Find conservation-related jobs — Keep It Colorado

Molly Langeberg

Water Transactions Specialist - Colorado Water Trust

The Water Transactions Specialist will evaluate, develop, implement, and steward flow restoration projects throughout Colorado using collaborative, voluntary, and market-based approaches. They will work on a team environment under the direction of the Programs Director, with a self-starting and entrepreneurial ethos. The ideal candidate will share our passion for Western water and healthy rivers, be adept at innovative thinking to advance Colorado Water Trust’s goals, have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, in addition to technical skills. The right person for this role will be comfortable communicating complex technical information to a variety of audiences, and be persistent despite occasionally skeptical audiences and challenging, long-term projects.

Compensation: This is a full-time, 40-hour per week, exempt position, with a salary range of $75,000-90,000. Colorado Water Trust offers a competitive benefits package including a comprehensive insurance package that includes health insurance, long- and short-term disability, life, vision, and dental; an FSA; unlimited paid time off; other need-based leave; and a retirement fund with employer contributions.

Application closes: Please submit a resume, cover letter, and three references by May 2, via email to Colorado Water Trust at admin@coloradowatertrust.org with “Water Transaction Specialist” in the email subject line. Interviews may be scheduled on a rolling basis, possibly before application period ends. No calls or drop-ins, please.

Application web link: https://coloradowatertrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Colorado-Water-Trust_Water-Transactions-Coordinator_4-2025-job-posting.pdf

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Chief Executive Officer (CEO) - West Region Wildfire Council

The West Region Wildfire Council is seeking a dynamic Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead our nonprofit organization. This leadership role requires a strong background in fundraising and grants, financial management, and organizational strategy. The CEO is responsible for overseeing programs, ensuring financial stability, leading fundraising, and promoting a strong culture of collaboration and teamwork. The CEO’s responsibilities are carried out in close partnership with the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer. The position announcement and job details are attached below. Apply online at: https://apply.workable.com/west-region-wildfire-council/j/E934F80D17/

Compensation: $90,000-$110,000

Application closing date: Open until filled

Application web link: http://www.cowildfire.org/employment

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Chief Executive Officer - High Line Canal Conservancy

The Conservancy seeks candidates who demonstrate passion for the Conservancy’s mission and the Canal the organization seeks to enhance and protect! The ideal candidate has extensive experience and success leading high-performance teams that deliver excellent results, on time and on-budget. This politically savvy individual must exhibit experience collaborating with a wide variety of partners including elected officials, government agencies, funders, donors, partners and stakeholders. Experience convening groups of people, addressing common interests in a collegial, transparent and highly participatory manner is essential. Candidates must respect, understand and work to accommodate plans and programs in ways that address the range of life experiences and needs of Canal users.

Compensation: $150,000 and $190,000 commensurate with experience. The comprehensive benefits package includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Long-Term Disability, Life and AD&D and a Simple IRA with a 3% match. Generous Paid Vacation, Personal Time, Medical or Family Leave and Paid Holidays. The total benefit package is on average 20% of the salary.

Application closing date: May 2, 2025

Application web link: https://www.kittlemansearch.com/opportunities/opportunity?id=cswxqqxjue5butyj75ekt8pxxw&title=Chief%20Executive%20Officer%2C%20High%20Line%20Canal%20Conservancy

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Colorado River Program Manager - Trout Unlimited

Can be based in Colorado (WFH). In the Colorado River Basin, TU has a dynamic conservation team that works with a range of partners to advance conservation projects and policies that strengthen water resilience. The Program Manager will support the development of funding proposals and explore opportunities to scale proposals or leverage federal funding with state, private, or other philanthropic funding opportunities. The Program Manager will facilitate cross-organization teams, develop and maintain shared resources that support project implementation at scale, and support shared communications efforts.

Compensation: The starting salary range is $59,000-$76,000 annually, depending on qualifications, experience, and locality.

Appplication closing date: April 7, 2025

Application web link: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/3103058

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Colorado Operations Manager - Trout Unlimited

Must be based in Colorado (WFH). The Operations Manager will work closely with the TU Colorado State Director, Rocky Mountain Regional Vice President, and staff from the legal, compliance, procurement, grant accounting, and development teams. Coordinating between multiple teams, the Operations Manager will ensure effective and efficient processes and systems are in place. The individual in this position must be a self-starter with excellent organizational skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to problem-solve and multitask.

Compensation: The starting salary range is $59,000-$70,000 annually, depending on qualifications, experience, and locality, with opportunity for salary growth over time.

Application closing date: April 15

Application web link: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/3138553

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Manager of Natural Resources and Stewardship - High Line Canal Conservancy

The Manager of Natural Resources and Stewardship is responsible for protection and enhancement of the High Line Canal’s natural resources and preserving the Canal’s conservation values through stewardship of a conservation easement that protects the corridor. This person works closely with the local jurisdictions and stormwater managers along the Canal, under the supervision of the Senior Director of Planning and Implementation, to facilitate collaborative maintenance, develop new management approaches, elevate the level of care for the Canal and implement natural resource restoration projects. This role coordinates closely with foresters, natural resource planners, landscape architects, park planners and operations staff from local jurisdictions to ensure a vital future for the Canal. The Manager of Natural Resources and Stewardship is also responsible for stewarding a conservation easement that protects 45 miles of the 71-mile corridor. This includes working with Conservancy leadership and landowner(s) to complete annual monitoring, lead easement enforcement, review projects and address all stewardship inquiries and issues.

Compensation: 57,000 - 70,000 annually, plus a competitive benefits package with generous PTO, medical, dental, HSA/FSA, retirement plan, life and disability insurance.

Application closing date: 4/18/2025

Application web link: http://highlinecanal.org/2025/03/natural_resources/

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Outdoor Educator - CSU Extension Jefferson County/ENOR Environmental Discovery Camp

Are you passionate about nature and eager to inspire the next generation? As an Environmental Educator, you'll have the opportunity to:

  • Share your love of nature with young campers

  • Inspire and educate the next generation of environmental stewards

  • Help foster a deep connection to the environment, and support campers in building resilience and a love for the outdoors. •Give back to the community while making a difference

  • Get paid to hike daily in stunning local parks and open spaces.

Each day brings a new adventure as we explore unique locations!

Compensation: $18/hour educator; $19/hour educator/van driver; plus 5 hours/week overtime pay either position

Application closing date:

Application web link: https://jeffco.extension.colostate.edu/programs/enor-environmental-discovery-camp/

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Operations Technician I or II - Arapahoe County Open Spaces

We have two openings for Operations Technician I or II. These positions perform a variety of work in the maintenance and repair of open spaces, parks, turf, landscapes, trails, and associated equipment, facilities, and public properties.

Compensation: $39,748.80 - $65,540.80 annually

Application closing date: 5/7/2025

Application web link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/arapahoe/jobs/4838692/operations-technician-i-or-ii?sort=PostingDate%7CDescending&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

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Land Conservation Crew Member (Colorado Springs)

Land Conservation Crew Members (called Corpsmembers) serve on environmental stewardship projects throughout the Denver Metro Area. Corpsmembers will be enrolled in AmeriCorps—a national community service program. No experience is required! We will provide you with hands-on training related to all projects. This position reports to Project Coordinator: Land Conservation

Service location: 1801 Federal Blvd. Denver, CO 80204 Position open until: May 16, 2025

Crew Type Descriptions:

  • Chainsaw – primarily complete invasive tree removal and wildland fire mitigation projects.

  • Trail – primarily complete trail maintenance and construction projects.

  • Noxious Weed Management – trained on how to safely handle and apply pesticides for invasive species removal projects, the role of pesticides in natural resources management, native and invasive species identification and how to operate a variety of hand pump and backpack sprayers.

  • Trail & Restoration – in addition to trail maintenance and construction projects, complete fencing, park development, native planting and historical preservation projects.

  • Day – complete projects in nearby locations, starting and ending each day at MHYC headquarters. Day crews are ideal for projects close to urban areas or easily accessible sites.

  • Overnight – complete projects further away from the MHYC headquarters, stay in a housing facility provided by the project partner 3 nights a week. Nine meals provided by MHYC per week.

  • Camping – complete projects further away from MHYC headquarters, setting up camp near the project site and your vehicles to minimize travel time. Nine meals provided by MHYC per week.

MHYC is committed to hiring candidates with unique backgrounds and perspectives. If you are interested in this position but are concerned that you do not meet all of the requirements or possess all of the necessary skills, or that prior convictions or your background might disqualify you, we highly encourage you to submit an application anyway.

Qualifications:

  • Must be physically fit, able to lift 50 lbs., spend 8-10 hours a day in all weather conditions (e.g., sun, heat, wind, rain, etc.) and hike up to 7 miles with a day

  • Able to be on time and maintain consistent attendance throughout term of service. Must commit to complete the program

Requirements:

  • Between the ages of 18-24. High school or GED/HSE graduate or still enrolled.

  • Must be eligible for enrollment in AmeriCorps as a US Citizen, National or Lawful Permanent Resident. Documentation will be required on the first day. Must bring identification documents necessary to complete the I-9 and other forms on your first day.

  • Pre-service National Service Criminal History Check required. Corpsmembers must not engage in any prohibited activities as listed in the AmeriCorps Member Service Agreement.

Questions? Email rosem@mhyc.net

Mile High Youth Corps is committed to diversity in principle and practice, both in the community at large and within the organization. We are, therefore, committed to having our internal operations and employment practices administered on a non-discriminating basis inclusive of, but not limited to, race, color, hairstyle (hair texture, hair type, or a protective hairstyle that is commonly or historically associated with race), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, and breast feeding) or gender, age, religion (including, but not limited to, religious dress and grooming practices), pregnancy, color, creed, citizenship, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, mental or physical disability, medical condition, veteran status, military or veteran status, family care or leave status, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation, sexual and reproductive health decisions, gender identity, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws (together, these are referred to as “Protected Characteristics”), including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended. Every effort shall be made to grant reasonable accommodation for qualified people with disabilities to participate in this AmeriCorps program.

Compensation and Benefits: Biweekly Stipend – Earn a living stipend of $1,160 before taxes paid every 2 weeks. Leadership Opportunities available. Corpsmember Drivers are eligible for a living stipend of $1,180. Returning Corpsmembers earn $1,200. More information is available on request.

AmeriCorps Education Award - Earn a scholarship upon successful completion of service. This award can be used to pay future tuition, pay back qualifying student loans or go on an expedition through a wilderness school! Corpsmembers have 7 years to use the award.

Student Loan Forbearance – Corpsmembers can apply to put their qualified federal student loans on hold during their term through the National Service Trust.

Counseling – Corpsmembers receive 5 free mental health counseling sessions per year plus additional services through a Member Assistance Program.

Networking – Corpsmembers have opportunities to network with federal, state and local natural resources professionals and access to a vast alumni network! Training – Depending on crew assignments, Corpsmembers will receive training in one or more stewardship skillsets, including First Aid/CPR, S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaws (required for sawyers), trail building and maintenance, and herbicide application. Corpsmembers have the choice to serve on a variety of crews. MHYC staff will work with you to find the best match! We strive for every crew to be diverse, inclusive and safe for all Corpsmembers.

Application closing date: 05/16/2025

Application web link: http://www.milehighyouthcorps.org/apply-now/land-conservation-crew-member-colorado-springs/

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