Full-Time Field Representative – Rappahannock County
Job Description
Position Description
Title: Field Representative (Rappahannock 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 in Rappahannock County, Virginia, though the Field Representative may also work in surrounding counties within PEC’s service area. 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 1 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 PEC’s Krebser Fund for Rappahannock County Conservation.
- 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 county 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, notably the Krebser Fund Advisory Committee.
- 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 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.
Application Process
To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to
ap***@pe***.org
.
The Piedmont Environmental Council is an equal opportunity employer. Applications from women and persons of color are encouraged. Resume reviews begin immediately.
How to Apply
To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to apply@pecva.org.597 total views, 0 today