See the (identical) posting for this position and other fellowship positions on CCT’s Careers Page.
With the generous support of the Colorado Conservation Trust’s Future Conservation Leaders Fellowship Program, the Colorado Water Trust is currently seeking a fellow. Colorado Conservation Trust’s Future Conservation Leaders Fellowship Program was launched in 2004 to serve Colorado conservation organizations, while also providing unmatched opportunities to recent graduate school graduates to gain hands-on exposure to careers in the conservation field.
Fellows spend two years learning the conservation trade from skilled mentors, while markedly improving the State’s abilities to protect significant lands and waters. The fellowship program provides an unparalleled opportunity for young professionals to launch their careers in conservation. In addition to specific work for the host conservation organization, the fellowship program includes a unique professional development curriculum that offers fellows opportunities to network with nationally prominent conservation professionals, attend conferences and trainings, participate in community outreach efforts, and learn about current issues facing conservation and the nonprofit sector.
Job Description:
v Water Rights Transaction Support. The Fellow will learn to conduct all aspects of a water rights transaction’s preliminary due diligence analysis: analysis of historic use records, review of decrees, title research and analysis, field visits, legal research, and the drafting of preliminary memoranda describing the results of the due diligence analysis.
v Conservation easement and water rights program management. The Fellow will work with land conservation organizations on water rights issues that arise in land conservation activities. The Trust during a recent strategic planning process determined that it would figure out a more focused plan for this program area. The Fellow will be working with the Executive Director on developing a business-type plan for this program area.
v Instream Flow Transaction Handbook. During a recent strategic planning process, CWT charged itself with developing and implementing a comprehensive, diverse communications program that measurably increases awareness and support of streamflow restoration. One strategy to achieve that goal was to create a handbook to instruct people about how to make recommendations for new appropriations and how to engage in instream flow transactions. The Fellow will manage this process from beginning to publication.
v Policy Memorandum. The Trust is currently engaged in a three-part strategy to address barriers to instream flow transactions. The Fellow will take a leadership role in ensuring this work is accomplished. Research, drafting, and project management will be just some of the roles the Fellow will play to create this document.
v Other Duties. Assist with the marketing and promotion of CWT through its eNewsletter, conference attendance, and other avenues; help coordinate and produce education outreach efforts; and all other duties that arise as a staff member of a growing non-profit.
General qualifications:
A law degree and one to three year’s experience in legal work related to water are minimal qualifications (although experience gained as a law clerk may be considered)
Passionate belief in the mission of the Colorado Water Trust
Demonstrated interest in water, and specifically Western water rights
High degree of integrity and professionalism
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to speak and write clearly and persuasively
Ability to work independently with little or no direct supervision but also able to function in a team-oriented environment
Ability to effectively balance multiple competing projects and issues
Ability to work successfully with a wide range of constituents, including a Board of Directors, major donors, corporate and foundation partners, and constituents
Willingness to take and implement feedback
Ability to maintain one’s sense of balance and calm in times of stress
Demonstrated willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done
Valid Colorado driver’s license
Compensation:
$38,500/year plus benefits. The Colorado Water Trust offers a competitive benefits package including comprehensive health insurance, life insurance, an FSA, generous paid time off, other need-based leave, and a retirement fund with employer contributions.
Application Procedure:
Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, transcript, three references, and writing sample to coctinfo@coct.org by November 24, 2011. If necessary, please include a brief description of the circumstances surrounding the writing sample (e.g., is it a collaborative document such as a brief or motion? Was it edited by a supervisor?). No phone calls please. Target start date: January 1, 2011.
Location:
Downtown Denver