Conservation Manager

Connecticut Farmland Trust

Location: Based in Hartford, CT, with flexibility for hybrid/remote work.

Reports to: Executive Director

Full-time position with benefits

Who We Are

Connecticut Farmland Trust (CFT) is the only statewide nonprofit in Connecticut exclusively focused on protecting farmland. Since 2002, CFT has protected 75 farms (6,200 acres) and helped our partners conserve more than 1,500 additional acres. CFT is a leader in Connecticut on farmland conservation and farmland access, and its growth in recent years has set the stage for more innovation. CFT has been accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission since 2012.

CFT is undergoing an exciting period of programmatic and organizational development, with a new strategic direction from the board and a desire to grow to meet Connecticut’s current conservation challenges.

Position Overview

Connecticut Farmland Trust (CFT) is seeking a visionary and experienced conservation leader to manage CFT’s Farmland Conservation and Stewardship Programs as our Conservation Manager. This role is central to advancing CFT’s mission to protect working farmland and support viable farm businesses across Connecticut.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Conservation Manager oversees all aspects of CFT’s Farmland Conservation and Stewardship Programs and plays a key role in strategic organizational planning. This position supervises the Conservation and Stewardship Coordinator and collaborates with a wide range of partners, including farmers, landowners, state and federal agencies, municipalities, and peer conservation organizations.

This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned conservation professional to lead impactful land protection efforts, initiate new approaches, and help shape the future of farming in a changing climate.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Program Oversight

• Manage CFT’s Farmland Conservation Program, including project evaluation, landowner engagement, easement development, due diligence, and real estate closings.
• Oversee the Stewardship Program to ensure long-term compliance with conservation easements.
• Supervise, mentor, and support a Conservation and Stewardship Coordinator. May also oversee and mentor seasonal staff and interns.
• Partner with the Executive Director and Board to implement CFT’s 5-year strategic plan and conservation strategy.

Innovation, Storytelling & Policy Engagement

• Lead implementation of creative farmland protection tools such as Buy-Protect-Sell and the Option to Purchase at Agricultural Value in addition to purchased and donated conservation easements.
• Collaborate with staff to develop compelling landowner outreach and storytelling materials.
• Support policy development, including emerging topics like farmer-centered agrivoltaics and solar siting on farmland.
• Maintain and update conservation information resources for landowners and partners.

Relationship Building & Outreach

• Build trust-based relationships with traditional and nontraditional farmers and landowners.
• Expand outreach to beginning, underserved, and historically disadvantaged farmers.
• Coordinate conservation efforts with partners, including the USDA, Connecticut Department of Agriculture, and municipalities.
• Represent CFT in statewide coalitions, initiatives, and policy forums.

Organizational Development & Culture

• Ensure alignment with Land Trust Accreditation Commission standards.
• Weave consideration of historically disadvantaged farmers and their perspectives into CFT’s programs.
• Foster a collaborative, adaptable, and mission-driven work environment.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a creative, self-motivated, and detail-oriented conservation professional with a passion for farmland preservation, strong project management skills, and leadership potential. You are excited to collaborate across disciplines, listen deeply to the needs of farmers, and build long-term solutions for farmland access and viability in a changing climate.

You thrive in a small, flexible nonprofit setting, are eager to learn and try new approaches, and are deeply committed to CFT’s mission and values.

Experience and Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of relevant experience in land conservation, land use planning, real estate, or a related field (land trust or public agency experience preferred).
• A relevant college or master’s degree may substitute for one year of work experience.
• Working knowledge of conservation easement transactions, including easement drafting, legal coordination, and real estate closings; NRCS-funded project experience is a plus.
• Expertise in areas such as land conservation, land use, farmland access, conservation law, planning, farming, or food systems.
• Familiarity with New England farming systems and geography is a plus.
• Proficiency in GIS software (preferably Esri ArcGIS) and data management tools.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-starter with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Comfort with Zoom, Microsoft Office, Office 365, and remote working tools.
• Commitment to engaging historically marginalized farmers in conservation work.
• Patience, persistence, and a good sense of humor.

Additional Requirements

• Reliable internet connection for remote work.
• Ability to carry up to 25 lbs., navigate hilly or uneven terrain during site visits, and work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Valid driver’s license, access to a reliable personal vehicle, and willingness to travel throughout Connecticut (mileage reimbursed at the federal rate).