Land Conservation Assistant

About Allegheny Land Trust 

Founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1993 in response to the rapidly declining amount of green space in Allegheny County, Allegheny Land Trust (ALT) has protected more than 4,000 acres to preserve our region’s unique natural beauty, provide accessible outdoor recreational opportunities, improve water quality, sustain biodiversity, and enhance the overall quality of life for all. ALT’s strategic priorities are land protection, land stewardship, community conservation, and environmental education. More information can be found at alleghenylandtrust.org. 

Position Summary 

The Land Conservation Assistant is a full-time employee who will work with the land conservation team to ensure a productive and effective land conservation program. This includes assisting with protecting land across Allegheny County and beyond through the acquisition of land as conservation areas, green spaces and gardens, applying protections through conservation easements and other tools, and helping other individuals, organizations, and governments protect their land.  The position provides the opportunity to become familiar with the land acquisition process, how budgets and fundraising work, and the day to day of a nonprofit. The Conservation Assistant will report to the Vice President (VP) of Land Conservation. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

Property Review and Protection (70%) 

Assist with gathering property information and responding to landowners and community members.  Use that information to conduct basic research on properties and help the team evaluate the property’s land protection value and potential project feasibility.   

Support the VP and Land Conservation team with managing the land acquisition process including adhering to a set timeline, keeping detailed records of progress to enhance departmental efficiency, and maintaining related documents to follow Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices.   

Participate in occasional visits to walk/hike properties and attend community meetings related to land projects and programs. 

Develop, with support from staff, communications for the Land Protection Committee and ALT Board meeting including preparation and distribution of committee agendas, recording and filing meeting minutes, sending calendar invitations, preparing meeting documents, and other functions to ensure a high-level of participation and an effective meeting. 

Prepare requested reports for land conservation department. 

Other duties assigned. 

Grant Management (15%) 

Correspond with partner agencies concerning grant requirements and project status. 

Assist with grant reporting by helping draft and upload documents to grant portals to meet reporting requirements. 

Property Mapping and Analysis (10%) 

Utilize the basics of ArcGIS to identify properties and strategize land protection efforts. 

Create maps for projects. 

Professional Development (5%) 

Familiarization with the Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices. 

Participate in webinars and conferences relevant to land protection and related topics. 

Attend local partner meetings networking with other Pittsburgh nonprofits and environmental organizations. 

Working Conditions 

Normal office conditions approximately 90% of work time, 10% visiting properties walking on uneven terrain in seasonal weather conditions.  

Remote Work and Home Office - Allegheny Land Trust allows employees to work a pre-approved hybrid schedule to support work-life balance and efficiency. Expectations for remote work are reliable electricity and internet connections in a relatively distraction-free environment. 

Qualifications 

A passion for the environment, conservation, and the outdoors. 

Desire to be part of a mission driven organization. 

Proven ability to work successfully with diverse communities and demonstrated commitment to promote and enhance diversity, equity, access, and inclusion. 

Strong organizational and time management skills acquired through administrative or project management experience.  

Ability to effectively communicate with staff, vendors, landowners, and other stakeholders while being able to manage relationships and potential issues. 

Knowledge of Office 365 software and cloud-based systems including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and SharePoint. 

Interest in learning and using land protection and project management software to stay on task and jointly work on projects with other staff. 

Displays close attention to detail to ensure work produced is accurate. 

Understanding of and willingness to comply with ALT policies, procedures and practices.  

Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.   

Requirements 

Must possess a high school degree with 2 years of relevant work experience. 

A reliable form of transportation (car, bus, or bike) to get to our office and to our conservation areas as needed. 

A valid PA driver’s license. 

Reliable internet access at home. 

To Apply 

Send a cover letter, resume and at least three references to jobs@alleghenylandtrust.org and please include “Land Conservation Assistant” in the subject line.  Application materials must be received no later than Friday, September 26, 2025 at 5:00 PM. 

ALT an equal opportunity Employer and ensures fair treatment All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We celebrate diversity and equity and encourage all to apply!