How to land a role with The Nature Conservancy

Founded in 1951 through grassroots action, The Nature Conservancy, or TNC, is a global environmental nonprofit on a mission to protect and restore nature while safeguarding the well-being of people. The organization works across 79 countries and territories, using science to help drive solutions spanning climate change, conservation, water, and food security. Most recently, TNC has also been at the forefront of supporting Indigenous-led initiatives, such as Our Land for the Future. This program aims to scale up an innovative financing model to secure long-term funding for protecting 38 million hectares of land and water in Canada’s northwest territories. For professionals in sustainability or conservation, TNC is a highly sought-after organization — and it actively recruits talent from various sectors. “There is room for people from nearly every sector if they share our mission and are excited to work for an organization that hopes to make a difference,” Emily Meals, director of global talent acquisition, told Devex. Meals drew on her own experience transitioning from a background in music to working in recruiting and health care before joining the organization. “Diversity of thought will help us to solve the toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together,” she said. With that in mind, we spoke with Meals about the skills TNC values in its workforce and how to stand out during their application process. This conversation has been edited for length and clarity. What types of roles have been a priority for TNC this past year and what roles will be a focus moving forward? The goals driving our recruitment efforts are aligned with our 2030 goals. As an organization, we are committed to reducing three gigatons of CO2 emissions annually, aiding 100 million people on the front lines of the climate crisis, conserving 4 billion hectares of ocean, 650 million hectares of land, and 1 million kilometers of rivers. We also aim to collaborate with 45 million people worldwide who are leading efforts to tackle these complex challenges. Our 2030 goals drive the priorities of our recruitment team and we are fortunate to attract talent dedicated to saving our planet! Over the past year, we’ve focused on building teams that can advance large-scale climate solutions, protect biodiversity, and support sustainable resource management. Moving forward, we will prioritize roles that have the greatest impact on our 2030 goals as well as roles that will strengthen our partnership with local communities. What skills and experience level does TNC tend to look for? At TNC we like to say, “Join for the mission, stay for the people”. We’re looking for people who live our values and are passionate about our mission. We welcome talent from all types of industries and value unique experiences that contribute to our growth and learning. Diversity of thought will help us to solve the toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We are fortunate to impact conservation efforts in all 50 states and in more than 70 countries and territories around the globe, making every skill set valuable. Candidates may bring expertise in areas such as conservation science, development, sustainable finance, policy advocacy, data science, or community engagement. Many of our roles also benefit from project management and strategic planning skills. We are open to a wide range of experience levels, from early-career professionals to seasoned leaders. Regardless of tenure, we value the ability to communicate clearly, collaborate effectively, and think creatively. Where can there be opportunities for professionals transitioning from other sectors? Conservation challenges are multidisciplinary, and we find that talent transitioning from other sectors often brings valuable, fresh perspectives. There is room for people from nearly every sector if they share our mission and are excited to work for an organization that hopes to make a difference. Look at me, for example! I was a music major, found my way into recruiting, worked in the healthcare industry, and now have had the opportunity to help save the planet. Beyond technical skills, what makes a candidate a great employee at TNC? We all succeed when we actively listen, embrace different viewpoints, and build trust with each other. The only way we achieve our mission is through our people. TNC will welcome you as YOU! You will find that people are at the heart of our success. Conservation requires a rich blend of perspectives, ideas, and viewpoints that only a truly diverse workforce can provide. Great employees at TNC live our core values, which include respect for people, communities, and cultures; commitment to diversity; one conservancy; tangible, lasting results; and integrity beyond reproach. How we work is just as important as the work we do. We aim to support and recognize talent from all walks of life, which is why we provide a full range of benefits to support our employees’ well-being. A few notable examples include volunteer programs that allow service members to serve their communities, employee resource groups, mentorship opportunities, flexible working schedules, military relocation support, and hybrid and fully remote roles. Can you describe the recruitment process at TNC? Our recruitment process typically begins with a job posting on our career site. Applicants submit a résumé, and qualified candidates are then invited to interview rounds, which may include an initial phone or video conversation. This is usually followed by more in-depth discussions with hiring managers, team members, and, in some cases, cross-functional peers. We strive to maintain transparency and open communication throughout the recruitment process. Our goal is to identify candidates who not only possess the right skills but also share our values and are committed to advancing our mission. What advice do you have for applicants to stand out? Authenticity matters. We are looking for people with a genuine interest and commitment to our mission. Before applying for your next role, spend time on our career site to learn as much as you can about The Nature Conservancy. This will help you articulate how, together, we can find a way to achieve our mission and meet our 2030 goals. Ready to stand out from the crowd and get noticed by the recruiters who matter most? Update your Devex profile and start connecting with top global development recruiters now.