Conservation and Stewardship Manager

Aspen Valley Land Trust • Carbondale, CO

1d • $60,500 - $75,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Conservation and Stewardship Manager role strengthens AVLT’s capacity to steward a large and growing portfolio of conservation easements and fee-owned properties, while also supporting conservation transactions and community-based projects as needed.
This is a manager-level role. While it does not require direct supervision of staff, it requires ownership, initiative, and the ability to manage discrete workstreams with professionalism and consistency. The role is designed to be flexible and responsive, providing support where capacity is most needed across the current five-person Lands Team including stewardship, monitoring, restoration, and conservation projects.
The ideal candidate is grounded in natural resources or land-based work, comfortable in both field and office settings, and able to navigate landowner relationships with tact and sound judgment.

Requirements

• Experience in land conservation, natural resources, agriculture, land use planning, real estate transactions, or a related field.
• Ability to work independently in the field and conduct detailed site observations.
• Strong written communication skills and attention to detail.
• Comfort working with landowners and partners across diverse perspectives.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Proficiency with standard office software and willingness to learn database and mapping systems.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel regularly within AVLT’s service area.

Nice To Haves

• Background in natural resources with familiarity with Colorado Western Slope ecosystems.
• Experience with conservation easement stewardship.
• Experience with local land use planning, permitting, or development review.
• GIS experience.
• Bilingual English/Spanish.
• Familiarity with agricultural and rural communities.

Responsibilities

• Support AVLT’s annual conservation easement monitoring program, including site visits, documentation, and follow-up in collaboration with the Stewardship Director.
• Prepare monitoring reports and landowner communications in a clear and timely manner.
• Respond to landowner requests, agency referrals, and stewardship inquiries under the guidance of the Executive Director, Stewardship Director, and legal counsel.
• Assist with conservation easement amendments, documentation, and internal tracking.
• Support stewardship issue management by helping research, document, and communicate regarding potential compliance concerns.
• Share responsibility for stewardship workload across the team, including both proactive engagement and more complex issue navigation.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with conservation landowners and partners.
• Provide thoughtful, respectful communication regarding stewardship expectations and conservation goals.
• Assist with onboarding new conservation landowners and supporting ongoing engagement.
• Support conservation acquisitions and projects in collaboration with the Conservation Director.
• Assist with due diligence coordination, documentation review, and project tracking.
• Contribute to grant writing and reporting related to land conservation and stewardship projects.
• Help research and assess land use, planning, and permitting considerations relevant to conservation transactions to develop and maintain stewardship databases and tracking systems to improve efficiency and onboarding readiness for future staff growth.
• Provide field support for vegetation and habitat monitoring efforts.
• Assist with restoration planning and implementation on conserved properties in collaboration with the Natural Resources Director.
• Conduct independent site checks when needed and provide concise written updates.
• Support drafting and review of management plans and stewardship documentation.
• Maintain accurate stewardship records in accordance with Land Trust Alliance standards and AVLT policies.
• Support cross-team initiatives including events, volunteer coordination, and community engagement efforts when appropriate.

Benefits

• Flexible work schedule
• 15 paid vacation days
• 96 paid sick hours annually
• 11 holidays
• simple IRA retirement plan with 3% employer match
• employee health insurance and HSA contributions (with options for dental and vision insurance)
• professional development opportunities and trainings

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed