Rural Land Manager

Chestnut Carbon, is a nature-based solutions company committed to developing high-quality voluntary carbon offset projects as well as supporting the long-term conservation of American forests and empowering stewardship among family forest owners.

We seek to…

·       Conserve standing forests in woodlands throughout America.

·       Support the private forest owners who undertake these conservation efforts.

These goals are rooted in the understanding that intact forests offer a variety of benefits, magnifying in impact over time, and bear great value worth protecting.

Chestnut Carbon was founded and backed by Kimmeridge, a US-based private equity firm with offices in New York and Denver

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 40,000 acres throughout Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, South Carolina, 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. Additionally, the candidate should be a strategic thinker with excellent communication skills. Additionally, the candidate should be a resident of the state of Louisiana or western Mississippi. (West of I-55)

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.

The role is based in Louisiana. The role will require local and regional travel, as needed.

• 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.

• 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).

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in agriculture, land management, or a related field.
• Preferred locations: Louisiana or southwestern Mississippi.
• Knowledge of standard forestry practices in the region.
• Experience drafting and negotiating leases/contracts.

• The base salary range for this position is competitive and subject to the chosen candidate’s experience, skills, certifications and qualifications, determination of which is made in the sole discretion of Chestnut Carbon.

• 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.

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.

Thank you for applying to our recent job posting. The Recruitment Department has received your application and will be reviewing it shortly. We appreciate the time and effort you've taken to reach out to us, and we look forward to exploring the possibility of having you join our team.