San Juan Preservation Trust seeks executive assistant to support growing conservation mission

||| FROM CHARLOTTE CHEVALIER for SAN JUAN PRESERVATION TRUST |||

The San Juan Preservation Trust (SJPT) is seeking a full-time executive Assistant (EA) to support its Executive Director (ED) as the organization enters a new chapter of growth in island conservation.

Founded in 1979, the Preservation Trust has worked alongside landowners, community members, and partners to permanently protect approximately 19,000 acres, 50 miles of shoreline, 25 miles of trails, and more than 300 properties across 22 islands. The organization employs 25 staff, is supported by some 3,000 members and donors, and is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.

The Executive Assistant will work closely with the Executive Director and SJPT’s management team, handling the ED’s calendar and task management, board coordination, community engagement, event support, research, and administrative projects. The role is designed to enable the ED to focus on relationship-building and strategic leadership across the organization and its broader community.

The position is full-time (40 hours/week), with a salary range of $58,000–$66,000 annually depending on experience. Benefits include 100% employer-covered medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid holidays and wellness days; paid sick leave; vacation accrual; life insurance; a cell phone stipend; and an IRA plan with employer contributions.

Candidates must currently reside on one of the four islands served by Washington State Ferries: San Juan, Orcas, Lopez, or Shaw Island. Reliable personal transportation for local island travel is required.

SJPT is seeking candidates with strong organizational and communication skills, experience in executive or senior administrative support — preferably in a nonprofit environment — and a genuine commitment to the conservation of the San Juan Islands. Proficiency with Microsoft 365 tools is required; familiarity with project management platforms and donor databases is a plus.

The Preservation Trust is committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves and encourages applicants of all backgrounds to apply. Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to jobs@sjpt.org
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, with the first round of review on May 7, 2026.

For more information, visit www.sjpt.org/executive-assistant.