Commercial and Forestry Operations Counsel (Remote East Coast)

Job Description

Position Description

TITLE: Commercial and Forestry Operations Counsel

LINE OF BUSINESS/DIVISION: Operations/Legal

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

REPORTS TO: Regional and Working Forest Fund Counsel

NUMBER OF POSITIONS REPORTING TO THIS POSITION: None

LOCATION: Role may be performed remotely, preferably on the East Coast, or with hybrid schedule in the Fund’s Arlington, VA office.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Commercial and Forest Operations Counsel will provide legal advice, contract drafting and negotiation, asset/property management and legal operational support to The Conservation Fund in connection with its forestry, farmland and general operations across the United States. Key responsibilities include preparation and negotiation of a wide variety of contracts associated with day-to-day operations. This position also may provide legal support for conservation real estate transactions, and may provide legal advice to other TCF businesses and programs from time-to-time.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Draft, negotiate, and approve a variety of legal documents associated with forestry, farmland and general conservation real estate/business operations, including vendor agreements; independent contractor agreements; confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements; contracts associated with forestry and timber operations and sales; commercial and residential leases; recreational licenses; access licenses and easements; rights of way for access and utilities; road, bridge and other construction and maintenance contracts; and property management and other services contracts;

Assist with the day-to-day management of forestry, farmland and other conservation properties, including evaluation and resolution of title exceptions, encroachments, and boundary line adjustments;

Assist with property acquisitions and dispositions, including evaluation of due diligence materials and review and negotiation of brokerage agreements, agreements for professional services, and similar agreements;

Provision of advice and support to field personnel on routine state and local regulatory compliance matters associated with forestry operations; and

Review and negotiate foundation grant and loan agreements.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to the bar of at least one state.

Five or more years of experience practicing law in a law firm or in the legal department of a nonprofit or for-profit organization.

Legal knowledge and experience in all aspects of contract drafting, negotiations and closings of sophisticated commercial and/or real estate transactions required; relevant experience associated with forestry operations, conservation real estate matters, and/or non-profit organizations 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.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Conservation experience.

Knowledge of environmental/conservation nonprofits.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The position is remote with a preference for an East Coast location; a geographic location near our Arlington, VA headquarters office considered a plus.

Must have ability to work independently, with minimal supervision, demonstrating flexibility and teamwork within an entrepreneurial environment and sometimes competing deadlines.

Estimated travel 10 – 15%.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

COMPENSATION and BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $135,000 - $150,000, and the position is eligible for opportunities to earn performance-based bonus compensation. The Fund offers a highly competitive package of benefits including employer contributions for health care, paid holidays, vacation and personal/sick leave, retirement plan and more. Please note: Salary range provided is an estimate and will be evaluated on an individual basis, taking into consideration the candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and education. The final salary offer will be determined accordingly.

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.

***Please submit cover letter and resume with application***

Apply at

To learn more about The Conservation Fund, visit

Frequently cited statistics show that women and people from underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they think they meet 100% of the criteria. If you meet many but not all the criteria and feel you may be a good fit for the role, The Conservation Fund encourages you to apply.

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.