Agriculture Program Manager in Little Rock, AR

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

The AR Agriculture Program Manager, manages and advances a conservation program focused on improving water quality, reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, and conserving groundwater in cropland-dominated areas of Arkansas using partnerships, science-based conservation planning, and an entrepreneurial spirit. The Agriculture Program Manager (APM) works with landowners, farmers, local to global businesses, and conservation programs to implement on-the-ground projects that improve irrigation efficiency, reduce sediment and nutrient erosion, and reduce GHG emissions. The APM will represent TNC with inclusive messaging and outreach, partnerships with underserved communities and landowners, agribusinesses, and other members of the agriculture sector to provide equitable access to scalable conservation practices and programs. The Agriculture Program Manager provides technical leadership in the field of row crop agriculture and support to the Arkansas Business Unit in achieving the Conservancy’s 2030 Goals where both people and nature thrive.

The Agriculture Program Manager (APM) enjoys working with landowners, farmers, local and global businesses, and conservation partners in agriculture. The APM will appreciate the importance of commercial land stewardship and has experience working with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), commodity trade groups, agribusinesses, cooperative extensions and/or county conservation districts. Leaders in row crop management systems, agricultural conservation, and commodity advisors interested to implement programs and projects that produce commodities and ecosystem services with improved water quality, soil health, efficient irrigation and economic sustainability.

Cooperate with state and federal agency staff, elected officials, and philanthropists to acquire funds and administer projects with equitable access participation and achieve high impact conservation outcomes in an agricultural landscape. Represent TNC and our projects on local work groups and at conferences and field days to convey the importance of water quality, greenhouse gas mitigation, and agricultural productivity.

Systems Leadership, creativity, and the ability to influence without authority are key in this role. If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join our team. Not only will you achieve conservation objectives in the beautiful state of Arkansas, but you’ll contribute to conservation goals through many networks!

This position will require up to 25% travel, a valid driver’s license, and compliance with The Nature Conservancy’s auto safety program. Come join TNC and apply today!

• BA/BS degree and 5 years’ experience in conservation practice, agronomy, agriculture or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including staffing, workloads and finances under deadlines.
• Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
• Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies
• Experience negotiating.
• Experience with Arkansas crop production systems and agronomic practices
• Experience with regenerative agriculture practices

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

This position requires a valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’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.” To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

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.

To apply for job ID 53112, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

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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 people 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.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

Where legally permissible, TNC requires all new employees to be fully vaccinated and willing to keep up to date with vaccines that protect against COVID-19. By accepting an offer of employment, you agree to comply with this requirement, unless you are entitled to a legally mandated exemption.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.