Conservation Assistant

Role overview

Eastern Shore Land Conservancy is looking for an enthusiastic, self-driven Conservation Assistant to help expand the organization’s ability to manage a growing set of conservation projects and stewardship responsibilities. This is an early-career opportunity designed to provide training across the full spectrum of land protection work at Maryland’s leading regional land trust.

The Conservation Assistant will be a key part of the Land Conservation team, contributing to easement projects, monitoring visits, enhanced stewardship, restoration work, and GIS-based mapping and analysis.

What the job involves

Working alongside the Land Conservation department, the successful candidate will learn to support conservation goals through a mix of fieldwork, technical tasks, and project coordination. The role offers exposure to the complete conservation process, from initial project review through permanent protection and ongoing stewardship.

This position calls for initiative, accountability, and the ability to manage multiple projects and workflows in a steady, organized, and detail-oriented way.

Work schedule and location

This is a full-time position of 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, based in the downtown Easton office. The role reports to the Director of Land Conservation. Some travel may be required, along with occasional weekend and evening work and longer hours when project demands require it.

Compensation and benefits

Salary starts at $50,000. The benefits package includes paid time off for vacation and sick leave, health insurance, vision coverage, dental coverage, and retirement plans.

Key responsibilities

• Answer conservation inquiries and collect background information from prospective easement landowners.
• Meet with landowners and explain conservation options available for their property.
• Help coordinate project tracking, funding allocation, and due diligence activities related to conservation projects.
• Arrange outside services such as appraisals, surveys, and title searches needed for project completion.
• Prepare exhibits and supporting materials for Baseline Documentation Reports.
• Carry out annual on-site stewardship visits for conserved properties.
• Prepare, complete, and process monitoring reports based on stewardship findings.
• Support preserve management when needed, including trail stewardship and invasive species control.
• Create, maintain, and organize GIS data and map documents.
• Manage database records in Landscape software, including project folders and stewardship documentation.
• Develop communications materials that promote conservation, stewardship, and related funding opportunities.
• Maintain productive relationships with landowners, partners, and collaborators.
• Assist with cross-department projects, organization-wide events, fundraisers, and community outreach activities.

Qualifications and expectations

• A bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, environmental studies, or a closely related discipline is required.
• Strong GIS capability and comfort with technology are essential.
• A valid driver’s license and dependable personal transportation are required.
• The candidate should have a strong interest in ESLC’s mission, vision, and values.
• Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills are necessary.
• Experience working with landowners or the general public is preferred.
• The ideal person will be self-motivated and able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Comfort working outdoors in field conditions is important.
• Strong organization, consistent follow-through, and careful attention to detail are critical.
• Integrity, discretion, and the ability to handle confidential project information are required.
• Familiarity with the Eastern Shore landscape, as well as agricultural and rural communities, is an advantage.

How to apply

Applicants should send a resume and cover letter addressed to Lauren Halterman, Director of Operations and Finance, to hr@eslc.org. Applications will be accepted until Friday, June 19th.

About the organization

Eastern Shore Land Conservancy works to conserve, steward, and advocate for the distinctive rural landscape of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Its vision is an Eastern Shore that remains a special place with abundant natural resources and thriving rural communities. The organization has protected approximately 65,000 acres across its six-county operating area and is based in historic downtown Easton.

Equal opportunity statement

The Eastern Shore is home to a wide range of communities and natural resources. ESLC values diversity in all forms and encourages all qualified candidates to apply.