Project Associate - Wyss Foundation Fellow
The Wyss Foundation Fellow provides strategic support and coordination to protect critical at-risk lands, support partner relationships, and advance Trust for Public Land’s “Land for People” mission in California.
Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Special Knowledge and Skills:
The Wyss Foundation Fellow must have a passion for conservation and protecting the lands and waters of California. This position is designed to foster the development of a future conservationist and is thus open to those changing or in the early phase of their careers. The position is partially funded by the Wyss Foundation and the successful applicant will be able to take part in additional learning opportunities as part of the larger Wyss Fellow network. This is a two-year term and we anticipate hiring the position before December 31, 2023.
In this role you will be a full time, non-exempt employee of Trust for Public Land. As a full-time employee, you will be eligible for Trust for Public Land’s comprehensive benefits program, which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, three weeks of vacation in your first year, plus holidays, a paid one-week winter break, and a 403(b) retirement plan, currently with up to a 7% company match. We offer competitive salaries commensurate with experience; the range for this position is $50,000-60,000 annually.
Responsibilities:
- Assists land protection staff in all phases of land acquisition projects and programmatic initiatives, including conservation project research; outreach to landowners, towns, governmental agencies, non-profit partners, and community groups; and coordination with title companies, appraisers, surveyors, and other due diligence consultants.
- Supports legal staff on land protection projects in California including tracking critical project dates, due diligence review, real estate closing preparation, and other responsibilities as needed.
- Assists in research, development, and writing of public and private grant applications for land protection projects and programs.
- Supports community engagement and planning processes related to TPL’s land protection projects.
- Responds to inquiries by and conducts strategic outreach to individuals, community groups, and government agencies regarding land protection projects.
- Prepares graphic and written materials for presentations and other project related needs.
- Manages special events held by TPL including fundraising and community gatherings.
- Responsible for various administrative tasks including invoice submission, project tracking, meeting scheduling (digital and in-person), and grant reporting.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree preferred, further education a plus.
- One or more years of related experience or equivalent.
- Course work or experience in environmental studies, conservation, real estate, public policy, or related area.
- Demonstrated commitment to land conservation and sustainable communities.
Special Knowledge and Skills:
- Ability to balance sound business sense and judgment with commitment to land conservation.
- Superior written and oral communications skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to work on complex projects.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office suite, graphics, and spreadsheets.
- Experience with GIS mapping and legal contracts a plus.
- Ability to work under pressure, juggle multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work independently and as a team member as appropriate.
- Ability to take initiative, make suggestions, be creative, and solve problems.
- Strong people skills and ease with many types of personalities.
- Community engagement skills a plus.
The Wyss Foundation Fellow must have a passion for conservation and protecting the lands and waters of California. This position is designed to foster the development of a future conservationist and is thus open to those changing or in the early phase of their careers. The position is partially funded by the Wyss Foundation and the successful applicant will be able to take part in additional learning opportunities as part of the larger Wyss Fellow network. This is a two-year term and we anticipate hiring the position before December 31, 2023.
In this role you will be a full time, non-exempt employee of Trust for Public Land. As a full-time employee, you will be eligible for Trust for Public Land’s comprehensive benefits program, which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, three weeks of vacation in your first year, plus holidays, a paid one-week winter break, and a 403(b) retirement plan, currently with up to a 7% company match. We offer competitive salaries commensurate with experience; the range for this position is $50,000-60,000 annually.
