Application deadline April 11, 2025.

Join Our Team!

Take part in meaningful, hands-on work in conservation, land stewardship, real estate, and non-profit operations with one of the Southwest’s leading land trusts. The New Mexico Land Conservancy (NMLC) is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented individual to assist with the stewardship and annual monitoring of 130 conservation easements, which protect over 750,000 acres of land across New Mexico and southeastern Arizona.

The New Mexico Land Conservancy (NMLC), based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a non-profit land trust dedicated to preserving the state’s land heritage by helping people conserve the places they cherish. Since its founding in 2002, NMLC has been a leader in land conservation across the Southwest, safeguarding over 750,000 acres of high conservation-value lands. With a long-term goal of protecting one million acres, the organization focuses on preserving significant wildlife habitats, productive agricultural lands, water and natural resources, cultural and historic sites, scenic open spaces, and recreational lands.

Position Details

This position reports directly to the Stewardship Manager and provides a unique opportunity to collaborate with the entire NMLC team. Based in Santa Fe, at a historic adobe ranch house nestled on 262 acres of conserved land, the role involves extensive travel across New Mexico. Some flexibility for hybrid work is available.

As a Seasonal Stewardship Associate, you will conduct both on-site and remote monitoring of conservation easement properties while maintaining meticulous records to ensure all files are accurately updated, digitized, and organized. Strong communication skills are essential, especially for effectively engaging with landowners from diverse backgrounds.

Duration: May–August (start and end dates flexible), with potential extension into fall.

Hours: 40 hours/week (some flexibility may be acceptable).

Compensation: $18/hour

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about land conservation and eager to gain practical experience in the field.Primary Functions and Responsibilities:

Land Conservation and Stewardship (80%)

• Conduct conservation easement monitoring through on-site visits, landowner engagement, and remote monitoring using GIS-based software tools.

• Build and maintain positive relationships with landowners, helping them understand conservation easement terms and connecting them with resources to manage their property’s conservation values.

• Prepare detailed monitoring reports based on findings from site visits and remote monitoring, ensuring accurate updates to databases and file systems.

• Organize and maintain monitoring files, including conservation easement documents, maps, ownership data, and other property-related information.

• Utilize technologies such as ArcGIS, GPS, Landscape, Lens, smartphone applications, and digital photography to support fieldwork and documentation.

• Identify potential conservation easement violations, working collaboratively with the Stewardship Manager and Conservation Director to resolve these issues.

• Assist in the preparation of baseline documentation reports, including fieldwork, conservation data compilation, and the use of mapping and photography tools.

• Maintain both electronic and physical records for conservation easement projects, documenting correspondence, property updates, and monitoring findings.

• Assist with updating stewardship monitoring, record-keeping, and safety protocols.

• Support the maintenance and readiness of NMLC vehicles and field equipment.

Outreach/Communications (20%)

• Assist with publications for easement landowners, such as our NMLC Magazines, Newsletters, and/or email blasts.

• Participate in NMLC workshops, as well as promotional and networking events, as needed.

Position Requirements

Educational Background:

• Bachelor’s degree (or currently pursuing) in a related field, such as natural resource management, environmental studies, geography, or biology, with a strong interest in land trust or conservation work.

Fieldwork and Physical Ability:

• Comfortable hiking and working outdoors in various weather conditions.

• Able to navigate rugged terrain like steep slopes, rocky paths, forests, and cross streams when needed.

• Experience driving off-road with a four-wheel-drive vehicle; knowing how to change a tire is a bonus.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Gmail, Word, Excel, Acrobat).

• Experience with GPS tools is required; ArcGIS experience is highly preferred.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills:

• Excellent written, verbal, and listening skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with landowners, handle challenging conversations with professionalism, and build positive, lasting relationships.

• Ability to engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds in a manner that reflects organizational values.

• Team-oriented, approachable, and respectful, fostering a collaborative and rewarding work environment.

Self-Motivation and Work Style:

• Comfortable working independently on multiple projects with strong organizational and time management skills.

• Commitment to accuracy, integrity, and punctuality, aligned with NMLC’s conservation mission.

Travel Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license with a clean record and reliable transportation.

• Willingness to travel across the state, including overnight stays and occasional weekend work; an NMLC vehicle will be provided for work-related travel.

• Familiarity with New Mexican and Southwestern landscapes and communities is preferred, with an emphasis on working with rural agricultural landowners.

First Aid Certification:

• Preferred or willingness to obtain.

Benefits of the Position

• Gain valuable skills and experience in land conservation, real estate, stewardship, and non-profit operations.

• Professional development opportunities, including attending trainings and public events based on interests and availability.

• Potential involvement in active conservation easement projects.

• Sick leave and paid holidays (aligned with NMLC’s federal holiday schedule).

• Join a leading conservation organization making a lasting impact in the Southwest.