Landowner Advisor for Non-operator Landowners
Communications Intern
Development Intern
Land Protection Intern
Outreach Intern
OPENINGS
Landowner Advisor for Non-operator Landowners
Description: Potomac Conservancy is seeking a contractor to fill the role of a Landowner Advisor for Non-operator Landowners (Advisor). The Conservancy has secured a two-year grant to engage agricultural landowners who own, but do not operate, their land in conservation activities. The Advisor will be charged with implementing an outreach and engagement campaign centered on the Monocacy, Catoctin and Antietam watersheds in portions of Frederick, Washington and Carroll counties of Maryland. The Advisor will serve as the main point of contact for landowners and as a liaison between the landowners and various technical resources in Maryland such as the Natural Resource Conservation Service and the Soil Conservation Districts. He/she may also help facilitate communication on conservation matters between the landowner and their farm operator. The advisor will work to identify the individual needs and interests of each landowner and help them to overcome barriers to implementing conservation practices or accessing technical and financial assistance.
A Proposal and CV should be submitted to Aimee Weldon, Senior Director of Land Conservation, which should outline the following skills, abilities, availability and significant accomplishments to address the following needs:
• Contact landowners, conduct field visits, make small group presentations, and attend/lead one-on-one meetings and/or workshops with landowners.
• Assist with marketing conservation programs and undertaking promotional activities.
• Act as an advisor and promoter of best management practices to support natural resources conservation.
• Interpret state and federal guidelines for landowner eligibility and assist with completing program paperwork as requested.
• Facilitate contact and maintain lines of communication with government conservation planners, technical service providers, farm operators, and other partners as requested by landowner.
• Create an atmosphere of trust where the landowner can relate in a productive manner.
• Demonstrate a continuous effort to improve operations, decrease follow up time, and work cooperatively to provide seamless customer service.
• Track and report progress.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including ability to quickly establish rapport with a variety of personality types and audiences a requirement.
• Strong oral communication skills, including communication with landowners in person, in group settings, and over the telephone; Identify and react to the communication styles of others, determine landowner needs and find solutions to address them.
• Assess a diversity of conservation opportunities that pertain to wildlife, water quality, soil conservation etc. and communicate these opportunities, and the resources available to address them, to landowners.
• Strong knowledge of resources, services, practices and eligibility requirements of conservation programs provided by governmental and non-governmental agencies/organizations.
• Working knowledge of agricultural operations conservation planning skills and sales experience a plus.
• Available to work non-traditional hours, including nights and weekends as necessary, to meet landowner needs.
• Manage detailed case records and adequate computer skills to utilize email and enter, access, and retrieve data.
The Conservancy currently has funds through December 2013, with a grant cap of $30,000 available per year to support this work. The advisor will be paid for their services on a monthly basis upon receipt of contractor invoices. Reimbursements for direct expenses, such as mileage, may also be charged on the contractor’s monthly invoices.
Send proposal and CV to Aimee Weldon: weldon@potomac.org. For additional questions, contact Aimee at: 301-608-1188 ext 207.Open until February 24, 2012.
Communications Internship
This position will offer hands-on experience with non-profit communications. The intern will assist the Communications Manager in public relations, editing, and marketing tasks to increase publicity of the Potomac Conservancy (www.potomac.org). Opportunities may include:
Administrative
• Maintaining and updating media database, identifying new media prospects, and maintaining organized files of media coverage.
Editorial
• Assisting in writing, distributing, and follow-up of media outreach pieces, and measurement of public relations success.
• Writing, proofreading, and editing content for printed and electronic publications, including www.potomac.org.
Public Relations
• Helping to organize and promote special events and solicit event sponsors.
• Representing the Conservancy at select community events.
River Center
• Assisting staff with implementing communications and marketing strategies for the Conservancy's River Center at Lockhouse 8 and the outreach activities hosted there.
• Assisting the staff in planning and coordinating activities for the River Center.
• Publicizing River Center activities through various means, including developing flyers, drafting media calendar announcements, and outreach to community newsletters.
• Staffing River Center events. The intern must be available some Saturdays and/or Sundays to staff River Center events and to serve as a back-up to Lockhouse docents.
The successful applicant will have a background in communications, marketing, public relations, or journalism. Undergraduate students or graduate students preferred. Must be a self-starter. Other requirements include excellent written and verbal communication skills, graphic design abilities, technological savvy, attention to detail, and ability to multi-task and work as part of a team. Knowledge of proofreading marks, HTML, and DreamWeaver desirable, but not necessary. Eagerness to learn about non-profit communications is a plus. Interest in the environment and river activities very desirable.
The applicant must be able to commit approximately 16 hours per week, at our Metro-accessible office in Silver Spring, Maryland. Occasional evening and weekend work for off-site events. A limited stipend may be available. To apply, send a resume, cover letter, and one-page writing sample via email to: Anne Sundermann, Senior Communications Director, sundermann@potomac.org.
Development Internship
Just as any successful non-profit requires talented staff and innovative programs to accomplish its mission; the programs and people who stand behind this mission require resources to be successful. Potomac Conservancy is therefore seeking a part-time development intern to assist with its growing development efforts in the Silver Spring, MD office. Currently supported by individual donations in addition to federal and foundation grants, the Potomac Conservancy is looking for an energetic team player who can assist with the tasks of raising additional revenue for our land conservation and water quality programs.
In 2011, the Potomac Conservancy will be revitalizing its fundraising campaign and is looking for an intern who can partner with the Development Director and Coordinator on a variety of projects. Some of the responsibilities of this position will include data entry for donor prospects, foundation and federal grant research, various writing projects, and assistance with event planning for a major annual gala. In addition, the intern will learn the strategies behind donor cultivation, the art of writing award-winning proposals, and hopefully have a great time raising revenues for a great cause.
Requirements
The ideal intern has a strong interest in land and water conservation issues, is a stellar writer, and has an acute attention to detail. Additionally s/he is outgoing and possesses a zest for interaction with all people. This ideal intern is also a team player with a willingness to take on any task for the good of the cause. Potomac Conservancy boasts a very collegial culture where ideas and issues are openly shared, and is looking for an intern who is comfortable sharing his or her views and suggestions. A sense of humor is required and creativity is appreciated. Strong preference will be given to candidates who can make a commitment of one year.
Compensation
Compensation is in the form of academic credit and experience. Letters of recommendation and glowing references will be offered as well for the intern who makes worthwhile contributions to the organization.
How to Apply
Please email your resume, writing sample, and brief letter of interest to Melisa Klem at klem@potomac.org. Please be sure to include any relevant development or conservation experience!
Land Protection Internship
Location
Potomac Conservancy's Shenandoah Resource Center
Winchester, VA
Responsibilities
The Land Protection Intern will assist the Conservancy's Land Protection Manager with a range of activities including: conducting field work, collecting GIS and GPS data, developing outreach materials, representing the Conservancy at community events, drafting grant proposals, assembling easement baseline reports, and drafting easement monitoring reports. The Intern will be based in Potomac Conservancy's Winchester, VA office and be expected to work at least 10 hours per week, on average.
Requirements
The intern should have a strong interest in land and water conservation issues, be a stellar writer, and have an acute attention to detail. Preferred are persons with a bachelor's degree or at least two years of college courses in a related field. The ideal intern is a team-player, willing to take on any reasonable task for the good of the cause.
An outgoing personality and interest in interacting with a variety of people would be helpful. Potomac Conservancy values input from staff and volunteers, and we prefer an intern who is comfortable sharing his or her views and suggestions. A sense of humor and creativity are appreciated. Strong preference will be given to candidates who can work an average of 10 or more hours per week and can make a commitment of at least three months.
Compensation
Compensation is in the form of academic credit and experience. Letters of recommendation are readily offered for interns who make worthwhile contributions to the organization.
To Apply
Please e-mail your resume and cover letter to Emily Warner, Land Protection Manager at warner@potomac.org.
Outreach Internship (Volunteer, 15-20 hrs/wk)
This position will offer hands-on experience with non-profit outreach, event management, and communications. The intern will assist the Director of Community and Corporate Outreach in activities that engage the community in the welfare of the Potomac River and its tributaries (www.potomac.org).
Tasks/Duties: Assisting staff with planning and implementing events and activities for the Conservancy's River Center at Lock 8; staffing River Center events; assisting with the Conservancy’s outreach communications including an e-newsletter. The intern must be available Saturdays and/or Sundays to staff Potomac Conservancy events.
Qualifications: The successful applicant will have a background in event planning, outreach, marketing, communications, marketing, or fundraising. Undergraduate students or graduate students preferred. Must be a self-starter. Other requirements include excellent written and verbal communication skills, graphic design abilities, technological savvy, attention to detail, and ability to multi-task and work as part of a team. Knowledge of proofreading marks, HTML, and DreamWeaver desirable, but not necessary. Eagerness to learn about non-profit outreach, communications, and fundraising a plus. Interest in the environment and river activities very desirable.
Availability: 15-20 hours per week with some evening and weekend work for off-site events; September through December, 2011
To apply, please send a resume, cover letter, and one-page writing sample via email to Deanna Tricarico, tricarico@potomac.org by August 24, 2011.