Conservation and Stewardship Manager

Conservation and Stewardship Manager

Position Posted: March 9, 2026 Application Deadline: April 1, 2026. Applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis until filled. Position Type: Full-time, exempt

THE ORGANIZATION:

Aspen Valley Land Trust (AVLT) is the only locally based, nonpartisan land conservation organization dedicated to protecting private lands in the Roaring Fork and middle Colorado River valleys. Since 1967, AVLT has conserved more than 70 square miles of land, including working ranches, wildlife habitat, river corridors, and public access properties that support both ecological integrity and community vitality.

• Guided by its 2026–2028 Strategic Plan, AVLT is focused on four core pillars: Protect, Steward, Connect, and Commit. In the coming years, the organization is deepening its stewardship of conserved lands, expanding restoration and community connection efforts, and strengthening internal systems to sustain conservation in perpetuity.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

The Conservation and Stewardship Manager role strengthens AVLT’s capacity to steward a large and growing portfolio of conservation easements and fee-owned properties, while also supporting conservation transactions and community-based projects as needed. This is a manager-level role. While it does not require direct supervision of staff, it requires ownership, initiative, and the ability to manage discrete workstreams with professionalism and consistency. The role is designed to be flexible and responsive, providing support where capacity is most needed across the current five-person Lands Team including stewardship, monitoring, restoration, and conservation projects.

The ideal candidate is grounded in natural resources or land-based work, comfortable in both field and office settings, and able to navigate landowner relationships with tact and sound judgment.

Conservation Easement Stewardship

• Support AVLT’s annual conservation easement monitoring program, including site visits, documentation, and follow-up in collaboration with the Stewardship Director.
• Prepare monitoring reports and landowner communications in a clear and timely manner.

Respond to landowner requests, agency referrals, and stewardship inquiries under the guidance of the Executive Director, Stewardship Director, and legal counsel.

• Assist with conservation easement amendments, documentation, and internal tracking.
• Support stewardship issue management by helping research, document, and communicate regarding potential compliance concerns.

Share responsibility for stewardship workload across the team, including both proactive engagement and more complex issue navigation.

Landowner Relationships

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with conservation landowners and partners.
• Provide thoughtful, respectful communication regarding stewardship expectations and conservation goals.
• Assist with onboarding new conservation landowners and supporting ongoing engagement.

Conservation Projects and Due Diligence

• Support conservation acquisitions and projects in collaboration with the Conservation Director.
• Assist with due diligence coordination, documentation review, and project tracking.
• Contribute to grant writing and reporting related to land conservation and stewardship projects.
• Help research and assess land use, planning, and permitting considerations relevant to conservation transactions to develop and maintain stewardship databases and tracking systems to improve efficiency and onboarding readiness for future staff growth.

Ecology, Monitoring, and Restoration

• Provide field support for vegetation and habitat monitoring efforts.
• Assist with restoration planning and implementation on conserved properties in collaboration with the Natural Resources Director.
• Conduct independent site checks when needed and provide concise written updates.
• Support drafting and review of management plans and stewardship documentation.

Organizational Support

• Maintain accurate stewardship records in accordance with Land Trust Alliance standards and AVLT policies.
• Support cross-team initiatives including events, volunteer coordination, and community engagement efforts when appropriate.

Required Qualifications:

Experience in land conservation, natural resources, agriculture, land use planning, real estate transactions, or a related field.:

Ability to work independently in the field and conduct detailed site observations. Strong written communication skills and attention to detail. Comfort working with landowners and partners across diverse perspectives. Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks. Proficiency with standard office software and willingness to learn database and mapping systems.

Valid driver’s license and ability to travel regularly within AVLT’s service area.

Preferred Qualifications:

Background in natural resources with familiarity with Colorado Western Slope ecosystems.

Experience with conservation easement stewardship.:

Experience with local land use planning, permitting, or development review.:

GIS experience. Bilingual English/Spanish. Familiarity with agricultural and rural communities.

Personal Attributes:

Practical, grounded, and collaborative. High integrity and discretion. Comfortable navigating sensitive or complex situations. Adaptable and responsive to shifting priorities. Committed to conservation that supports both ecological values and community relationships.

Other Information:

This position is based in AVLT’s Carbondale office with substantial time spent in the field. Occasional evening and weekend commitments may be required. Flexible work arrangements may be available depending on operational needs.

• Reporting: This position will either report to AVLT’s Stewardship Director or Conservation Director.

Salary and Benefits: Full time, exempt position. Salary range $60,500-$75,000 depending on experience. Flexible work schedule; 15 paid vacation days, 96 paid sick hours annually, and 11 holidays; simple IRA retirement plan with 3% employer match; employee health insurance and HSA contributions (with options for dental and vision insurance); professional development opportunities and trainings.

Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Please apply through this link by April 1. Start date negotiable, desired by June 1, 2026

AVLT’s commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion:

Aspen Valley Land Trust is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and veteran or disability status. AVLT believes that conservation is community building, and should seek to support more inclusive, healthy communities. We believe in collaborating with, learning from, and serving the diverse communities across our region, because everyone has the right to enjoy open spaces, special places, and a healthy environment. We also believe conservation should reflect the values and changing needs of our communities.

Aspen Valley Land Trust 320 Main St, Ste 204 Carbondale, CO 81623

970-963-8440:

www.avlt.org

Location Carbondale, Colorado (Hybrid) Department Lands Employment Type Full-Time Minimum Experience Mid-level

Compensation:

$60,500-$75,000/annual