Stewardship Associate

MALT – Associate, Stewardship

MALT is a nonprofit land trust created in 1980 by a coalition of ranchers and environmentalists to permanently protect Marin County farmland. Some of the Bay Area’s most highly acclaimed dairy and cheese products, grass-fed meats, and organic crops are produced on farmland protected by MALT’s 93 agricultural conservation easements. 

As an innovative agricultural land trust, MALT operates at the intersection of agriculture and conservation. Our mission is to permanently protect Marin County’s agricultural land for agricultural use. Our commitment is to the long-term health of the land itself, as well as to the farmers and ranchers who work on the land.

MALT has permanently protected over 58,917 acres of West Marin’s diverse mosaic of coastal grasslands, oak woodlands, rangelands, and pastoral open space. MALT is committed to supporting sustainable management, climate-beneficial and regenerative agriculture in Marin County, including farming and grazing practices that rebuild soil organic matter and improve soil biodiversity to draw down carbon and improve the water cycle.

We welcome people of all backgrounds, identities, and beliefs to join us in achieving our mission to permanently protect Marin’s agricultural land for agricultural use. MALT is committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace in which everyone is welcomed, valued, and supported. We are a team that works together to achieve our goals. We recognize that diverse teams make the strongest teams and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.

We invite you to join the MALT team—a dynamic and passionate staff who care deeply about our mission and one another.

THE POSITION

The Associate, Stewardship is a full-time non-exempt position that reports to the Manager, Stewardship Program. The Stewardship Associate participates in MALT’s easement monitoring program, and contributes to MALT’s land protection and stewardship work, as well as other strategic initiatives. The position supports MALT’s land protection efforts by conducting site evaluations, providing mapping and grant applications support, drafting baseline documentation reports, and coordinating field visits. The Associate, Stewardship is actively engaged in cross departmental initiatives. 

ABOUT YOU

• Bachelor’s degree in agricultural or natural resources management, range management, environment science, ecology, or related field preferred and a minimum of one (1) year of land stewardship experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
• Understanding of agriculture and rangeland management; knowledge of Marin County agriculture preferred.
• Have interest in conservation easements and land trusts.
• Possess basic knowledge of California flora and fauna, grassland ecosystems, and invasive species management.
• Ability to work collaboratively and help strengthen MALT’s relationships with Marin’s agricultural community and programmatic and policy partners.
• Proficient with applications such as Google Workspace, Microsoft Word, Excel, and other project management tools.
• Experience in Landscape Conservation Software, and/or GIS/ESRI, helpful.
• Experience managing  projects, analytical skills, and the ability to work independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be able to hike up to 5 miles per day over steep and rugged terrain, and be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds (additional physical requirements attached).
• Must have experience driving an off-road vehicle on steep and rugged terrain.
• Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license required with acceptable DMV record and automobile liability insurance.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Easement Stewardship, Monitoring, and Compliance (70%)

• Conduct annual monitoring visits of MALT conservation easement properties according to MALT policy and Land Trust Alliance (LTA) standards and practices.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships and communications with landowners, agricultural producers, and organizational partners.
• Document easement compliance matters and issues of concern identified in the field.
• Prepare easement-monitoring reports, including mapping, photo documentation, funding agency reporting, letters to landowners, and online database document retention.
• Assist with permitted uses and reserved rights requests for existing conservation easements.

Conservation Program Support (15%)

• Conduct field visits and prepare site evaluations of potential easement acquisition projects.
• Prepare baseline documentation reports for new easement acquisition projects.
• Work with land protection staff to support the preparation of grant applications.
• Support MALT’s stewardship grant program, as needed.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration, Community Engagement, and Partnerships (15%)

• Assist in reviewing and updating stewardship policies and procedures.
• Work with Communications, Development, and Events teams to produce communications and events about MALT’s conservation easement and stewardship work.
• Assist with MALT’s strategic initiatives.
• Respond to and document inquiries from the public, partners, and landowners regarding MALT’s stewardship and conservation work.
• Represent MALT with partners and local stakeholder groups, as well as at conferences and events, as requested.

Compensation and Benefits 

This is a full-time, non-exempt position that has responsibilities in various aspects of MALT’s Conservation Easement Stewardship Program. The Stewardship Associate is supervised by the Stewardship Program Manager and works closely with the Stewardship Stewardship, Conservation, and Land Protection Teams. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required. This position allows for a flexible schedule that accommodates in-person and work-from-home schedules, requiring regular weekly presence in MALT’s office in Point Reyes Station, the West Marin community, on our MALT’ed ranches, and in the field. 

Annual Salary (Paid Hourly Based on 37.5 hour Workweek): $55,000 -$61,500

Benefits:

• Health Insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• FSA Child Care
• FSA Medical
• Paid Time Off
• Volunteer Time Off
• Extensive Holidays List
• 403(b); 403 (b) Employer Match
• Employee Assistance Program