Prairie Bash: Bluegrass, Bluestem, & BBQ

HOW TO APPLY: Submit your resume, cover letter, and three references to careers@lowcountrylandtrust.org by October 15, 2025. Applicants should be prepared to provide specific examples of staff leadership, program management, and successful conservation transactions. POSITION SUMMARY The Chief Conservation Officer (CCO) is a member of the Senior Leadership Team and a key strategic partner to the CEO, COO/General Counsel, Controller, and Chief Advancement Officer. The CCO leads the organization’s conservation vision and ensures that conservation priorities are integrated with organizational goals, including policy, communications, fundraising, and outreach. The CCO brings a proven track record of leadership in conservation real estate transactions, including negotiating and closing conservation easements and fee simple acquisitions with state and federal partners, and must be prepared during the application process to demonstrate a history of success in both staff and program leadership. The CCO is responsible for the management and oversight of the land protection program, including conservation easement transactions; fee simple transactions; mitigation projects; multi-sector partnerships; and public policy, as well as providing high-level guidance to the stewardship team. This position has direct responsibility for leading and managing staff, fostering a high-performing conservation team, and ensuring accountability, collaboration, and measurable outcomes. The CCO is a skilled negotiator and a strong communicator, has the ability to work with diverse stakeholders and elected officials, and can effectively manage a dynamic, high-performing team by setting objectives and measuring performance. The CCO is committed to Lowcountry Land Trust’s mission and is self-motivated; collaborative; an energetic leader; emotionally intelligent; has a demonstrated capacity to build strong, diverse relationships; can work independently; and can communicate complex information in concise and effective ways. RESPONSIBILITIES Conservation Department Responsibilities Executive Leadership: Serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, helping guide overall organizational strategy and decision-making. Strategic Leadership: In partnership with the President & CEO, Senior Leadership Team, and the Board of Trustees, develop comprehensive conservation strategies that strengthen the Land Trust’s conservation efforts and mission Land Protection Program Oversight: Lead and manage the full scope of the land protection program, including: Investigation, analysis, identification, and development of conservation focus areas and projects Developing acquisition and protection strategies Negotiate donations and purchases of conservation easements and fee simple transactions, draft conservation easements, and oversee the management of all projects to completion Mitigation projects Multi-sector partnerships Policy initiatives. Outreach to private landowners, public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other resource managers and stakeholders, with an emphasis on priority conservation areas identified in Lowcountry Land Trust's conservation plan Ensure adherence to the highest standards of conservation ethics, thorough due diligence investigation and documentation Create Conservation Department budgets Conservation Transactions: Oversee, negotiate, and close complex conservation easements and fee simple acquisitions, ensuring compliance, funding, and long-term stewardship requirements are met. Staff Leadership: Directly supervise, mentor, and support conservation staff, building a collaborative and accountable team culture. Stewardship Guidance: Provide high-level strategic direction and support to the stewardship team to ensure long-term protection and management of conserved lands, including ensuring Lowcountry Land Trust meets IRS requirements and Land Trust Alliance accreditation standards. Collaboration: Work closely with the CEO, COO/General Counsel, Controller, and Chief Advancement Officer to align conservation work with legal, financial, advancement, policy, and communications priorities. Partnership Development: Build and sustain relationships with government agencies, landowners, local communities, NGOs, and funders to advance conservation goals. Advocacy & Representation: Represent the organization to public and private partners, funders, media, and policymakers as a recognized conservation leader. Resource Development: Partner with the advancement team to secure funding for conservation projects, including public and private grants, donor support, and innovative financing mechanisms. Risk Mitigation: Ensure appropriate measures are in place in the acquisition of conservation easements or fee land, using appropriate legal and other outside professional advice Other Duties as Required: The above statements describe the general nature and level of work an employee assigned to this position performs. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. All staff members may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time. Onboarding is in-person, and employees meet in person once per month for a staff meeting and occasionally throughout the year for group events. QUALIFICATIONS Required: Advanced degree in environmental science, conservation biology, natural resource management, environmental law, or a related field (or equivalent experience). Proven track record in a senior leadership role, including demonstrated success in supervising staff and managing teams. Demonstrated success negotiating and closing conservation easements and fee simple acquisitions with state and federal partners. Experience conducting due diligence, negotiations, and structuring of sophisticated financial, conservation, real estate, and other transaction terms 12+ years of progressive leadership experience in conservation, environmental policy, land trust work, or related sectors. Strong knowledge of conservation law, land protection tools, and public funding mechanisms. A strong track record of collaboration and partnership with varying stakeholders and conservation partners in the development of successful conservation projects, and a demonstrated capacity to build strong, diverse relationships Demonstrated success in the development and implementation of outreach strategies to cultivate and develop a pipeline of land protection projects Strong public presence — articulate, optimistic, and energetic — with the ability to motivate and inspire people at all levels Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills. Commitment to equity, inclusion, and community-led conservation practices. Preferred: Graduate degree in law or business Conservation, not-for-profit organization, or public agency experience Experience with mitigation projects, multi-sector partnerships, and public policy advocacy Expertise in developing and administering budgets Personal Characteristics: Integrity – Is widely trusted and seen as a direct, truthful individual; keeps confidences; admits mistakes; doesn’t misrepresent her/himself for personal gain Approachability – Is easy to approach and talk to; spends extra effort to put people at ease; can be warm, pleasant, and gracious; is sensitive to and patient with interpersonal anxieties of others; builds rapport well; is a good listener Interpersonal Skills – Relates well to all kinds of people, inside and outside the organization; builds appropriate rapport; listens; builds constructive and effective relationships; uses diplomacy and tact; truly values people; can defuse even high-tension situations comfortably Negotiation Skills – Can negotiate skillfully in tough situations with both internal and external groups; can settle differences with relative ease; can win concessions without damaging relationships; can be both direct and forceful, as well as diplomatic; gains the trust quickly of other parties to the negotiations; has a good sense of timing Planning Skills – Accurately scopes out the length and difficulty of tasks and projects; sets objectives and goals; breaks down work into process steps; develops schedules and task/people assignments; anticipates and adjusts for problems and roadblocks; measures performance against goals; evaluates results Perseverance – Pursues everything with energy, drive, and a need to finish; seldom gives up before finishing, especially in the face of resistance Problem-Solving – Uses rigorous logic and methods to solve difficult problems with effective solutions; probes all fruitful sources for answers; can see hidden problems; conducts honest analysis; looks beyond the obvious and does not stop at the first answers Action Oriented – Enjoys working hard; is full of energy for the things they see as challenging Results Oriented and Accountable – Can be counted on to achieve goals consistently Communication – Can write clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles; can get messages across that have the desired effect; has strong written and oral communication skills to convey complex information in concise and effective ways Discretion – Can deal with sensitive issues and information in a professional and, as required, confidential manner Team-oriented – works effectively with others; actively contributes to the achievement of group and organizational goals; accepts shared responsibility and ownership of projects. The ability to work independently Benefits Summary Insurance Health Insurance CoPay Plan with FSA (Flexible Spending Account) option Employee premium covered 90% by employer HDHP (High Deductible) Plans with HSA (Health Savings Account) option All medical costs are paid out of pocket until the deductible is met Employee premium covered 100% by employer Employer HSA contribution available with the HDHP base plan Dental Insurance – Employee premium covered 100% by employer Group Life Insurance with AD&D ($25,000) – Employee premium covered 100% by employer Disability - Employee premium covered 100% by employer Optional benefits available – Paid by Employee: Health FSA & Dependent Care FSA HSA Accident Insurance Critical Illness Coverage Vision Care Voluntary Life Insurance Financial & Retirement 403(b) Eligibility: Age 21 and works at least 83 1/3 hours per month Immediate eligibility Up to 6% match after 6 months of employment Family & Parenting Family & Medical Leave Hybrid Work Environment (in-office/from home) Flexible Hours Paid Time Off Self-managed PTO 11 Paid Holidays Flexible Summer Schedule Perks Partial Mobile Phone Reimbursement Lowcountry Land Trust is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity, and to comply with all federal, state, and local laws that apply to equal employment. It is our policy to recruit, hire, train, and promote individuals, as well as administer any and all personnel actions, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, civil union status, domestic partnership status, affectional or sexual orientation or identity, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, marital status, status as a disabled or Vietnam era veteran, service in the federal or state military, union affiliation, pregnancy or breastfeeding, medical or genetic information, atypical hereditary cellular blood trait, refusal to submit to a genetic test or make test results available to the Company, or status as a qualified individual with a disability, in accordance with applicable laws. The Land Trust also complies with the South Carolina Pregnancy Accommodation Act. To read more or apply, click here

The property, KP Farms, represents Congaree Land Trust’s third conservation easement in Chester County and lies adjacent to an existing protected property, bringing the number of contiguous acres conserved by CLT to more than 1,360 Read more.

Aiken Land Conservancy (ALC) seeks a passionate person to lead land conservation efforts for the organization and continue to grow its conservation footprint. The Conservation Coordinator, with support from the Executive Director and Stewardship Coordinator, will take the lead on completing fee and less-than-fee conservation projects, with a particular emphasis on ALC’s Strategic Focal Areas. Due to the small size of ALC, the Conservation Coordinator will also have the unique opportunity to work closely with the Executive Director and Stewardship Coordinator on a number of other activities as time, interests, and skillsets allow. To learn more, click here .

Audubon South Carolina has a robust working lands program that includes hands on management of more than 30,000 acres of Audubon owned/managed forests, grasslands, and wetlands. Audubon SC also works extensively with private and public land managers and owners in the forested and agricultural landscapes of the state to implement land management practices that enhance habitat for priority birds while promoting flood and climate resilience. Reporting to the Working Lands Manager, and collaborating closely with other teams, the Working Lands Coordinator (two open positions) will be charged with assisting with and facilitating landowner outreach and technical assistance efforts across South Carolina in support of Audubon’s habitat management goals by supporting programs funded by the U.S. Forest Service, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and other targeted grants. The position will have a specific focus on landscapes identified by Audubon scientists as priority based on land attributes such as carbon, connectivity, and demographic data. The Coordinator will also collaborate with Audubon colleagues, chapter members, and volunteers—as well as conservation allies and partner organizations -- to advance the goals and objectives of Audubon's Flight Plan. The ideal candidate is an effective communicator with a desire to foster collaborative partnerships and/or coalitions related to land management and/or conservation. They are also a creative thinker and inclusive team player, who approaches their work with a commitment to mutual respect and a desire and willingness to learn as much as to teach. The standard workweek is 40 hours, Monday through Friday, however, occasional weekend work is to be expected. This is a remote position based in South Carolina. The Coordinator may work remotely and/or at one of our offices in Columbia, Charleston, Silver Bluff Sanctuary (Jackson), or Beidler Forest Center and Sanctuary (Harleyville). Frequent travel is expected throughout the state including but not limited to the pee dee, midlands, and the upstate and around our sanctuaries and project areas. This position is grant funded, with grant funds available for a two and a half-year position. Compensation: $24.00 - $26.00 / hour For more information, click here.

Audubon South Carolina has a robust working lands program that includes hands on management of more than 30,000 acres of Audubon owned/managed forests, grasslands, and wetlands. Audubon SC also works extensively with private and public land managers and owners in the forested and agricultural landscapes of the state to implement land management practices that enhance habitat for priority birds while promoting flood and climate resilience. Reporting to the Director of Land Conservation, and collaborating closely with other teams, the Working Lands Program Manager will be charged with leading landowner outreach and technical assistance efforts across South Carolina in support of Audubon’s habitat management goals by supporting programs funded by the Forest Service, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and other targeted grants. The position will have a specific focus on priority landscapes identified by Audubon scientists based on land attributes such as carbon, connectivity, and demographic data. The Program Manager will also collaborate with Audubon colleagues, chapter members, and volunteers—as well as conservation allies and partner organizations -- to advance the goals and objectives of Audubon's Flight Plan. The ideal candidate is an effective project manager with experience fostering collaborative partnerships and/or coalitions related to land management and/or conservation. They are also a creative thinker and inclusive team player, who approaches their work with a commitment to mutual respect and a desire and willingness to learn as much as to teach. The standard workweek is 40 hours, Monday through Friday, however, occasional weekend work is to be expected. This is a remote position based in South Carolina. This Manager may work remotely and/or at one of our offices in Columbia, Charleston, Silver Bluff Sanctuary (Jackson), or Beidler Forest Center and Sanctuary (Harleyville). Frequent travel is expected throughout the state including but not limited to the lowcountry, midlands, and the upstate and around our sanctuaries and project areas. This position is grant funded, with grant funds available for a two and a half-year position. Compensation: $63,000 - $68,000 / year For more information, click here

Guest blogger: Sebrenna Bryant, state outreach coordinator for USDA's Farm Service Agency (SC) Boasting a robust agricultural landscape of nearly 23,000 farms sprawled across 4.5 million acres of fertile land, South Carolina is a state deeply rooted in agriculture. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) in South Carolina plays a pivotal role in supporting this thriving agriculture economy by managing acreage reports for nearly 2 million acres and aiding farmers' participation in approximately 20 different FSA programs. By doing this, the FSA in South Carolina not only supports USDA's mission but also contributes significantly to maintaining a healthy, stable, accessible, and affordable food supply for all. Historically, FSA traces its roots back to the Great Depression, when the Farm Security Administration was created to help American farmers amid a challenging time. And while the agency’s name and mission have both changed and grown over the years, its commitment to helping farmers has not. Today, FSA plays a crucial role in supporting rural prosperity, improving the environment, and contributing to U.S. national security by helping to ensure a safe, affordable, and abundant food supply. Over the years, FSA’s available programs have expanded to include safety net, farm loan, conservation, and disaster assistance programs. These programs ensure producers have a strong safety net in place in case of natural disasters or market fluctuations. FSA farm loans are available for producers who want to get started in production agriculture or make investments in existing operations but are unable to obtain credit from private lenders. FSA conservation programs give landowners the tools and resources to protect environmentally sensitive land and restore grasslands and forests, leading to cleaner water and air, healthier soil and enhanced wildlife habitat. FSA’s flagship conservation program, the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), is a voluntary program that encourages agricultural producers and landowners to convert highly erodible and other environmentally sensitive acreage to vegetative cover, such as native grasses, trees, and riparian buffers. The benefits of CRP are far-reaching. CRP protects more than 20 million acres of American topsoil from erosion and is designed to safeguard the nation’s natural resources. With over 22,000 acres enrolled in CRP in South Carolina, several landowners have utilized CRP in our home state, with the hope that the increased vegetation would lead to increased wildlife habitat, including bobwhite quail. This has been seen as a great success. Although the terms of CRP and land trusts may differ, with land trusts often encouraging permanent easements, both entities share conservation goals to support farmers and ranchers, and to protect environmentally sensitive land.  Together, FSA and land trusts can help landowners understand the wide scope of available options for preserving and protecting their property, while helping South Carolina to achieve a greater impact in protecting farmland and promoting sustainable agriculture for generations to come. W.R. “Cody” Simpson, III, was appointed by the Trump Administration to serve as the State Executive Director of the Farm Service Agency in South Carolina in May 2025. He has spent his lifetime protecting the Palmetto State’s agricultural heritage and growing its future. Simpson supports wetland conservation through Ducks Unlimited and collaborates with the Pee Dee Land Trust to safeguard natural habitats.

Congaree Land Trust is proud to announce a significant achievement in its 33-year history: the permanent protection of over 100,000 acres of vital land across central South Carolina. Read more.

Lowcountry Land Trust is excited to announce the permanent protection of 66 acres on Johns Island, marking a crucial step toward restoring the community’s historic access to the water while preserving the area’s natural beauty and ecological health. The property will eventually become a county park managed for public use by the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC). Read more.

Congaree Land Trust is proud to announce the permanent conservation of 174 acres of land in Sumter County. This newly protected property is a significant addition that further protects the ecological integrity and rural character of the COWASEE Basin, a region celebrated for its rich biodiversity and natural heritage in central South Carolina. Read more.