OFFICE LOCATION Lansing, Michigan, USA #Li-hybrid #PDN WHO WE ARE 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." WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER The Conservation Associate develops, manages and advances conservation programs, plans and methods for small to medium scale geographic areas. The Conservation Associate, Saginaw Bay provides technical leadership and support to a business unit and plans and directs preserve management programs and stewardship. The Conservation Associate addresses critical threats to natural systems and individual species, fosters cross-site learning among conservation community, and supplies conservation planning teams with site or landscape level information relevant to the planning process. The Conservation Associate develops and implements conservation strategies and employs a full range of protection tools to acquire varying degrees of legal interest in land and implements a variety of strategies to secure public and private support for TNC conservation priorities. The Conservation Associate coordinates community support, ensures the maintenance of preserve areas frequented by the visiting public and coordinates multiple projects, sets deadlines and manages completion. May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU The Conservation Associate will support The Nature Conservancy's efforts to influence local supply chains and farmers to make strides toward long term agricultural conservation adoption in Michigan. The Conservation Associate's programming areas have been strategically designed as pathways for gaining progress toward The Nature Conservancy's long-term conservation adoption goals. The Conservancy will rely on this person to demonstrate the effective and sustainable nature of supply chain-driven farmer incentive models, help facilitate stronger farmer peer networks throughout the watershed, and add technical capacity in agronomy, data analysis and modeling, agricultural finance mechanisms or policy to our team. The Conservancy has worked with agricultural partners in Michigan's Saginaw Bay Watershed for over ten years to enhance on-farm conservation outcomes and improve water quality. We do this by co-developing with partners and landowners on new conservation practices, conservation delivery mechanisms and conservation learning opportunities. The Conservation Associate, Saginaw Bay will advance TNC's agricultural supply chain work and our farmer engagement program. This position will: Serve as programmatic lead for executing supply chain farmer incentive programs through Michigan's dairy and grain industries. Provide echnical assistance to farmers in Saginaw Bay Watershed as needed re: adoption of new conservation practices. Generally support and empower farmers to lead change in the region, via facilitation of peer-to-peer farmer learning groups and other means of influence If you're looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join our Chapter as the Conservation Associate! Not only will you fulfill conservation objectives in the beautiful state of Michigan, but you'll contribute to conservation goals through many networks! We're looking for a passionate, dedicated person to lead our Chapter and work within our Division. Systems Leadership, creativity, and the ability to influence without authority are key in this role. Come join TNC and apply today! WHAT YOU'LL BRING Bachelor's degree and 3 years' experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience managing staff or volunteers. Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal scientists. Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s). Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages. Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc. Experience in training. WHAT WE BRING 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.