Conservation Coordinator

~ Connecticut Farmland Trust is a nationally accredited farmland conservation organization. ~

CFT is the only land trust in Connecticut dedicated to the protection of family farms. Since its founding in 2002, the land trust has protected more than 3,000 acres of farmland, and has helped its partners protect 1,000 additional acres.

Position Overview

Connecticut Farmland Trust (CFT) is seeking a detail oriented, team player to coordinate all aspects of the organization’s conservation program. S/he will work with the Executive Director, as well as the Development Coordinator. The full-time position is and located in Hartford, Connecticut. 

Conservation Coordinator oversees the stewardship program; prepares and manages documents for easement projects; assists the Executive Director in developing new easement projects; and provides support for fundraising, publicity, and administration functions to help achieve the mission, strategies, goals, and objectives of Connecticut Farmland Trust (CFT).

Responsibilities

Stewardship:

• Monitor annually CFT protected farms to ensure compliance with terms and conditions of easements.
• Document alleged violations and follow up with landowners to resolve issues.
• Research and respond to landowner requests for structures requiring CFT approval.
• Submit monitor reports to partner agencies for easements held jointly with those agencies.
• Develop stewardship forms and maintain print and electronic files according to Land Trust Alliance accreditation standards.

Acquisition:

• Assist in developing and implementing a strategic vision for CFT’s farmland conservation work.
• Work with Executive Director to identify priority proprieties, evaluate possible projects, and identify funding for projects.
• Secure documentation (e.g., deed, survey, maps, title review and insurance, closing documents) for easement acquisitions.
• Work with Executive Director to draft easements.
• Create baseline documentation reports and ALE plans.
• Maintain filing system of easement documents (print and electronic) on and off site.

Development:

• Write grants (federal, state, local, and nonprofit) for easement projects and associated activities.

Administration:

• Provide documentation (e.g., project summaries, maps) to Acquisition Committee and Board of Directors.
• Track committee and board approvals for easement projects.

Public Relations:

• Write press releases, newsletter articles, and blog postings.
• Create brochures, fliers, and other pieces for public distribution.
• Photograph and/or video tape farmers and working land to promote land conservation and CFT.
• Staff CFT table at conferences and events.
• Assist in maintaining and enhancing CFT’s website, Facebook page, and other media efforts.
• Represent CFT at meetings and events of conservation/agricultural related organizations and government agencies.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in planning, environmental studies, or a related conservation field with at least 2 years of experience working in a land trust or related conservation organization.
• General Skills: Strong written and verbal abilities; ability to work independently with little supervision; fastidious attention to detail; ability to create and present talks on easements and related conservation topics at conferences and meetings
• Technical Skills: GPS, ArcGIS, Google Earth, Web Soil Survey, Office suite, and land surveys.

Compensation: The salary is $40,000 to $45,000. CFT offers a collegial work environment and a comprehensive health plan, paid vacation/sick/holidays, and a retirement plan for its full-time employees.

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to upload your cover letter and resume. Applications will be accepted until July 1, 2017, or until the position is filled. Please mention how you learned of this opening.

~ CFT provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination against all employees and applicants for employment based upon race, color, sex, gender, religion, creed, national origin and ethnic origin, age, citizenship, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. ~