The Stewardship and Volunteer Coordinator is based out of the Montpelier office, working with a variety of staff to steward and manage TNC in Vermont's conserved lands, and coordinates the volunteer program.
The Stewardship and Volunteer Coordinator plays an important role in managing our conserved lands in Vermont with the goals of protecting important ecological resources and enhancing the ability of these places to connect people with nature. The Stewardship and Volunteer Coordinator implements a range of preserve management activities, coordinates our conserved lands monitoring activities, and enhances our flagship preserve network to raise the profile of TNC’s broader conservation work. The Stewardship and Volunteer Coordinator also strategically builds and manages our volunteer capacity and works on other priority conservation projects as needed, including ecological restoration, trail and land management, and research/monitoring activities.
- Coordinate and conduct preserve management tasks which may include: monitoring and maintaining property boundaries, infrastructure (i.e. gates, signs, kiosks) and trails; habitat management; invasive species control using multiple techniques, including use of herbicide and chainsaws; tree planting and other restoration activities, and assisting with scientific research as needed.
- Plan and prioritize stewardship activities, maintain important land stewardship records;
- Coordinate the monitoring of conserved lands, prepare monitoring reports, maintain records and assist in addressing violations;
- Perform various mapping and navigation techniques using Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS);
- Document work tasks and functions performed in written reports, Excel spreadsheets, Access databases and other required software platforms;
- Undertake other land stewardship tasks, as needed and appropriate.
- Network with diverse groups, including land owners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the general public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy programs/preserves.
- Coordinate statewide volunteer program and recruit, plan, train and lead volunteer and intern activities;
- Financial responsibility may include working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development and fundraising targets.
- May work under minimal and/or distant supervision; may make some independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- 1 year related experience in custodial and ecological land management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience with natural systems.
- Experience in ecological land management principles.
- Experience coordinating and supervising volunteers, and working in a group setting.
- Coursework or training in organizing data in Excel spreadsheets and using GPS and GIS.
- Ability to work unsupervised and/or alone.
- Must be able to obtain herbicide application certification
- 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
- 1 – 2 years related experience in custodial and ecological land management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Ability to recognize Vermont plant and animal species to complete preserve management activities.
- Ability to interpret maps, navigate with a compass and orient oneself in the field.
- Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field.
- Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
- 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.
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross cultural experience appreciated.