Job Description

What You Will Do
The Senior Conservation Manager leads all aspects of CFT’s Farmland Conservation and Stewardship Programs, while working cooperatively with CFT staff and Board to influence CFT’s strategic direction. The Senior Conservation Manager supervises a junior-level Conservation Associate and reports to the Executive Director. This position has the opportunity for advancement.

CFT’s conservation work is deeply entwined with the work of our partners. In this role you will work closely with the USDA and the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, as well as peer land trusts, municipalities, and other partners, to accomplish CFT’s conservation goals. You will need to build trusting relationships with farmers and farm owners throughout the conservation process, including monitoring and stewarding CFT’s preserved farms. You will be part of a small team of conservation leaders shaping State of Connecticut policy and piloting innovative conservation tools.

Minimum Qualifications
• A passion for working with farmers and preserving farmland in Connecticut.
• At least 4 years of work experience in a professional setting in the fields of land
conservation, food systems, land use planning, or related fields. A college degree or
master’s degree in a related field may substitute for 1 year of work experience.
• Expertise in topics such as land conservation, land use, farmland access, real estate law, regional land use planning, conservation planning, farming, food systems, and/or related issues.
• Experience using GIS mapping software as well as database software.
• Fastidious attention to detail and strong organizational and communication skills.
• Technology savvy and proficiency with Zoom, GIS, Microsoft Office products, and Office 365 programs.
• Demonstrated commitment to anti-racism, food justice, and the values of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Knowledge of issues facing New England farmers and New England geography.
• Reliable internet connection for remote work.
• Ability to provide own car, insurance, and valid driver’s license for travel in
Connecticut. Mileage for work travel is reimbursed.
• Ability to carry and lift up to 25 lbs. over short distances, tolerate inclement weather for field visits, and traverse uneven and sometimes hilly ground. Must be comfortable spending several hours outdoors on farm visits and navigating in remote areas.

Salary and Benefits
The salary range is $65,000 – $75,000.
The position is based in Hartford, CT, with opportunities for hybrid/remote work. Frequent travel around Connecticut is required.

CFT offers a genial, dog-friendly work environment. Generous benefits package includes:
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Paid short-term and long-term disability insurance
• 5% employer retirement match, after 6 months
• Paid sick leave – 8 days first year, 10 days thereafter
• Paid personal leave – 3 days
• Paid vacation leave – 10 days first year, 15 days 2-4 years, 20 days 5 years
• Paid holiday leave – 11 Federal holidays, week between Christmas and New Year, and 2 floating holidays

For the full job description, click here

How to Apply

Please combine cover letter and resume in one PDF document. Please include your name in the title of the document and send it to [email protected]. No phone inquiries, please.

Applications received by April 15, 2024, will be reviewed first. Applications will be accepted and reviewed until the position is filled.

Job Categories: Conservation. Job Types: Full-Time. Job Tags: agriculture, DEIJ, Land Conservation, and project management. Salaries: 60,000 - 80,000.

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