Wildlands Trust is seeking energetic and motivated individuals to fill 2 Seasonal Land Steward positions in the stewardship department. Under the supervision of the Stewardship Managers, the Seasonal Land Stewards will perform tasks related to the day-to-day management and maintenance of conservation lands throughout 55 cities and towns in Southeastern Massachusetts. This position is part-time (24-32 hours per week) with a pay rate of $17 per hour. Candidates will ideally be available for work starting May/June through August/September.
Essential Duties:
Property inspections and upkeep on all preserves owned by Wildlands Trust, including trails, mowing, and tree- and brush-clearing. Maintenance of fencing, boardwalks, signage, and parking lot clean-up;
Maintenance and upkeep of all stewardship field equipment in addition to vehicles and trailers. This includes hand tool maintenance, volunteer equipment, and gas-powered tools;
Coordinate with Stewardship Operations Manager to ensure properties are in good condition prior to Wildlands Trust community events;
Assist with Wildlands Trust community and volunteer workday events, which may occur on nights and weekends;
Serve as day-to-day field representative of Wildlands Trust at preserves, which may include engaging in conversations with the public at fee properties;
General maintenance of headquarters property and Stewardship Training Center, including buildings, roads, trails, fences, signs, and other physical aspects of the property such as landscaping;
Record and document site visits, including general monitoring and detailing work performed with Landscape Conservation Software
Skills, Abilities, and Qualifications:
Must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record
Must be available to attend seasonal land steward training at beginning of season (date TBD)
Must be able to pass a CORI background check prior to employment start date
Ability and willingness to perform physical labor
Be in good physical shape, ability to walk 4-8 miles carrying tools and to be able to lift 50 lbs
Strong interest in natural resource conservation
Mechanical skills preferred, i.e. hand- and gas-powered tool maintenance and repair
Experience in the operation of field equipment such as trucks, trailers, mowers, chainsaws and other landscaping power equipment (i.e. hedge trimmers, weed whackers, leaf blowers) and or/ willing to learn
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively and tactfully present information to and communicate with board members, employees, public groups, regulatory agencies, neighbors, preserve visitors, and others
Ability to write and edit property monitoring reports
Ability to meet job requirements with changing seasonal demands – working odd hours, weekends, and long days in adverse weather conditions
Knowledge of or desire to learn about invasive and native local flora
Willingness to try new things and make mistakes! :)
Schedule:
This position is part-time (24-32 hours per week). Candidates will ideally be available for work starting May/June through August/September.
Location:
This position is based at the Wildlands Trust headquarters in Plymouth, MA. Field work will take place at various preserves across Southeastern MA.
Salary:
$17 per hour.
How to Apply:
Please send a resume and two references, professional preferred, to Stewardship Operations Manager Owen Grey at ogrey@wildlandstrust.org. Priority applications should be received by March 10, 2024. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis following March 10.
About Wildlands Trust:
Wildlands Trust, a non-profit regional land trust for Southeastern Massachusetts, was established in 1973 in response to the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant's anticipated arrival in Plymouth. The concern was that new tax revenues from the plant would lower residential tax rates, possibly sparking a land grab and rapid development in Massachusetts' largest town.
Over the past 50 years, Wildlands Trust has established itself as one of the largest and oldest regional land trusts in New England. Our coverage extends across an area where approximately 1.2 million Massachusetts residents live. We are active in 55 cities and towns, contributing our services and expertise to help communities implement land protection projects and strategies. Our work has helped ensure the protection of nearly 12,176 acres of natural and agricultural lands held for public benefit. For over 50 years, Wildlands has worked so that the people of Southeastern Massachusetts will always have forests, fields, and beaches to enjoy, healthy wildlife to view, scenic vistas to enrich communities, and clean water to drink.