Today’s employer advice is from Kristin DeBoer, Executive Director at Kestrel Land Trust.
Q: Tell us about your organization.
The mission of Kestrel Land Trust is to conserve, care for, and connect to the forests, farms and riverways of the Pioneer Valley of western Massachusetts.
Q: What advice would you give to people in midlife who want to transition to a green job?
In land trust work, basic ecological literacy is essential, including an understanding of the role of natural solutions to the climate crisis. However, a hard science degree is not necessary. An interdisciplinary perspective on local and global environmental challenges is more important.
To gain exposure to land conservation work, take online courses through the national Land Trust Alliance or attend the annual Land Trust Rally.
Consider volunteering for a year through TerraCorps—a program of AmeriCorps.
Consider getting a Master’s degree in environmental studies. Antioch New England Graduate School is a great choice for adult students.
Show that you enjoy and do hiking, camping, kayaking, birding, or another form of outdoor recreation regularly. These are all personal lifestyle choices that demonstrate a commitment to and love of the natural world.
Q: What are the skills that you believe will be required most in the short-medium term in your industry?
For land trusts: experience in project management, fundraising, financial management, public relations, communications, event planning, real estate, and legal matters are all transferrable skills from other more traditional professional fields.