The Protection Specialist coordinates and implements a comprehensive program to protect natural areas and habitat for rare and endangered plants, animals and natural communities using the full range of protection tools, including gift, easement, purchase, lease registry, conservation brokerage and cooperative projects with federal, state, and local government, conservation organizations and other partners as appropriate. The Protection Specialist works to help transform the way natural areas decisions in Hawai‘i and Palmyra are made by strengthening the relationship between indigenous peoples and local communities to shape and manage natural areas in ways that improve people’s lives and drive conservation outcomes.

The Protection Specialist will support the conservation teams in achieving the Hawai‘i and Palmyra conservation priorities and 2030 goals by overseeing and representing the Conservancy in relationships and negotiations with government agencies, partner organizations, and Hawaiian and local communities. They collaborate with Hawaiian and local communities, TNC staff, and partner organizations to identify strategic land protection priorities. They assist in securing public and private funds for land protection, research land ownership information for tracts identified as potential acquisition projects and prepare project packages as appropriate. They respond to protection inquiries and screen potential protection projects. They develop relationships and work collaboratively with landowners, Hawaiian and local community groups, federal, state and local government agency partners, and other partner organizations in negotiating and acquiring land through fee-title and conservation easement transactions, implementing cooperative projects with local communities and government partners, implementing landscape level land protection plans, transferring land interests to partner organizations, and managing annual fee and easement monitoring reports.

The preferred office location is the TNC Honolulu office located in O’ahu, HI, though another location in Hawai’i may be considered.

We’re looking for an individual experienced in using the full range of protection tools, to acquire varying degrees of legal interest to protect high quality natural areas in Hawai‘i. If you are eager to be part of a dedicated group that supports terrestrial and marine conservation, apply today!

• BA/BS degree in natural resources management, conservation, business, law or another related field of study and 3 years of related work experience in conservation, real estate, fundraising or other related experience.
• Experience with Hawai‘i principles of land acquisition including title matters and Hawaiʻi law as it relates to current trends and practices in conservation and natural resource preservation.
• Experience with Native Hawaiian cultural practices and land management, and local and indigenous communities and local culture.
• Experience building close relationships and developing partnerships with a variety of collaborators including but not limited to local indigenous community groups, landowners, partner organizations, corporations and foundations, federal, state and local agency partners, and government officials.
• Experience collaborating and negotiating with multi-agency/organizations partnerships on complex conservation projects.
• Experience working with computers, including database management.
• Must have valid driver’s license.