Conservation and Stewardship Associate

~ Berkshire Natural Resources Council is a non-profit land conservation organization working throughout the Berkshires in Massachusetts to preserve threatened lands. ~

The Council places special emphasis on protecting Berkshire's farms, forests, streams, and ridgelines - the great landscape features that give us clean water, fresh air, local produce, healthy wildlife, and outstanding recreational opportunities.

Since its founding in 1967, BNRC has worked closely with hundreds of Berkshire landowners to help them meet their preservation and planning goals. BNRC today owns and manages 8,600 acres and protects an additional 10,011 acres through conservation restrictions.

Position Overview

Berkshire Natural Resources Council, a private, non-profit land trust based in Pittsfield, MA, seeks applicants for the position of Conservation and Stewardship Associate.

BNRC is a small organization (staff of six) unburdened by administrative formality. Employees have an unusual level of independence; a large amount of self-motivation is required.

The ideal candidate will be a self-starting, charismatic individual eager to launch a career in land conservation and stewardship. The Associate will learn land conservation and stewardship in a ground-up, hands-on way.

The individual will help BNRC expand and strengthen its programming as it pursues an ambitious vision for the Berkshires. While doing so, the individual will acquire an excellent grounding in the building blocks of the business, preparing him or her to rise in the field without being pigeonholed into a particular skill set.

Responsibilities

The Associate provides program support for the Land Conservation and Stewardship departments:

• Manage projects with landowners, prospective land donors, and partners
• Prepare maps for possible conservation projects
• Create draft conservation restrictions
• Prepare final maps for conservation restrictions and acquisitions
• Monitor conservation restrictions
• Prepare Baseline Documentation Reports

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications include:

• Empathetic and observant listener
• Excellent verbal and written communication ability
• Entry-level GIS proficiency
• Microsoft Office proficiency
• Conversant with natural resources issues
• Sufficient physical fitness to walk land, on and off trail

Education:

• Bachelor's degree required 
• Study in field of environmental sciences a plus
• Experience in the field a plus, but not a prerequisite

Compensation: This full-time, primarily office-based (80/20) position offers competitive salary and benefits. 

To Apply

• Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to submit your cover letter, résumé, and writing sample.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered!!
• Interviews will be scheduled after February 17, 2015; the position is opened until filled.
• Direct any questions to Doug Bruce.