Title:  Grazing Lands Coordinator

Reports to:  Agriculture Program Manager

Location:  Chaffee, Lake, or Fremont counties, Colorado

Classification:  Fulltime (40hrs/wk), Salary, Exempt

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About us

Central Colorado Conservancy (Conservancy) is an accredited land trust and community-based conservation organization based in Salida, CO. Our mission is to protect the land, waters and quality of life of Central Colorado as our communities face pressure and rapid growth. Since 2001, the Conservancy has protected over 6,000 acres of private lands through conservation easements and acquisitions. The Conservancy also leads landscape-scale collaborative partnerships to improve watershed health and implement stream restoration projects; delivers programming for and works with agricultural producers to keep working lands working; and serves in a leadership capacity in partnership with the Upper Arkansas Conservation District (UACD) and the Lake County Conservation District (LCCD). We envision a future for Central Colorado that is supported by thriving communities that have safeguarded their rural character, lands, waters and wildlife for future generations.

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About the Position

The Grazing Lands Coordinator will lead the Conservancy’s efforts working with partners to regionally pilot a new model of natural resource management, conservation and market-derived financing that values landscape functionality for both agriculture commodity production and a full suite of ecosystem services, including Green House Gas (GHG) benefits. The position will work with livestock producers throughout Central Colorado (Chaffee, Fremont, Gunnison, Lake, Park, and Saguache counties) to provide support for the implementation of climate smart management strategies on grazing lands. The individual will work with the broader Western Grazing Network team in advancing robust monitoring, measurement, reporting, verification (MMRV) and marketing of climate smart livestock and ecosystem stewardship.

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Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in Western Grazing Lands Network (Network) coordinated by the National Grazing Lands Coalition (NatGLC), and

• Cultivate positive working relationships with regional livestock producers to advance the goals and objectives of pilot projects funded through the USDA’s Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities Program grant held by NatGLC.

• Manage projects at the community-level working with producers via conservation planning and implementation of technical assistance

• Develop community relationships, gain a deep understanding of the regional landscape, and facilitate conversations across stakeholders to support climate smart ranching

• Provide knowledge and experience in soil and rangeland health, grazing and livestock management within the context of high elevation CO production systems

• Coordinate with Network partners on Measurement/Quantification, Marketing/Promotion, and Data Systems to ensure all partnering operations are receiving support and are compliant with pilot program criteria

• Coordinate with local resource and land management agency staff to support producer implementation of practices

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Other Duties

• Facilitate community knowledge exchange through field days, workshops or other relevant events

• Participate in Western Grazing Network learning opportunities designed to support work at the community-level

• Support Conservancy programming, fundraising, and community engagement in service of our overall mission.

• Represent the Conservancy at public events, including presentations at conferences and community workshops.

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Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Background in natural resource management, sustainable agricultural practices, or related field with experience in developing conservation programs, managing projects, implementing community engagement programs and fundraising.

• A combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree and one (1) years of experience in a related field.

• Working knowledge of rangeland ecosystem processes, soil health initiatives, and grazing management principles and practices, preferred.

• Understanding of conservation and market-derived financing for both agriculture commodity production, desired

• Strong understanding of federal and state programs that promote conservation on private land (including Farm Bill programs), preferred.

• Experience or knowledge of securing and managing grants and budgets, desired.

• Adaptable and able to move work forward within complex political and multi-jurisdictional landscapes

• Experience or strong interest in working with people in rural and agricultural communities. Exposure to private lands conservation issues in the West.

• Respectful, articulate and effective listener and communicator, with both written and oral communication skills. Works well in a team environment as well as independently.

• Organized and detail-oriented with the ability to simultaneously advance and manage multiple priorities, complex projects and deadlines in a dynamic work environment.

• Ability to distill complex subject matter to any audience for comprehension

• Willingness and ability to maintain confidential information and work with diverse populations

• Flexibility to work occasional evenings, weekends, and overnights.

• Willingness to travel within the upper Arkansas Headwaters region, Central Colorado and beyond in reliable, personal vehicle. Valid Colorado State driver’s license required.

• Computer proficiency using Windows-based software, Google Suite and virtual meeting platforms. Familiarity with databases and GIS tools desirable.

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Physical Demands / Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to work in a standard office setting, with considerable sitting, standing and viewing of computer and reaching continually throughout the workday (mouse, keyboard, telephone).

• Will need a valid Colorado driver’s license and be able to drive a vehicle on and off paved roads.

• Conduct field visits that may including standing and walking through uneven or rough terrain, often in a ranch setting.

• May include lifting up to thirty (30) pounds of project gear on an infrequent basis.

• Must be able to go up and down stairs carrying materials or project gear to and from meetings, events, site visits, etc.

• Some evening and weekend work expected.

 

If you meet most of the above qualifications and are eager and willing to learn the additional skills required to execute the essential job duties and responsibilities of this position, please consider applying. Professional development and learning opportunities are an integral part of this role and working at the Conservancy.

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Compensation

Salary range is $50,000 - $60,000 per year for this full-time, exempt position (40 hours/week). Benefits include health insurance, paid vacation and holidays, cell phone stipend, and flexible work arrangements.

 

To Apply

Submit cover letter and resume to careers@centralcoloradoconservancy.org. Please include “Grazing Lands Coordinator” in the subject line. Applications will be accepted through June 21, 2024. Early applications are encouraged as we will begin reviewing applications prior to the deadline. Desired start date is July 15, 2024.

 

Central Colorado Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage people of every color, orientation, age, gender, origin, and ability to apply. Our work culture embraces—and is strengthened by—the unique perspectives, contributions and experiences of all our staff.

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Job Posted May 15, 2024

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