Job Posting

Conservation Grazing Associate

(Temporary Full-time, Non-exempt Position)

August 2026

The Santa Lucia Conservancy (Conservancy) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit land trust incorporated in 1995 to steward and protect the ecological integrity of the Santa Lucia Preserve (The Preserve) within the Santa Lucia Mountain Range in Carmel, California. We are dedicated to advancing the art and science of conservation-compatible development through adaptive land management, conservation easement stewardship, ecological research, and environmental education programs.

The Conservancy actively manages over 18,000 acres of contiguous lands within the 20,000-acre Santa Lucia Preserve to protect and enhance their extraordinary ecological values.

The Conservancy is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment. Application by members of all underrepresented groups is encouraged. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the U.S.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Conservation Grazing Manager, the Conservation Grazing Associate position is a highly physical, field-based position responsible for performing duties related to supporting the program’s day-to-day operations. The Conservation Grazing Program Associate is considered an essential staff member and is expected to be available in case of emergencies or unexpected conditions.

Hours/Dates: Minimum 40 hours/week including one weekend day to be determined.

Livestock work requires regular checks of animals and infrastructure.  However, it also produces opportunities for overtime and/or emergencies which require attention during non-scheduled hours. 

Duties are shown below and include but are not limited to:

60% Cattle management and data collection (Field work): The grazing program cattle moves rely on portable electric fence and water sources across the Santa Lucia Preserve. Due to the absence of permanent interior and perimeter fencing, attention to detail and high-quality construction are essential. Under the lead of the Conservation Grazing Program Manager, the Conservation Grazing Program Associate will build and remove electric fence and water sources across the Santa Lucia Preserve.   Duties include but are not limited to:

• Build or remove portable electric fences
• Install or remove portable water infrastructure
• Check, maintain and repair fencing while livestock are present
• Maintain and refill water tanks while livestock are present
• Monitor and maintain an acceptable Conservancy herd body condition
• Assist with routine veterinary care procedures
• Assist and report all veterinary emergencies
• Monitor grassland condition to properly achieve the grazing objectives through different seasons and grassland types
• Assist with vegetation data collection. This includes but is not limited to floristic data, residual dry matter, and soil sampling
• Map and prepare Grazing Pasture Maps (GIS)

25% Record keeping and data management: The in-house production and integration of scientific knowledge is fundamental for the development and adaptation of the Conservation Grazing Program.

• Assist the Conservation Grazing Program Manager on the recording of cattle health, grazing moves and other information
• Assist and/or lead the preparation of internal grazing program reports
• Assist and/or lead the preparation of outreach intended reports and other communications
• Assist with the preparation of peer-review publications

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

5% Land restoration

• Provide support to the Ecological Restoration Department on ecological restoration activities.

5% Equipment and building maintenance

• Handle general maintenance and upkeep for vehicles and equipment, including the transportation of equipment to and from mechanic shop.
• Organize, inventory and maintain proper storage of the Grazing Program equipment
• Assist with routine maintenance of Conservancy buildings and other infrastructure

5% Administrative

• Prepare timely and accurate timesheets for payroll processing
• Attend staff meetings as needed and other team building or other activities

Essential Qualifications

• Preferred B.S./B.A. in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology, or a related field with a focus on conservation and ecological restoration issues
• Experience in farming, conservation grazing, restoration or a related field
• Knowledge of central California biodiversity, threats, and best management practices
• Preferred experience implementing land management and ecological restoration plans
• Strong social and interpersonal skills including the ability to resolve and mediate conflict and maintain good working relationships with coworkers, volunteers, and members of the community

• Follow directions accurately, timely and completely with minimal supervision.
• Safe and responsible conduct in field and office environments, including use of vehicle and power equipment such as: chainsaws, sprayer, tractor, hooking up and towing a trailer, loading heavy equipment etc.
• Competency in field-based data collection/mapping with aptitude for learning new systems, software and technologies.
• Must hold, or be able to acquire within 30 days, a valid California driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Must be able to safely lift and carry at least 50lbs.

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, dig with various tools, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to sit.
• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 50 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Must be able to perform physical labor for extended periods of time.

Compensation

This is a temporary non-exempt (hourly) position with compensation of $24/hour with an anticipated start date of October 1, 2026. The position will be a minimum of 10 months but may be extended based on need. The Conservancy offers a competitive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, an FSA, life insurance, a 401(k) with up to a 6% employer match, 12 paid holidays, vacation, and paid sick leave.  Temporary housing may be available on site. 

How to apply

Please submit your application in one PDF format with “Temporary Conservation Grazing Associate” in the subject line by Monday, September 14, 2026, to Angela Padilla at apadilla@slconservancy.org.    

Applications should include:

• Cover letter describing your skills and personal connection to land conservation
• Resume outlining education and experience
• Up to three personal and/or professional references with contact information

No phone calls, no walk-ins, no recruiters.