to effectively communicate and document the status of assigned projects, initiatives, and partnerships.
• Collaborating with PEC communications and development staff to secure appropriate funding and highlight the benefits of PEC’s work in the region The Coordinator 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.

Qualifications

Outstanding candidates will share a commitment to PEC’s mission and will bring the following experience and attributes:

• Bachelor’s degree required. 5 years of work experience or Graduate degree in agriculture, forestry, natural resources, planning, law or related field preferred.
• A working knowledge of local land use planning and zoning in Virginia is preferred.
• A working knowledge of conservation policies, conservation easements, and real estate transactions, etc.
• Demonstrated strong communication skills, both written and oral, including ability to write, edit, and proofread written materials for use in communicating with 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.
• Knowledge and experience with Google Suite and Microsoft Office productivity software. Familiarity with ArcMap, Salesforce, and LOCATE a plus.
• Requires minimal supervision.
• Willing to work some weekends and evenings.
• Willingness to live in the region you will work is highly desirable.
• Valid driver’s and reliable transportation required.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.

Compensation

• Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience.

Benefits:

PEC offers an outstanding benefits package including health, dental, vision, short and long term disability and term life insurance, a 403 (b) employee pension plan, HSA and FSA options and some employer paid additional supplemental insurance benefits including accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity. Upon employment, you will be entitled to paid holidays and will begin accruing personal leave as designated in the PEC Employee Handbook. PEC also offers employees one day of leave per year to perform volunteer work.

To Apply

• Interested applicants should please click "Apply" below to email a cover letter and resume.  
• Please mention how you learned of this opening.