Blue Ridge Conservancy

Land Protection and Stewardship Fellow 

Organization Background

Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC) is a nationally accredited regional nonprofit land trust dedicated to conserving natural resources in northwest North Carolina. We are one of the leading nonprofit land conservation organizations in North Carolina. BRC has conserved over 25,000 acres in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey Counties. We work tirelessly to connect people to nature by advancing opportunities for recreation; by conserving the land that farming communities need to be agriculturally productive; and by protecting the landscapes that are ecologically significant.   BRC’s efforts have resulted in the protection of scenic vistas, working farmland, rare and threatened ecological habitats, and clean water resources. BRC assists the Blue Ridge Parkway, Grandfather Mountain State Park, and Elk Knob State Park in expanding their borders, established Pond Mountain Game Lands, continues to expand Three Top Mountain Game Lands, is spearheading the Middle Fork Greenway (MFG) project to connect Blowing Rock to Boone, and is leading the planning and development of the Northern Peaks State Trail that will connect Howard Knob to Mount Jefferson. More information can be found at www.blueridgeconservancy.org. 

The Area

BRC works in northwest NC which includes high mountain peaks, foothills, small towns and rural communities. The area has a strong tourism economy, agricultural heritage, and is home to Appalachian State University (ASU). Surrounded by the beautiful mountains of North Carolina, the High Country offers a host of recreation opportunities including hiking nearby trails, canoeing beautiful rivers, and biking or car touring the famous Blue Ridge Parkway.

 Job Overview

Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to protecting significant land resources in northwestern North Carolina by holding conservation easements and owning land. BRC currently monitors/manages 206 conservation easements and fee simple properties totaling 18,000 acres. The organization expects the number and diversity of its conservation holdings to increase and easement stewardship responsibilities to become more complex each year.

This position is part of the Wyss Fellows Program which provides a two year fellowship opportunity for individuals who have the passion and potential to become future leaders in the conservation field. The position is ideal for recent graduates or individuals looking to start a career in land conservation, or for those looking to make a career change from another field. Fellows are required to participate in annual week-long training programs which will provide opportunities to meet other fellows and learn about their work.

The Land Protection and Stewardship Fellow reports directly to the Director of Land Protection and Stewardship but will also work closely with the Director of Stewardship. The Land Protection and Stewardship Fellow will assist with new project management and stewardship of conservation lands.

Duties

• Land Protection: Assist the Director of Land Protection and Stewardship with all aspects of land protection projects. This includes:
  • Work with the Director of Land Protection and Stewardship to update BRC’s Land Conservation Plan that identifies, develops, and prioritizes land for protection
  • Write grant applications to public and private grant agencies for purchases of land and conservation easements as well as securing funds for project transaction costs
  • Assist the Director of Land Protection and Stewardship with conservation easement and fee simple acquisition projects with landowners who own significant natural, cultural or agricultural lands
  • Work with state/local government agencies, local groups, landowners, and other land trusts to acquire conservation easements and fee simple acquisitions in accordance with BRC’s Land Protection Plan
  • Assist the Director of Land Protection and Stewardship with project due diligence and document retention using Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices
  • Conduct property site visits to document conservation values and record details for project documentation and grant applications

• Stewardship: Assist the Director of Stewardship with stewardship of conservation easements and fee owned lands. This includes:
  • Work with the Director of Stewardship to maintain positive relationships with owners of properties protected by BRC
  • Assist with the annual monitoring of conservation easements and BRC owned properties and management of land stewardship activities
  • Aid conservation easement landowners with implementation of approved activities or land management on their property

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Enthusiasm and dedication to land conservation in the southern Appalachian Mountains.
• Undergraduate or Graduate degree in a natural resource related field.
• Demonstrated reliability, with ability to work as part of a team as well as independently.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to interact with diverse groups of landowners, volunteers, employees, public groups, attorneys, realtors, government officials and others.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Good organizational skills, ability to maintain detailed paper and digital files, records, and photographic documentation.
• Computer expertise with current word processing, spreadsheet, database, GIS and GPS programs and equipment.
• Must have good field skills, including reading and interpreting maps and using a compass and/or GPS.
• Must be physically fit and be able to negotiate varied and possible difficult terrain.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Work Environment and Travel Demands

The position is based on BRC’s 46 acre Conservation Campus between Boone and Blowing Rock. Work will be performed in the office as well as in the field. Travel is required to visit with potential land protection donors, monitor and steward existing conservation properties, attend meetings, speaking engagements, workshops, professional associations, and other events requiring BRC representation. Evening and weekend meetings and events are part of the job responsibility.

Salary

The position is full time with a benefit package including PTO, retirement plan, travel to fellow programs and conferences, and opportunities for professional development. Salary is expected to be $53,000, depending on education and experience.

Timeline

The application deadline is November 3, 2024. A resume and cover letter not to exceed two pages, and three professional references should be sent to: Eric Hiegl, Blue Ridge Conservancy, PO Box 568, Boone, NC 28607. eric@blueridgeconservancy.org