Description:

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