Employment

Conservation Stewardship Intern | Administrative Coordinator

Position: Conservation Stewardship Intern

Summary

The Stewardship Department at the Minnesota Land Trust is seeking to hire two (2) Conservation Stewardship Interns for the summer of 2026.

The Conservation Stewardship Interns are responsible for implementing stewardship activities related to Minnesota Land Trust’s growing portfolio of conservation easements throughout the state of Minnesota. This includes frequent travel visiting conserved lands throughout the state to monitor easements, collecting data, maintaining records, assisting with violation investigation, and other duties as assigned by the Stewardship Department and other Land Trust staff. The interns will also gain valuable experience exploring other facets of Land Trust work by spending time with other departments within the organization. In addition to Land Trust staff, the interns work closely with landowners, volunteers, and conservation partners throughout the state. All necessary training will be provided.

The internship provides the opportunity to learn about the work of the Land Trust, including how the Land Trust protects, restores, and stewards land throughout the state, and the chance to network with talented staff and conservation partners, all while making meaningful contributions to one of the top conservation nonprofit organizations in the state of Minnesota.

The position is for up to 15 weeks during the summer of 2026 (May through August); exact start and end dates are flexible. Interns are expected to work at least 32 hours per week, but no more than 40 hours per week.

Organization Values

All employees of the Minnesota Land Trust are expected to embrace the ideals of our organization’s values and incorporate our values into their ongoing work. All employees should be familiar with the current values statement.

Duties and Responsibilities

CONSERVATION EASEMENT STEWARDSHIP: 70%

1. Assist with the conservation easement monitoring program, including conducting annual monitoring visits (both in person and remotely using aerial imagery).
2. Assist in preparation of updated baseline documentation reports, including fieldwork, compiling conservation data, and utilizing digital photography, GPS, and GIS technologies.
3. Maintain records (electronic and paper files) of conservation easement projects and assist with data management and reporting.

OTHER LAND TRUST SUPPORT/ACTIVITIES: 30%

1. Assist and learn from other Land Trust departments, including Land Protection, Restoration, Engagement, and Development and Communications.
2. Complete a self-directed project (e.g., produce a video, write an article, lead a workshop – the possibilities are endless!)
3. Assist with organizational communications by capturing photos, videos, and written testimonials to showcase conservation efforts and support Land Trust outreach efforts.

Position Requirements

1. High school diploma or G.E.D.
2. Ability to work effectively with a diverse variety of individuals including staff, partners, landowners, volunteers, and members of the Board of Directors.
3. Well organized, self-directed, attentive to details, and responsive to deadlines.
4. A demonstrated interest in land conservation and outdoor activities.
5. Experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, email, and calendar programs.
6. Experience using applications to collect data in the field, or a willingness to learn.
7. A valid driver’s license, access to a dependable vehicle, and ability to drive to locations in outstate Minnesota. Visits to some locations may necessitate overnight stays, depending on the distance and the assigned work. The Land Trust will reimburse costs for meals and lodging, when appropriate, and mileage for personal vehicle use.

Physical Demands

1. Ability to hike as much as five miles a day on foot through uneven terrain. Comfort hiking alone. Exposure to rugged terrain, dense vegetation, and biting insects.
2. Ability to navigate in remote areas with dense vegetation.
3. Ability to carry equipment while in the field, up to 20 pounds.
4. Office duties to be performed at a desk and at a computer.

Supervisor: Director of Conservation Stewardship
Classification: Short-term; Full-time; Non-exempt
Rate: $19-20/hour
Location: Saint Paul, MN

To Apply: Please email your cover letter and resume combined as a single PDF to apply@mnland.org by March 1, 2026.

Minnesota Land Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Company will not discriminate because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, genetic information, sex, disability, age, or any other status protected by state or local law, for employees who fall within the jurisdiction of such law.

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Position: Administrative Coordinator

Summary

The Administrative Coordinator oversees daily office operations including vendor management, facilities coordination, and reception services. The role provides comprehensive executive administrative support to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team (SLT), including calendar management, meeting coordination, travel arrangements, and confidential project assistance. Additionally, the position encompasses board liaison responsibilities including meeting coordination and governance support, staff event planning, and ensures compliance with various documentation and reporting requirements.

Organization Values
All employees of the Minnesota Land Trust are expected to embrace the ideals of our organization values and incorporate our values into their ongoing work. All employees should be familiar with the current values statement.

Duties and Responsibilities

Office Management – 30%

The Administrative Coordinator manages the day-to-day needs of the Land Trust offices. (In-office duties below refer to the Saint Paul office.)

• Oversee vendor relationships and contract administration for office services including cell phones, equipment leasing, transportation, security systems, facilities maintenance, and other operational services. Negotiate renewals and ensure compliance with service agreements.
• Provide professional front desk services including greeting visitors, managing incoming calls and emails, and responding to general inquiries. Maintain welcoming and efficient reception area.
• Maintain and coordinate shared calendars for staff, board members, committees, and organizational meetings. Ensure scheduling accuracy and resolve conflicts to optimize meeting coordination.
• Ensure the office is well-maintained and supplied for employee work: procure office and kitchen supplies and serve as primary point of contact with building management for maintenance requests, cleaning services, and other building-related services.
• Manage daily mail operations including retrieval and dispatch of correspondence and packages. Distribute incoming mail to appropriate personnel and digitize essential documents for remote team members. Log incoming donations and payments to ensure proper financial controls. Monitor and replenish postage meter funds to support uninterrupted mail services.
• Source and purchase refreshments and catering items for office events and meetings. Coordinate procurement timing with event schedules and ensure cost-effective purchasing while maintaining quality standards for all office hospitality needs.
• Review and authorize invoices, credit card charges, and expense reports within designated budget authority. Ensure expenditures align with approved budgets, verify proper documentation and coding, and maintain compliance with organizational financial policies and approval workflows.

CEO and Senior Leadership Support – 25%

The Administrative Coordinator provides comprehensive administrative support to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team (SLT), serving as a key liaison between executive leadership and internal/external stakeholders.

• Manage the CEO’s calendar, schedule appointments, and coordinate meetings with internal staff, board members, donors, partners, and external stakeholders. Proactively resolve scheduling conflicts and ensure efficient use of executive time.
• Draft, edit, and prepare correspondence, reports, presentations, and other documents on behalf of the CEO. Ensure professional quality and timely delivery of all communications.
• Support Senior Leadership Team meetings as requested including sending agendas and materials in advance, record accurate meeting minutes, and track action items to ensure follow-through on decisions and assignments.
• Handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion, maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in all executive support activities.

Board Liaison – 25%

The Administrative Coordinator ensures the smooth functioning of the Board of Directors.

• Coordinate quarterly Board of Directors meetings including agenda preparation, material compilation and distribution, meeting logistics, and hospitality arrangements. Record official meeting minutes and ensure accurate documentation of board proceedings.
• Maintain comprehensive scheduling for all board and committee meetings. Manage virtual meeting platforms, distribute meeting notices, and coordinate all meeting-related communications.
• Plan and execute special events, tours, dinners, and networking opportunities for current and former board members.
• Maintain updated board portal files, including agendas, minutes, and supporting materials.  
• Provide direct administrative assistance to board members including meeting coordination, survey development, file retrieval, and other specialized requests to support their governance responsibilities.
• Administer annual board self-evaluation and demographic surveys. Compile results and support continuous improvement initiatives for board effectiveness.
• Maintain accurate and current board member information including contact details, committee assignments, term status, attendance records, and website profiles.
• Manage annual collection and tracking of required board member documentation and signed agreements to ensure governance compliance.

Staff Meetings and Events – 10%

The Administrative Coordinator coordinates the details for staff meetings and organizational events.

• Plan and execute staff meetings, team-building events, and social gatherings including venue selection, catering arrangements, logistics coordination, and event setup. Communicate event details to participants and manage all operational aspects from planning through completion.
• Coordinate procurement and distribution of company-branded apparel in collaboration with relevant departments.
• Maintain current and accurate employee information across all organizational platforms including website profiles, organizational charts, contact directories, and internal databases.
• Manage annual collection and tracking of required employee documentation including confidentiality agreements, conflict of interest disclosures, and other compliance-related forms.

Other Assistance – 10%

• Coordinate gift procurement and delivery, memorial acknowledgments, recognition items, and correspondence on behalf of the organization. Manage relationship-building initiatives and ensure timely, appropriate responses to external stakeholders.
• Coordinate regular conservation events and community gatherings, maintain updated mailing list and send meeting invites. Foster external relationships and facilitate ongoing engagement with industry partners and organizational allies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education, Experience, Licenses/Certifications

• Associate degree and two (2) years general office management or executive administrative support experience; Or, equivalent combination of education, training, and experience; and
• Valid MN driver’s license

Knowledge

• General office procedures and administrative best practices
• Meeting management, agenda preparation, and minute-taking techniques
• Calendar management and scheduling optimization
• Travel coordination and itinerary planning
• Records management systems and filing procedures
• Office equipment operation and maintenance
• Board governance and nonprofit organizational structure
• Confidentiality requirements for executive and personnel matters

Skills

• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, email and calendar programs
• SharePoint and document management systems
• Virtual meeting platforms (Zoom, Teams, etc.)
• Time management skills for recurring monthly and quarterly processes
• Advanced verbal communication
• Advanced written communication skills including correspondence drafting and editing
• Customer service and visitor relations
• Document preparation, formatting, and presentation creation
• Coordination and planning
• Project management

Abilities

• Well-organized and highly attentive to details and accuracy
• Self-directed and ability to work autonomously
• Professional demeanor appropriate for executive-level interactions
• Anticipate needs and proactively address issues before they arise
• Workflow management across departments and stakeholders
• Diplomatic skills for handling difficult interactions on the phone and in person
• Handle confidential information with discretion
• Professional judgment in communications and decision-making
• Travel by car may be requested

Physical Demands

• Office duties to be performed at a desk, sitting for long periods of time
• Keyboarding at a computer
• Ability to get to post office (across parking lot) to pick up daily mail
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds

Mental Demands

• Mental stamina for detailed, repetitive administrative tasks
• Capacity to work under pressure during busy periods
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and shifting demands

Location: Saint Paul, MN

Classification: Full-time, Exempt

Supervisor: Director of Finance and Operations

Salary Range: $55,000 – 65,000/year

Benefits: For regular, full-time employees, Minnesota Land Trust offers generous time off, 100% employer-paid individual medical insurance, 401(K) plan with match available, and more.

To Apply: Please email your cover letter and resume combined as a single PDF to apply@mnland.org by February 15, 2026.

Minnesota Land Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  The Company will not discriminate because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, genetic information, sex, disability, age, or any other status protected by state or local law, for employees who fall within the jurisdiction of such law.