GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Wildlands Trust seeks a full-time Land Steward to assist in day-to-day management and maintenance of conservation lands throughout our service area in Southeastern Massachusetts. The ideal candidate will have a willingness and ability to handle the physical demands of land stewardship, strong interpersonal skills, and a collaborative mind set. They should be excited by the opportunity to work within a growing and dynamic environmental nonprofit organization. The Land Steward is part of the stewardship team and reports directly to the Stewardship Programs Manager and the Stewardship Operations Manager.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Provide direct land stewardship to Wildlands Trust nature preserves:
Routinely monitor and maintain showcase preserves.
Work with supervisors to standardize property signage.
Perform boundary line inspections of stewardship fee properties.
Lead seasonal land steward team in property maintenance during summer months (May-Aug)
Provide stewardship volunteer program support:
Assist in training volunteers.
Co-lead weekly volunteer projects.
Maintain stewardship garage and vehicles in collaboration with Wildlands’ Tools and Equipment Coordinator.
Organize and help maintain stewardship filing in Microsoft OneDrive.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES
Assist with community stewardship projects.
Provide Stewardship Training Center program support.
Assist with Wildlands Trust community events, which occur often on nights and weekends.
SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND QUALITIFICATIONS
Strong interest in natural resource conservation.
Bachelor’s or associate’s degree or equivalent related work experience.
Must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record.
Experience in operation of trucks and trailers highly preferable.
Must be able to pass a CORI background check prior to employment start date.
Ability and willingness to perform physical labor.
Ability to walk 4-8 miles carrying tools and to be able to lift 50 lbs.
Experience in the operation of field equipment such as mowers, chainsaws, and other landscaping power equipment and/or willingness to learn.
Experience with carpentry tools and processes highly preferable.
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, volunteers, donors, public groups, regulatory agencies, neighbors, and others.
Ability to write and edit thorough reports.
Ability to meet job requirements with changing seasonal demands – working odd hours, weekends, and long days in adverse weather conditions.
Have or obtain certifications in CPR, Wilderness First Aid*, and Chainsaw safety*
*Provided by Wildlands Trust in first year if not current
Schedule:
40 hours/week, typically Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm with regular nights and weekends.
Location:
On site at the Wildlands Trust headquarters in Plymouth, MA. Work in the field covers the 1,500-square-mile region of Southeastern Massachusetts. Company vehicles are provided for travel outside of commuting to Plymouth headquarters. Remote work may be accommodated as needed.
Salary & Benefits:
Salary range $40-47K/year, based on experience. Benefits include healthcare, dental, retirement account with employer match, flexible healthcare spending account with employer contribution, 13 paid holidays, and paid sick, personal, and vacation days. Staff communal housing may be available for eligible applicants.
To Apply:
Priority will be given to applications received by October 27, 2024, with the goal of a late fall 2024 / early winter 2025 start date. Applications received following October 27 will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Send your resume, cover letter, and three references to Owen Grey at ogrey@wildlandstrust.org.
About Wildlands Trust:
Mission: Wildlands Trust works throughout Southeastern Massachusetts to permanently protect native habitats, farmland, and lands of high ecologic and scenic value that serve to keep our communities healthy and our residents connected to the natural world.
Vision: We envision a future where our region’s water and air are pure and open lands are abundant, with forests, farms, wetlands, fields, ponds and coastal areas are commonplace sightings on our landscape.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Wildlands Trust is committed to protecting land and providing access to nature for the people of our region, regardless of income, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We will approach our work with complete respect for the cultures and perspectives of the communities we serve as we endeavor to connect and inspire all people to care about the natural world and the future of our planet.
History: Founded in 1973, Wildlands Trust is one of the largest and oldest regional land trusts in Massachusetts and has helped to ensure the protection of nearly 14,000 acres of natural and agricultural lands. Currently, we have ten full-time and four part-time staff carrying out the day-to-day activities of the organization. We also have interns, seasonal employees and volunteers who assist us on a regular basis. Our Board of Directors comprises 19 committed individuals from the communities we serve.