Northern Rivers Land Trust Is Hiring

Conservation Manager

Location: Northern Vermont (Hybrid/with in-person Board meetings in Hardwick, and site visits in the NRLT service area.)
Office: work from home, NRLT can provide computer & office supplies as needed
Status: Part-Time, 16 to 20 hrs per week, with opportunities for future growth

About NRLT

The Northern Rivers Land Trust (NRLT) is a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to protecting the natural, agricultural, scenic, and working landscapes of the headwaters of Vermont's Winooski, Lamoille, and Black River watersheds.

Position Summary

The Conservation Manager will be the first paid staff member of NRLT and will serve as the primary manager for administration, grants, fundraising, and records management, with increasing leadership roles across land conservation, stewardship, and project management as knowledge and skills allow.

Records Management & Technology Administration

  • Support organization’s transition to online records management.

  • Maintain Google Drive systems, conservation records databases, and organizational files.

  • Learn and utilize Landscape Conservation software for conservation project management and stewardship record keeping.

  • Oversee maintenance of paper records and archives.

Communications & Membership Support

  • Field public inquiries and share appropriately with Trustee contacts.

  • Support and coordinate newsletters, annual fundraising appeals, membership communications, and events.

Financial & Grant Management

  • Prepare grant proposals and final grant reports; and maintain grant research and files.

  • Support budgeting, expense tracking, and financial administration.

  • Coordinate invoices, payments, reimbursements, and record keeping with bookkeeper and finance committee.

Conservation Easement Research and Coordination

  • Develop a thorough understanding of NRLT conservation easement templates, baseline documentation report (BDR) formats, and stewardship practices.

  • Understand specific provisions associated with each NRLT conservation easement.

  • Research and coordinate responses to property owner inquiries regarding easement interpretation and stewardship.

  • Assist the Lands Committee Chair with drafting and reviewing conservation easements and BDRs.

  • Provide photographic documentation and field information for BDRs and stewardship records, as needed.

Board Governance & Organizational Leadership

  • Assist preparation of agendas, coordinate with committees for supporting documents and background materials.

  • Maintain familiarity with NRLT Bylaws, Operational Policies, Strategic Plan, Annual Work Plan, and organizational priorities.

  • Support orientation and training of new trustees.

Conservation Partnerships & Community Relations

  • Build and maintain working relationships with VHCB, Vermont Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy, Trust for Public Land, Stowe Land Trust, Greensboro Land Trust, municipal officials, and Current Use staff.

  • Occasionally represent NRLT at public meetings and conservation events.

  • Monitor conservation policy and funding opportunities.

Qualifications

  • Knowledge of conservation easements, stewardship, natural resources, or related fields.

  • Strong communication, organizational, and project management skills.

  • Experience working with nonprofits, boards, volunteers, or community organizations preferred.

  • Grant writing and fundraising experience preferred.

  • Proficiency with Google Workspace and standard office software.

  • Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout the service area.

Desired Traits

  • Self-motivated and resourceful.

  • Strong attention to detail.

  • Commitment to conservation and community collaboration.

  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a small nonprofit environment.

  • Comfortable working with volunteers, landowners, public officials, and partner organizations.

Compensation

  • $30/hr DOE.