(USA-MD-Bethesda) Agriculture Specialist

OFFICE LOCATION Bethesda, Maryland (MD) MD201 WORK WITH US The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact for people and nature around the world in 69 countries, all 50 United States, major US cities and in your neighborhood. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we are committed to a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Visit www.nature.org/aboutus to learn more. The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond. POSITION SUMMARY The Agricultural Specialist develops, manages, and advances conservation programs, plans, and practices focused on agricultural landscapes across the Delmarva Peninsula. They will work collaboratively with the agriculture community to advance in-field practices that will benefit the economic, environmental, and social well-being of our region and our farmers. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The Agricultural Specialist provides technical leadership and support to the Maryland/DC Chapter by planning and implementing projects to increase implementation of agricultural practices that improve water quality and habitat on Delmarva. The Agricultural Specialist will facilitate meetings, trainings, and outreach efforts of the Chesapeake 4R Alliance, a collaboration among agribusinesses, farmers, government agencies, conservation groups and scientists working to ensure that every nutrient application on Delmarva is consistent with the 4Rs – the right nutrient source, applied at the right rate, at the right time, in the right place and seek opportunities to advance priority actions identified by the Alliance. They will address critical threats to natural systems and individual species, foster cross-site learning among Chesapeake 4R Alliance partners, and implement collaborative solutions with the agriculture community to achieve water quality and habitat outcomes. The Agricultural Specialist will coordinate multiple projects, set deadlines, and manage projects to completion. RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE * Identifies and implements collaborative solutions to improve water quality and habitat in agricultural landscapes. * Facilitates meetings and trainings of the Chesapeake 4R Alliance. * Coordinates activities of the Chesapeake 4R Alliance partners to leverage efforts toward water quality and habitat outcomes. * Seeks funding to support agricultural conservation efforts. * Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and judgment. * Builds and maintains partnerships to achieve common goals. * May supervise interns and seasonal staff with responsibility for performance management, training, and development. * Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements. **WORKING CONDITIONS** * May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS * Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or agriculture or equivalent combination of education and experience. * Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc. * Experience in organizing and facilitating meetings and/ or trainings. **PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:** * Established relationships with agricultural community on Delmarva. * Supervisory skills. * Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities. * Relationship building skills to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal scientists, and private industry. * Knowledge of ecological land management and agricultural best management principles. * Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and agriculture. * Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross cultural experience appreciated. * Completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s). * Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages. AUTO SAFETY POLICY This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy'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." Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers. 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. HOW TO APPLY To apply to position number45037, submit resume (required) and cover letter separately using the upload buttons. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on February 3, 2017. Click “submit” to apply for the position or “save for later” to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited. Failure to complete required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration. If you experience technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.*LI- **The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer** Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of men and women of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character 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.** *Job Title:* Agriculture Specialist *Location:* Maryland *Job ID:* 45037 *Regular/Temporary:* Regular *Full/Part Time:* Full-Time