Western Reserve Land Conservancy is seeking candidates for the position of Carbon Credits Specialist. The position reports to the Grants Manager and is located at our Conservation Center in Moreland Hills, Ohio.

This is a full-time position with a salary range of $45,000 to $55,000 annually, commensurate with experience, and the position is eligible for benefits.

BACKGROUND

Western Reserve Land Conservancy provides people with essential natural assets through land conservation and restoration. Headquartered in Moreland Hills, Ohio, we are a non-profit organization, the largest land conservancy in Ohio and nationally accredited by the Land Trust Alliance. Serving an area of 29 counties from the Pennsylvania line to the Sandusky Bay, the Land Conservancy has permanently conserved more acreage than Cleveland Metroparks and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park combined. We work with private and public landowners, farming families, neighborhood development corporations, corporations, county park systems, local residents and many more to help create communities nourished by vibrant natural lands, working farms and healthy cities. Thriving Communities, our urban revitalization program, is nationally recognized for thought leadership on removing blight; creating land banks statewide to find productive uses for vacant properties; and revitalizing communities through greening strategies. Our mission is funded through a combination of program revenue, government grants, and philanthropic gifts from individuals, foundations and corporations.

POSITION SUMMARY

In partnership with three other organizations, Western Reserve Land Conservancy received a grant from the US Forest Service and is growing our team to include a new grant-funded Carbon Credit Specialist to support our work in the carbon credit market. This position is funded for three years with the potential to become a long-term position in the organization.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Carbon Credit Project Development

• Become subject matter expert on carbon credit programs, with focus on City Forest Credits registry
• Lead project development and registration of Western Reserve Land Conservancy carbon credit projects
• Prepare carbon credit registration and carbon quantification documents
• Track all active Land Conservancy carbon credit projects, monitoring requirements, and credits available for sale

Carbon Connection Team Development and Implementation

• Work with grant team led by City Forest Credits to develop Carbon Connection Teams
• Connect with small landowners (including land conservation groups, municipalities, universities, etc.) around the region about carbon credit project opportunities
• Evaluate potential carbon credit projects and provide support and insight into the process
• Support small landowners through carbon credit project registration process including preparation of carbon quantification documents
• Support small forest landowners in the marketing and sale of their credits, using resources developed by CFC and the Carbon Connection Teams
• Assist grant partners with communications and marketing materials development

Carbon Credit Sales Support

• Support carbon credit sales process via direct sales, national sales, and marketplaces
• Work with internal team to identify opportunities and discuss Land Conservancy carbon credit projects to local organizations
• Assist in communications and media for the Land Conservancy’s carbon credit program

Other Responsibilities

• Assist with researching and identifying funding opportunities
• Support writing and submitting grants
• Assist with grant management including tracking grant requirements, maintaining accurate records, and preparing funder reports

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CAPABILITIES

• At least two years of work experience, preferably in the conservation or environmental fields
• Background in carbon, land use, conservation, or ecosystem services strongly preferred, but not required 
• Strong project management skills including the ability to prioritize and work efficiently and effectively
• Experience writing and/or administering grants
• Strong organizational, writing, research, interpersonal, and teamwork skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage time, work in a fast-paced environment, and multi-task
• Willingness to learn new things
• Self-directed and proactive with good problem-solving skills and the ability to execute tasks efficiently  
• Demonstrated commitment to the Land Conservancy’s mission

Western Reserve Land Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to hiring staff members who represent the rich diversity of our community. At the Land Conservancy, all employees and applicants for employment are judged on their merits.  The Land Conservancy is committed to providing an environment free of illegal discrimination of any kind, and does not base any employment decisions on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, religion, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other protected category under federal and state laws.