We’re Looking For You

The Sunny Valley Preserve Director is based at Sunny Valley Preserve in Bridgewater and New Milford, CT and oversees stewardship of an 1,850-acre portfolio of natural and working agricultural lands. The role leads land management, agricultural operations, infrastructure maintenance, and public access with the goals of ecological resilience, regenerative practices, and meaningful visitor engagement.

The Director oversees a wide range of land and property management activities, including a large inventory of buildings, trails, and agricultural facilities; manages legal, safety, and reputational risk; and responds to complex or high‑risk situations as they arise.

The role builds and maintains productive relationships with partners, neighbors, agencies, and community members, and communicates regularly with varied audiences about preserve management and priorities.

The position reports to the Director of Land Management and collaborates closely to define strategies for the Preserve. This position requires residence in close proximity to Sunny Valley Preserve to manage emergencies. TNC housing is available on site.

Responsibilities & Scope

Responsible for stewardship and operations at a complex preserve that comprises multiple parcels and a large inventory of infrastructure, with work that requires coordination across boundaries and close collaboration with partners, agencies, lessees and internal teams.

Land Stewardship and Natural Resource Management

Lead and oversee comprehensive land stewardship activities across natural and agricultural systems to support conservation outcomes, ecological resilience, and safe public access.
Apply ecological knowledge, field experience, and legal understanding to guide land management decisions, including interpretation of deeds, easements, and restrictions; habitat restoration; invasive species management; and oversight of tools, equipment, and vehicles required for safe operations.
Oversee advanced aspects of land management, including permitting, insurance coordination, and flood, erosion, and climate‑related risk management.

Agricultural Operations

Oversee agricultural operations at Sunny Valley, including dairy management, soil health, forage crops, produce cultivation, and agricultural certifications. Guide both established and emerging agricultural practices, ensuring operations support conservation goals, regenerative outcomes, adaptive learning, and risk management requirements.

Buildings and Infrastructure

Oversee the maintenance, repair, and improvement of preserve infrastructure, including buildings an office, utilities, trails, bridges, fencing, and signage. Manage contractors and vendors, ensure compliance with safety and building standards, and support long‑term care of physical assets.

Operations, Systems, and Administration

Establish and maintain effective operational systems to support preserve management, including scheduling, procurement, contracts, leases, and budget oversight. Ensure resources are used efficiently while maintaining high standards of performance and safety.

Community Engagement, Partnerships, and Communication

Build and maintain strong relationships with community members, neighbors, partners, agencies, and stakeholders. Engage the public through site visits, meetings, presentations, and informal communication, and represent TNC professionally in local and regional forums.
Lead and steward a legally obligated preserve advisory board.

Risk Management and Complex Situations

Manage complex, high‑risk, and sensitive situations involving legal issues, tenants, recreation, hunting, agriculture, public safety, and natural emergencies. Exercise sound judgment and make independent decisions based on experience, analysis, and context.

Supervision and Safety

Hire, supervise, and support staff, contractors, and volunteers engaged in field work, construction, and visitor services. Ensure safe working conditions and adherence to safety protocols across all preserve operations.

What You’ll Bring

BA/BS degree and a minimum of 5 years of experience in conservation practice, land stewardship, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including coordinating staff, contractors, timelines, and budgets under changing conditions and deadlines.
Supervisory experience, including hiring, motivating, and leading staff; setting clear expectations, and managing performance and safety.
Experience working with external partners such as non-profit organizations, community groups, landowners, and/or government agencies.
Experience navigating and negotiating complex or sensitive situations, including with tenants, partners, regulators, or the public.

Desired Qualifications

Multi-lingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated. Experience working across cultures or communities; multilingual skills are a plus.
Additional experience (5-7 years) in conservation, land stewardship, agriculture, or a related field.
Experience contributing to or implementing conservation plans or management plans. Knowledge of current land management, agricultural, or ecological practices relevant to the region.
Familiarity with conservation data, monitoring approaches, or stewardship standards.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing and verbally with a wide range of audiences, including staff, partners, and the public.
Experience supporting fundraising or donor engagement through site-based work, storytelling, or partner relationships.
Comfort navigating complex stakeholder environments with sound judgment and diplomacy.
Experience using and maintaining commonly used land management equipment, tools and vehicles.

Salary Information

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $81,000-$88,000. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

The Aquaculture Intern performs tasks essential for operating fish culture systems and ensuring the welfare of research animals. The intern works closely with the Fish Production Team, the Water and Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, the Operations Team, and researchers to gain a wide range of experience in sustainable aquaculture systems research.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

· Work as part of the Fish Production Team to perform daily tasks in recirculating aquaculture systems, including but not limited to fish feeding and husbandry, system cleaning, and fish health monitoring.

· Conduct small fish sampling events alone and larger events as a part of a team.

· Assist the Operations Team with preventative maintenance tasks to maintain fish culture systems and equipment in good working order.

· Record, extract, and analyze data using basic descriptive statistics and graphing tools in Microsoft Excel, including but not limited to fish feeding, growth, mortality, and water quality.

· Assist Water and Environmental Chemistry Laboratory staff with testing water samples, including, but not limited to, solids, nitrogen, total phosphorus, alkalinity, and pH analyses.

· Operate laboratory instruments and equipment such as pH and dissolved oxygen meters, spectrophotometers, and autoclaves.

· Work with the Research Team to gain additional experience and understanding of recirculating aquaculture systems.



WHAT WE NEED YOU TO HAVE

· Currently pursuing a diploma or Bachelor’s degree in biology, aquaculture, environmental science, or a related field.

· Previous laboratory experience, such as in college-level science courses.

· Ability to work independently while maintaining high standards of quality required for research and manuscript publication in peer-reviewed journals.

· Interest in fisheries and aquaculture.

· Sensitivity to animal welfare issues.

· Proficiency in Office 365 applications.



WHAT WE’D LIKE YOU TO HAVE

· Basic understanding of fish culture.

· Basic knowledge of laboratory safety and procedures.



PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

· This position requires standing for long periods of time and the ability to consistently lift 50 pounds.

· 80% of work is performed around water or in wet, hot, and/or humid conditions.

· Estimated travel – 0%.



COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The pay rate is $20/hour. This position does not include benefits.

Job Purpose
The Illinois Farmland Protection Specialist will be essential in accelerating the pace of permanent agricultural land protection in Illinois, emphasizing the Chicago metro region. This role is an exciting opportunity to work with innovative agricultural and conservation groups across the state to facilitate key programming to protect working lands, strengthen farm businesses, and support a new generation of farmers accessing land.


Position Summary
The Specialist will lead AFT’s outreach and programmatic efforts to protect agricultural land in Illinois. The Specialist will become familiar with NRCS policies and guidance related to conservation easement program implementation and will provide direction, feedback, and support to entities (such as land trusts and public PACE programs) and NRCS staff on projects.


The Farmland Protection Specialist will work within AFT while working closely and learning from the Natural Resources Conservation Service. This position provides an excellent opportunity to grow expertise in land protection and work closely with many state and national partners.

This position is termed for 18-months, funded through a cooperative agreement with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

The Specialist will be based in Illinois within a 75-mile radius of Chicago and will work closely with AFT’s Midwest Senior Farmland Program Manager and Illinois NRCS to support the promotion and administration of NRCS easement programs, specifically the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Agricultural Land Easements (ACEP-ALE).

The Federal Relations team at Trust for Public Land (TPL) is seeking two highly motivated undergraduate students or recent graduates for a Summer 2026 internship. Our team is dedicated to TPL’s mission to create parks and protect land for people. We are responsible for TPL’s federal policy strategy and advocacy, including appropriating federal funds for conservation programs, ensuring equitable outdoor access, protecting public lands, and increasing opportunities for outdoor recreation.

The Federal Relations Interns will fill a distinct role on our team, while sustaining ample opportunities to collaborate. The Intern will work on our federal portfolio including, but not limited to trails, tribal lands, Black history and culture, landscape protection, community schoolyards, and federal grants. Both positions will also include assorted administrative, clerical, and programmatic tasks. These duties will be in support of staff’s lobbying activities on Capitol Hill and our federal grant management.

Essential Functions:

Support the implementation of our national campaign to increase funding for local parks and schoolyards across the country
Research Trust for Public Land initiative areas including federal schoolyards and urban park legislation, tracking support and opportunities to engage members of Congress
Research and track federal grant and funding programs focused on increasing equitable access to the outdoors
Conduct research and prepare blogs, advocacy letters, fact sheets, internal communications, and press releases related to schoolyards and park equity
Track outreach and communication to members of Congress
Attend lobby meetings, coalition meetings, federal agency webinars, etc.
Participate in regular team and organizational meetings
Perform general administrative duties in support of assigned project work

Qualifications:

Strong commitment to TPL’s shared values (Belonging, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Hope) to effectively work across the organization.
At least 3 months experience in an internship position required. Policy, government, or environmental experience strongly preferred
Demonstrated desire to learn about our work
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Detail oriented and organized
Self-motivated, passionate, and professional
Must be a team player; ability to work both independently and in a collaborative environment
Willingness to adapt and remain flexible as projects and priorities change
Basic computer skills and working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs

Jefferson Land Trust has spent more than three decades protecting the breathtaking landscapes of the Olympic Peninsula — salmon streams, working farmland, wildlife corridors, marine shorelines — in partnership with landowners, Indigenous tribal nations, and the communities who call this place home. Their "People + Places" philosophy isn't just a tagline; it's how they show up every day.
The incoming ED will lead a high-functioning, collaborative team, steward a $2M organization with a bold new 2026–2030 strategic plan, and serve as a connector and convener across one of the most ecologically extraordinary regions in the Pacific Northwest.
This role calls for someone who leads from humility — a relationship-builder, a storyteller, a genuine lover of place — who sees their role as empowering others, not seeking the spotlight.
✅ Land trust or conservation experience strongly preferred ✅ Fundraising chops, including major gifts ✅ Deep community orientation and inclusive leadership values ✅ Salary: $120K–$140K + full benefits + relocation support ✅ Start date: July 2026

What You’ll Do:

The Operations Associate is responsible for providing administrative, financial, and organizational support to ensure smooth daily operations of the Land Trust. Reporting to the Operations Director, this role also collaborates closely with staff and Board members. The Operations Associate plays a key role in maintaining efficient office systems, supporting financial processes, assisting with human resource functions, and enabling effective daily operations. This position is ideal for a highly organized, detail-oriented professional who thrives in a collaborative nonprofit environment. Please see the detailed position description.

What You Need:

Operations Management Skills: 3+ years of experience in operations, nonprofit administration, office management or project coordination.

Bookkeeping Skills: Experience with basic bookkeeping including expertise with QuickBooks Online. Experience with basic financial administration—invoicing, reimbursements, payroll inputs, expense tracking.

Organization Skills: Excellent organizational skills, including attention to detail, time-management skills, and the ability to create efficiencies. Strong ability to set priorities and meet deadlines to complete projects efficiently and effectively while handling multiple priorities.

Technology Skills: Strong grasp of current office computer applications including, Google Suite, Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, Salesforce, and Slack. Willingness to embrace technology.

Communication Skills: Clear written and verbal communications skills. Ability to work collaboratively across departments in a fast-paced environment.

Conservation Commitment: Passion and commitment to the mission, vision, and values of the Deschutes Land Trust.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commitment: Commitment to applying diversity, equity, and inclusion principles and practices within an organization to your work. Commitment to fostering an inclusive Land Trust community, where people of all identities are represented and feel welcome.

Overseeing invasive species monitoring and management through executing and refining the Huyck Preserve’s
invasive species management and monitoring plan
Maintaining the Preserve’s GIS mapping capabilities and creating maps relevant to its mission and program
areas
Coordinating with the Buildings and Grounds Supervisor (BGS) in the maintenance and enhancement of the
Preserve’s trail system for user safety and enjoyment
Leading annual boundary inspection and helping evaluate and resolve potential issues
Performing annual monitoring visit and report for land protected with a conservation easement
Participating in the prioritization of future land protection projects, and, if additional land is acquired by the
Preserve, performing site visits, creating baseline documentation reports, and updating the Preserve’s Land
Management Plan
Training and coordinating seasonal land stewardship staff
Maintaining and growing a volunteer crew for stewardship activities including trail monitoring and invasive
species monitoring and management, and working with the Membership and Outreach Coordinator to plan
educational and work days
Engaging the public in community science through the Preserve’s phenology trail and other potential future
environmental monitoring efforts
Connecting with the public and conservation partners to share information on stewardship and conservation and
developing relevant print and online outreach materials
Identifying and contributing to grant opportunities to increase the Preserve’s conservation and stewardship
capacity and participating in other efforts to create sustainable funds for stewardship

DEADLINES & IMPORTANT DATES
Spring Semester

The submission period for applications is November 1st-December 1st. Interviews will be conducted during the first two weeks of December.

Internship Start: Second week of January

Internship End: End of April

Summer Semester

The submission period for applications is in March and applications are due April 1st. Interviews will be conducted during April.

Internship Start: The second week of May

Internship End: Last week of July

Fall Semester

The submission period for applications is mid June to mid July. Interviews will be conducted during the last two weeks of July.

Internship Start: First week of classes in August/September

Internship End: Exam week in November/December

Please note, ACT follows the UF calendar of courses.
If you have a holiday during UF/Santa Fe/etc. scheduled time off, the same rules apply for ACT.

We’re Looking for You:
If you’re looking for a career where you can find purpose and make a global impact, come join our Global Development team as a Senior Philanthropy Consultant. In this role, you’ll partner with staff and volunteers around the world to strengthen fundraising efforts while building and leading a high‑impact bench of external consultants working on what we think is the largest fundraising campaign ever. Come join TNC and help shape the future of philanthropy—apply today!

What You’ll Bring:
Bachelor’s degree and 8 years related experience, including 3 years as a consultant to a fundraising program. (Please do not apply without experience working as a fundraising consultant.)

End-to-end fundraising campaign experience. (Please do not apply without this as planning through reporting on campaign results is a requirement.)

Experience analyzing program results.

Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with fundraising program constituents.

Program management and experience managing cross-functional projects.

People or vendor or contractor management.

Good written communication skills.

Experience working across complex organizations.

Experience, coursework, or other training in current trends in relevant field.

Cross-cultural experience fundraising from donors outside of the US (nice-to-have).

Ability to make strategic decisions based on analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment.

Ability to train on and direct complex processes and procedures.

Ability to work in partnership with others in a collaborative or advisory role, including senior staff.

About the Position:

We’re looking for a detail-oriented, mission-driven professional to help bring to life the community, fundraising, and member events that support our work in conservation and environmental stewardship. Under the direction of the Senior Manager for Special Events, you’ll play a key part in planning and executing signature events—including Rock The Ridge, Shawangunk Grit, and the Annual Benefit Auction—along with a variety of donor, membership, and planned giving programs.

You’ll jump into fast paced, hands-on work: coordinating logistics, partnering with vendors, supporting volunteers, engaging attendees, and helping tell the story of our conservation mission through seamless, inspiring events. Working closely with staff across the organization, you’ll bring energy, organization, and creativity to every event.

Primary Responsibilities and Expectations:

Build lasting community partnerships by renewing and securing new item donations from local businesses for the Annual Benefit Auction.
Drive excitement and generosity by proactively soliciting standout auction items from area partners.
Keep our auction running smoothly by tracking items, organizing data, and uploading completed descriptions to the online auction platform.
Collaborate creatively with the Communications team to develop eye‑catching event materials and clear, effective directional signage.
Boost event visibility through marketing support that includes drafting and proofreading email campaigns, social posts, press outreach, and post‑event surveys.
Bring events to life on the ground by supporting registration, setup, and breakdown with a can‑do attitude.