Chestnut Carbon is a forestry and nature-based investor and carbon offset developer focused on projects of the highest quality through afforestation and reforestation strategies. Chestnut is accelerating the path to net zero through nature-based carbon sequestration projects that are additional, bio-diverse, and verifiable. Chestnut Carbon envisions the acquisition, afforestation, and management of a 500,000 – acre operating land base by 2030.

As the Rural Lands Manager of a nature-based solutions company committed to developing high-quality voluntary carbon offset projects, this person will be a high energy individual with strong land management experience. To-date, Chestnut Carbon owns and operates approximately 12,000 acres throughout Arkansas in addition to land in Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. This position will work closely with the company’s natural resources and finance teams to facilitate property management activities and help drive revenue opportunities.

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of land management and a proven track record of managing rural properties. Preferably, the ideal candidate resides in Conway County, Perry County, Pulaski County. Additionally, the candidate should be a strategic thinker with excellent communication skills.

This position will report to the VP, Land Acquisitions. The Rural Lands Manager is responsible for managing a portfolio of rural lands supporting Chestnut Carbon’s afforestation business. This individual will develop property budgets, help identify revenue opportunities appropriate for each property, negotiate leases, maintain rural properties including dwellings and other building structures, oversee maintenance contractors, and participate in community engagement activities in the local community.

Chestnut was founded and backed by Kimmeridge, a US-based private equity firm with offices in New York and Denver. The role is based in Arkansas with preference for an individual located in or near Conway County. The role will require local and regional travel, as needed.

Responsibilities:

· Develop and implement land management plans for rural properties that includes identifying revenue opportunities such as hunting and fishing leases, other recreational opportunities, cell phone tower leases, water right, easements and right-of-way negotiations, etc.

· Oversee residential, agricultural, and hunting lease administration, including lease negotiation and monitoring for compliance.

· Develop and implement marketing strategies to promote leasing or sale of land, as appropriate.

· Responsible for identifying, introducing, and implementing new and innovative initiatives as it relates to land related business processes and systems.

· Manage and maintain rural properties, including buildings, fences, and roads.

· Manage annual property management budgets and financial reports for individual properties in existing portfolio.

· Hire and manage third-party contractors for property maintenance needs.

· Work closely with Land Acquisitions Team and Natural Resources Team to onboard new properties and help facilitate due diligence activities.

· Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and laws.

· Develop and maintain relationships with former tenants, local farmers, landowners, and other key stakeholders.

· Act as main point of contact for neighbors, prospective tenants, etc.

· Participate in relevant community engagement activities including stakeholder meetings, property tours, local forestry, or agriculture association meetings.

· Ad hoc requests from time to time

About You:

· At least 3-5 years of experience in rural property and land management.

· Strong knowledge of land management practices and regulations.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

· Ability to do field work in remote locations and in various weather conditions.

· Strong organizational and time management skills.

· Local and regional travel as needed.

· Passionate about sustainability.

· Strong team-building skills, adept at forging positive relationships across the business.

· Authorized to work in the United States.

· Must possess and maintain valid U.S. driver’s license in order to operate vehicle on highways and in off-road situations (Chestnut Carbon vehicle provided for job duties).

· Hands-on, roll-up your sleeves mentality, mentally agile and able to be both strategic and tactical.

· Must be a self-starter, willing to step up where needed across a flat and dynamic organization.

Preferred Requirements:

· Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in agriculture, land management, or a related field.

· Preferred locations: Conway County, Perry County, Pulaski County.

· Knowledge of standard forestry practices in the region.

· Experience drafting and negotiating leases/contracts.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to everything we do. Chestnut Carbon thrives on and celebrates different views, beliefs, and values. We are committed to our talented team and partners, regardless of background or affiliation, and to actively promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout our business. We strive to be a place where you can be you and bring yourself to work.

Chestnut Carbon is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to affirmative action planning and encourages diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran, or marital status.

Innovative teams with diversity of thoughts, backgrounds, and experiences enable the firm to develop creative strategies and achieve better outcomes. Chestnut Carbon maintains integrity in all decisions and understands the long-term value of being environmentally and socially responsible. Teamwork is essential at Chestnut Carbon and creates the internal and external trust and support needed to quickly respond and adapt to the changing world. These values provide the foundation for Chestnut’s culture of dignity, respect, and inclusivity. We believe both strategy and organizational culture are critical to overall success; thus, Chestnut Carbon is not only committed to leading the global transition to net zero but is also committed to leading the industry with diversity and inclusion efforts.

All employees are eligible to participate in health, insurance, and 401K plan benefits on their first day of employment. Chestnut Carbon pays 100% of the cost of the employees’ health/dental/vision insurance. During each fiscal year of employment, employees will be eligible to earn a discretionary annual incentive bonus, based on company and individual performance targets.