The SW Oregon Steward performs and participates in preserve operations including the maintenance, management, development and coordination of high priority conservation lands in SW Oregon. This is a 35 hr/week position that begins in March 2018 and ends in December 2018. The position is based out of the Conservancy’s Ashland Field Office with regular travel throughout SW Oregon.
The Steward performs land management activities and conducts ecological monitoring in vernal pool, grassland, oak, chaparral, forest, and wetland plant communities in southern Oregon. They will assist with biological and ecological data collection, invasive plant mapping and control, restoration activities, updating management plans, and preserve and equipment maintenance. They will also maintain preserve records in a geospatial database. Data collection will require the use of hand-held data logger and the use of GPS, GIS mapping software and Excel. The majority of the Steward’s time will be spent working in the field, typically with other staff, adult and youth volunteers, or crews, but also independently.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
- Leads or monitors work groups consisting of interns and volunteers covering a wide geographic area.
- Financial responsibility may include working within a budget to complete projects and negotiating and contracting with vendors.
- Networks with diverse groups, including land owners, conservation partners, donors, and the general public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy programs/preserves.
- Works under minimal and/or distant supervision; may make some independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
- Work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with natural systems.
- Experience in ecological land management principles.
- Experience with GPS and interpreting mapped information
- Experience performing physical work
- Experience working in a team environment
- Experience operating and or repairing various types of equipment and machinery.
- Must have a valid driver's license and good driving record.
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross cultural experience appreciated.
- 1 – 2 years related experience in custodial and ecological land management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Some experience managing volunteers or entry level staff.
- Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete preserve management activities.
- Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field.
- Experience with GIS software including editing data and creation of maps.
- Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
- Ability to work collaboratively with conservation partners and volunteers from a range of backgrounds and organizations.
- Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers).
- Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
- Preferred hiring range: $21.48-$22.82
- This is a full-time, 9-month position that begins March 2018 and ends in December 2018.
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy's Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers."