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 Iowa Agriculture Project Manager will work closely with the Iowa Agriculture Program Director to implement the Iowa Chapter’s regenerative agriculture strategy through engagement with various partners - farmers, local/regional members of the agricultural sector, conservation partners, corporate, and government staff. As part of the agriculture team, you will develop and manage the implementation of complex multi-stakeholder projects across the agricultural landscape. This is a 3-year grant funded position (with the possibility of extension, based on grant funding). Anticipated amount of travel within the northwest Iowa project area (near Sprit Lake and Five Island Lake) will be up to 3 days a week, and anticipated amount of overnight travel will be a few times a year.

In this role, you will advance existing relationships with members of the agriculture sector and develop new partnerships to promote and increase the adoption of sustainable practices, including soil health and nutrient load reduction management in northwest Iowa. You will cooperate with public and private sector staff to develop farmer networks, target funds, and administer programs to increase participation and achieve high priority conservation outcomes in target geographies. 

Through developing partnerships with a diversity of farmers and conservation partners, the Iowa Agriculture Project Manager will assist with the formation and administration of farmer-led networks, including member communication and tracking, field day and event planning, and development of marketing and outreach materials to amplify their success stories and create a culture of conservation among farmers. You will conduct farmer outreach that provides accurate and relevant agronomic information about soil health management systems in coordination with other local efforts to implement programs and provide products and services that lead to improved water quality, soil health and agricultural sustainability. 

We're Looking For You
If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join our Chapter as an Iowa Agriculture Project Manager! Not only will you fulfill conservation objectives in beautiful northwest Iowa, but you’ll contribute to conservation goals through many networks!

We’re looking for a passionate, detail oriented, dedicated person to join our Chapter and work within our Division. Excellent relationship building and communication skills, ability to self-motivate, creatively problem solve, and 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 agriculture, agronomy, natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation and agriculture – especially nutrient management, soil health principles, and conservation drainage practices.
• Experience working with the agricultural community and/or on farm.
• Experience building relationships, convening, communicating and negotiating effectively with partners and stakeholders, i.e., farmers, land managers, agricultural retailers, media, government officials, internal scientists, etc. 
• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Experience managing complex projects, including managing finances, with a wide variety of partners, both internal and external with respect to timeline(s) to achieve optimal results.  
• Experience using common software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers, etc.
• Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Valid driver’s license and safe driving record.

Desired Qualifications

• 3-5 years’ experience in agriculture, agronomy, natural resource management, similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.  
• A Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) certification or other agronomy/nutrient management certification, or willingness to obtain within first year of employment.
• Ability to interpret field data and communicate to non-scientific stakeholders.
• Ability and willingness to apply science to decision making and guide activities.
• Knowledge of state and federal conservation incentive programs including Farm Bill programs
• Experience building networks or organizational capacity, facilitating informational sessions, increasing knowledge internally and with key stakeholders.

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.

Auto Safety Policy

• 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.

Salary Information
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $55,000 - $63,000 for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Apply Now
To apply for job ID 55257, submit your materials online by clicking APPLY TO THIS POSITION below.

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.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

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.

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.