Additive Conservation Fellow; Summer

Since 1995, the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT) has created innovative conservation solutions for Colorado’s working lands. It is our mission to partner with landowners to conserve and steward Colorado’s working landscapes and agricultural lands for the benefit of all Coloradans. Our work has permanently conserved almost 820,000 acres of open space, natural habitat, and productive agricultural land across the state.

This organization embraces change and is an industry leader in developing innovative programs.

• Title: Additive Conservation Fellow (Summer 2026)
• Employment Status: Full-Time, Temporary (Non-Exempt)
• Reporting: This position will report to the Senior Additive Conservation Manager.
• Location: This position is based in our Steamboat Springs office. This is a hybrid position. Occasional travel throughout Routt County is anticipated.
• Compensation: $22.63/hour. This position is funded for 40 hours per week for a 10-week period starting on the employee’s first day.
• Anticipated
  
  Start Date:
  
  Monday, June 1, 2026

Interested parties should email a cover letter, resume, and two references to Haden Cunningham (haden) by 5:00 pm MT on Friday, March 20, 2026.

CCALT is looking for a highly motivated and detail-oriented undergraduate or graduate student for a summer fellowship focused on advancing additive conservation, developing payment for ecosystem service models, and implementing wet meadow restoration projects. This position will focus on wetland, wet meadow, and riparian ecosystems. CCALT’s Additive Conservation program aims to deliver additional conservation outcomes on conserved lands through restoration and enhancement projects and by expanding ecosystem service market opportunities for landowners.

Through close collaboration with CCALT staff, practitioners, and landowners in northwestern Colorado, the fellow will gain valuable, hands‑on experience and develop skills in conservation strategies, restoration practices, and land trust operations.

• Research local funding opportunities and conduct a market analysis for payment for ecosystem service models
• Research county-level funding mechanisms for restoration work
• Assist in researching and developing methodologies for wet meadow ecosystem service credit programs
• Support outreach efforts to engage stakeholders, including landowners, conservation organizations, advisory committees, and funding entities
• Explore opportunities for corporate engagement and support for natural capital projects

• Assist with planning and executing on‑ground restoration projects, including implementing low‑tech process‑based restoration tools, such as Zeedyk structures
• Monitor and document project progress, including data collection and reporting
• Work closely with contractors, landowners, and community partners to ensure project success
• Assess conservation opportunities for new easements and restoration activities in northwestern Colorado
• Support GIS analysis of NW Colorado conducted by CCALT GIS Manager

• Support ongoing Additive Conservation Program projects as needed

• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with landowners, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Familiarity with payment for ecosystem service markets, land trusts, conservation finance, restoration ecology, and/or federal, state, and local conservation policies.
• Proficiency in GIS, remote sensing, or other mapping tools preferred.
• Knowledge, appreciation, and respect for rural Colorado, agricultural issues, and a sincere commitment to private land conservation.
• A commitment to CCALT’s organizational values, including its Social Contract (attached).
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic team environment.
• Ability to work outdoors in rural and remote areas under variable conditions and perform manual labor, including lifting up to 20 lbs.

CCALT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants are evaluated for the positions they apply for without discrimination based on gender identity or expression, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, or other characteristics protected by law. CCALT will provide accommodation for individuals with disabilities during the interview process. For assistance, please call  or email Haden Cunningham at haden.