Forestry Counsel

The Conservation Fund (“TCF” or the “Fund”) is a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to the dual mission of protecting America’s most important land, water, and natural resources while also supporting economic growth in communities. 

Top-ranked for efficiency and effectiveness, we have worked in all 50 states to protect over 8.5 million acres of land since 1985. To learn more about TCF, visit www.conservationfund.org. 

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Forestry Counsel will provide legal advice, contract drafting and negotiation, assistance with real property transactions, and related services for The Conservation Fund in connection with the operation of its Working Forest Fund and other forestry activities across the United States. 

Key responsibilities include preparation and negotiation of a wide variety of contracts associated with day-to-day forestry operations.  The Forestry Counsel also will provide legal support for dispositions of forestry properties and conservation easements and may assist with forestry acquisitions as well.  The position will regularly provide legal advice on forestry related compliance matters.   

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE 

The primary responsibilities of the Regional Counsel include the following: 

• Provide legal advice and support to field personnel on legal matters related to day-to-day forestry operations, including state and local regulatory compliance matters; 
• Draft, negotiate, and approve a variety of legal documents associated with forestry operations, including services contracts with consulting foresters, timber management and timber sales agreements; log supply agreements; log hauling and trucking agreements; recreational licenses and commercial and residential leases, access licenses and easements; rights of way for access and utilities; road, bridge and other construction and maintenance contracts; property management and other services contracts;  
• Conduct or supervise others in the performance of necessary tasks to commence and complete the placement of conservation easements on forestry properties and the disposition of fee interests in such properties, including but not limited to review of due diligence materials, coordination with purchasers, conservation partners, and title companies; 
• Assist with the evaluation and resolution of title exceptions, encroachments, and boundary line adjustments; 
• Provide legal assistance for forestry property acquisitions; and 
• Review and negotiate government and foundation grant and loan agreements associated with forestry property acquisitions and dispositions. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to the bar of at least one state. 
• Five years of experience practicing law in a law firm or in the legal department of a non-profit or for-profit organization. 
• Legal knowledge and experience with real estate transactions and general commercial contract drafting required; relevant forestry industry experience preferred; experience with conservation, natural resources, environmental matters, and/or non-profit organizations also considered a plus. 
• Strong contract drafting and negotiating skills and experience. 
• Ability to develop legal strategy and objectives; good analytical and problem-solving skills. 
• High degree of professional ethics and integrity and excellent judgment. 
• Superior interpersonal and oral and written communication skills. 
• Commitment to the Fund’s mission. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT  

• The preferred location for this position is our Chapel Hill, NC office, but our Arlington, VA office or another geographic location will be considered. 
• Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most Fund staff are working remotely.  
• Must have ability to work independently, with minimal supervision, demonstrating flexibility and teamwork within an entrepreneurial environment and sometimes competing deadlines. 
• Post COVID-19, some travel required (10 – 15%).   
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Note: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice. 

COMPENSATION and BENEFITS 

This position offers a competitive salary, opportunities to earn performance-based bonus compensation and a highly competitive package of benefits including employer contributions for health care, paid holidays, vacation and personal/sick leave, retirement plan and more. 

To learn more about The Conservation Fund, visit https://www.conservationfund.org. 

The Conservation Fund, a nonprofit corporation, is an Equal Opportunity Employer that fully and actively supports equal access for all people regardless of Race, Color, Religion, Gender, Age, National Origin, Veteran Status, Disability, Genetic Information or Testing, Family and Medical Leave status, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity or Expression. The Fund prohibits retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint, or otherwise oppose discrimination.