Conservation Grazing Associate

Job Description

Conservation Grazing Associate

(Full-time, Non-exempt Position)

November 2025

The Santa Lucia Conservancy (Conservancy) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit land trust incorporated in 1995 to protect and steward in perpetuity the unique values of the Santa Lucia Preserve (The Preserve) and serve as a model of ecologically sustainable development to communities outside of the Preserve. Located within the Santa Lucia Mountain Range in Carmel, California, the Conservancy is dedicated to advancing the art and science of conservation-compatible development through adaptive land management, conservation easement stewardship, ecological research, and environmental education.

The Conservancy actively manages 18,000 acres of contiguous lands within the 20,000-acre Santa Lucia Preserve to protect and enhance their extraordinary ecological values. Approximately 10,000 acres, 50%, are owned by the Conservancy and approximately 8,000 acres, 40%, are owned by individual landowners and managed through conservation easements held by the Conservancy.

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, data collection to adapt the grazing management program to the Santa Lucia Conservancy’s conservation objectives. The Conservation Grazing Program Associate is considered an essential staff member and is expected to be available in case of emergencies or unexpected conditions.

60% Cattle management and data collection (Field work):The grazing program relies on portable electric fence and portable water to move cattle across the Santa Lucia Preserve. Due to the absence of permanent 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 and remove portable electric fences
• Install and 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 Conservancy herd body condition
• Assist with vaccination and other 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 and other communications
• Assist with the preparation of publications

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
• A minimum of 1-5 years of experience in farming, conservation grazing, or a related field
• Knowledge of central California biodiversity, threats, and management practices a plus!
• 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
• Able to 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.

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 non-exempt (hourly) position with compensation of $24/hour.

How to apply

Please submit your application with “Conservation Grazing Associate” in the subject line to Angela Padilla at apadilla@slconservancy.org 

Applications should include the following PDF attachments:

· Cover letter

· Resume outlining education and experience

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

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person