The Land Steward works with Conservancy staff, interns, and volunteers to implement stewardship for the Conservancy’s preserves and conservation restrictions located in Southeastern Massachusetts including Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod. This position will advance critical habitat restoration and sound, ecological preserve management. Responsibilities include coordinating trail and boundary maintenance; preserve and conservation restriction monitoring; managing volunteers and contractors; controlling invasive species; ecological monitoring; natural resource mapping using Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS); maintenance of stewardship equipment and facilities; positive engagement with the general public throughout all aspects of work; and other land stewardship tasks, as needed and appropriate. This position will also oversee the Hoft Farm Seasonal Residence and recruit and supervise volunteers, contractors, and seasonal staff. The Land Steward reports to the Director of Stewardship & Restoration (Based in Northampton, MA) and is part of a small state-wide stewardship team.
- Implement ecological restoration activities for TNC-managed properties across the Islands by coordinating actions such as invasive plant control, tree cutting, mowing, prescribed fire, seeding, and other activities including use of heavy equipment, herbicide and chainsaws.
- Coordinate and conduct preserve management tasks which include: monitoring and maintaining property boundaries, infrastructure (i.e. gates; signs, kiosks), and trails; complete annual monitoring reports, and update management plans.
- Monitor conservation easements, prepare monitoring reports, and assist in addressing easement violations.
- Plan and prioritize stewardship activities, maintain important land stewardship records, and assist in addressing preserve encroachment issues and coordinating various stewardship projects.
- Oversee the Hoft Farm Preserve seasonal residence including directing actions of contracted caretaker, working with Boston office staff on administration related to seasonal or other short term residents, and ensure that residence stays clean and operational.
- Perform natural resource mapping using Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
- Assist with the coordination of prescribed burning on the Islands, including undertaking or supervising preparatory work for burns; and after receiving sufficient training (if necessary), assisting with prescribed burns.
- Travel to Cape Cod or other islands in MA several times per year to carry out stewardship activities.
- Recruit and supervise short-term employees, contractors, and interns.
- Recruit, coordinate and manage volunteers.
- Utilize, maintain and organize stewardship equipment.
- Engage positively with the general public and partners throughout all aspects of work.
- Document work tasks and functions performed in written reports, Excel spreadsheets, and other required software platforms.
- Interest in reading and understanding legal deeds, easements, covenants, and leases.
- Participate in regional land management partnerships.
- Undertake other land stewardship tasks, as needed and appropriate.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
- Requires long hours in isolated settings.
- Makes day to day decsions as delegated by supervisor.
- May work under infrequent supervision.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- 1year related experience in custodial and ecological land management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
- Experience operating various types of equipment.
- Experience performing strenuous field work.
- Experience coordinating and supervising volunteers, and working in a group setting.
- Experience with map and compass, boundary marking
- Experience using Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
- Coursework or training in organizing data in Excel spreadsheets.
- Ability to work unsupervised and/or alone.
- Valid driver’s license
- Must be able to obtain herbicide application certification
- Must live on Martha’s Vineyard (housing may be available)
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 1-2 years experience in custodial and ecological land management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Knowledge of and interest in the outdoor environment, natural systems, and the ability to recognize or identify various plant and wildlife species.
- Experience and expertise in the safe and efficient operation of motor vehicles, GPS, chainsaws, brush saws, assorted hand-tools, and other equipment, with an emphasis on personal and group safety.
- Ability to accept and follow instructions, take responsibility, and contribute to a collaborative working environment and support the mission of The Nature Conservancy.
- Experience with prescribed fire and S-130/S-190 training.
- Experience of working productively and efficiently on one’s own without direct supervision; including ability to independently plan, problem solve and adapt to shifting demands.
- Ability to be aware and observant as well as assess risks and avoid potential hazards.
- Ability to be attentive to detail, well-organized, energetic, and self-motivating.
- Possess a friendly disposition including experience of interacting well with the public and serving in a group leadership role (e.g., volunteers, etc.).
- Ability to communicate effectively and function productively as a member of the TNC work team.
- Ability and motivation to perform physically demanding hands-on work & manual labor, sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather.
- Experience and interest in performing trail, property boundary and other physically demanding work.
- Ability to read and interpret assorted maps and plat surveys, orient oneself, and work competently and confidently in the outdoors.
- Possess fundamental computer skills in order to maintain preserve and other records.
- Possess fundamental Excel, GPS and ArcGIS skills.
- Desirable: experience with ESRI software.
- Desirable: first aid and CPR certifications.
- Multilingual skills and multi-cultural or cross cultural experiences are appreciated.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.