Project Associate

About Us

Trust for Public Land (TPL) is the leader of a movement to connect everyone in America to the outdoors. A national nonprofit, TPL partners with communities to create high-quality parks and protect public lands—especially in communities that need them most—to improve public health, create social cohesion, strengthen historic and cultural connection to place, and increase climate resilience. Since 1972, TPL has protected more than 4 million acres of public land, created more than 5,500 parks, trails, schoolyards, and iconic outdoor places, generated over $112 billion in public funding for parks and public lands, and connected nearly 10 million people to the outdoors. To learn more, visit tpl.org.

About the Role

The Project Associate will support the Colorado and Southwest land protection program to acquire and conserve priority lands. Through this work, they will expand and enhance access to the region’s network of public lands; ensure local residents have close-to-home parks, trails, and open space; and help communities fulfill their visions for their surrounding landscapes. This position will be based in TPL’s Santa Fe, NM office with the potential for hybrid work across New Mexico. This role requires travel across the state, including fieldwork and occasional evening and weekend work.

Responsibilities

• Assist land protection staff in all phases of land acquisition and conservation projects and programmatic initiatives, including project research; landowner outreach; collaboration with local governments, agencies, non-profit partners, and community groups; and coordination of real estate due diligence and closing tasks. (55%)
• Support legal staff on land protection projects including tracking critical project dates, due diligence review, and preparation for real estate closings. (5%)
• Assist philanthropy staff on fundraising and help research and prepare public and private grant requests and applications. (15%)
• Prepare graphic and written materials for presentations and other land protection project-related needs. (5%)
• Conduct outreach—attend community meetings, build relationships with partners, and garner support for projects as needed. (10%)
• Complete various administrative tasks, including invoice submission and grant reporting. (10%)
• Other duties as necessary.

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to TPL’s shared values (Belonging, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Hope) to effectively work across the organization.
• Passion for the mission of Trust for Public Land.
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience preferred; coursework or experience related to real estate, environmental studies, community engagement, public policy, or a related area is a plus.
• Strong written and oral communications skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to take on complex projects.
• Proficient with computers, graphics, and spreadsheets. Experience with GIS, mapping, and legal descriptions is a plus.
• Ability to work under pressure, juggle multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently or as a team member as appropriate.
• Ability to take initiative, make suggestions, be curious and creative, and solve problems.
• Desire to attain the knowledge, skills, and experience to build a career in land and water conservation.
• Excellent people skills and ease with many types of personalities.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Vacation and sick pay plus holidays.
• Year-end office closure.
• 403(b)-retirement plan, currently with up to a 7% company match.

Pay

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $58,000–65,000 annually.

Location

This role will ideally be located near our Santa Fe, New Mexico office, with the potential for hybrid work across New Mexico.