The Laramie Foothills Steward is responsible for managing and advancing stewardship and outreach programs within the Laramie Foothills Conservation Area in northern Colorado. The Steward will be primarily responsible for the day-to-day regional stewardship activities, as well as outreach and guest services responsibilities at Phantom Canyon Preserve (Preserve). This is a full time, 8-month permanent seasonal position beginning in mid-February through mid-October, annually. Full benefits are included as a part of the compensation package. Housing at the Preserve is provided.
The Laramie Foothill Steward plans and implements stewardship needs throughout the Laramie Foothills Conservation Area, with a focus on Phantom Canyon Preserve and conservation easement monitoring. Stewardship activities include weed mitigation, fence repairs, rare plant monitoring, and trail maintenance and construction. The Steward plans and oversees Preserve visitor and volunteer activities, coordinates outreach and stewardship activities, maintains the preserve facilities, and supports broader Conservancy conservation efforts, including prescribed burns and sustainable grazing projects. The Steward will assist in the supervision of summer interns. The selected candidate will be required to spend some nights at the Preserve and/or have the option to live full-time in housing provided at the Preserve.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- May supervise interns, volunteers and/or contractors.
- Responsible for stewardship of a set of conservation easements and preserves, and building and maintaining strong landowner and partner relationships.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Proficiently communicate and interact with landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, volunteers and the general public.
- Coordinate the Preserve visitation in a highly professional and personable manner.
- Lead stewardship projects with staff, interns and volunteers in a safe and positive way that clearly defines work objectives and ensures a high-quality product.
- Administer projects such that they are completed in a financially responsible and timely manner.
- Maintain excellent record keeping to ensure all documentation is accurate and properly maintained to facilitate the smooth operation of the stewardship program which entails maintaining and updating paper, electronic, and database records and files.
- Organize and oversee the maintenance of the Preserve facilities and report issues in a timely manner.
- Use and maintain ground and construction tools, such as weed trimmers, hand saws, Pulaski, splitting maul, drills, saws and hammers.
- Under minimal supervision, makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment, while maintaining a strong line of communication with the Northern Colorado Project Manager.
- Willingness to learn local biodiversity and communicate accurate information regarding biodiversity to users.
- Position may include interactions with youth.
- Experience managing staff or volunteers.
- Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal scientists.
- Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
- Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
- Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
- Experience in training others.
- Must have valid driver's license.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 3-5 years’ experience in natural resource management, similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience working outside in manual labor positions, in a crew setting and with hand tools.
- Experience, coursework, or other training in GPS and iPad technology.
- Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
- Knowledge of local plant and animal species/natural history.
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.
- Experience representing an organization to a wide variety of audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to work across teams and with a diverse range of individuals and partners.
- Models and supports a culture of strong teamwork, communication, collaboration and accountability.
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.