Land Steward

The Land Steward’s (LS) primary responsibility is to provide lasting care for the trails and conservation lands (CL) owned by Kestrel and key public partners by carrying out assigned field and office tasks and engaging volunteers in stewarding the land. We seek candidates who are interested in working 30-40 hours/week (salary and benefits pro-rated as needed). Use of personal vehicle will be necessary to access designated work locations, some in rugged terrain

• The LS conducts field work under the supervision of the Stewardship Manager (SM).
• The LS works solo and also supervises volunteers,
• The LS works in cooperation with other staff, board, advisory council members, volunteers, project partners, and temporary contractors as needed.

Full-Time Nonprofit

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Job Location

Amherst

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Job Description

Specific Responsibilities:

Trail Stewardship - Working solo, on teams, or leading volunteers:
• Conduct annual monitoring of all KLT-managed trails and identify maintenance needs.
• With minimal supervision, repair/maintain trails and associated infrastructure: tread, corridor, drainage, bog bridges, boardwalks, parking areas, kiosks, signage etc.
• Plan and construct new trails and related infrastructure as new public CLs are developed.
• Coordinate monitoring and maintenance of key sections of the 42-mile Robert Frost Trail.


Land Management - Working solo, on teams, or leading volunteers, assist with management of CLs:
• Vegetation management (mowing, invasive plant control, etc.); design/install signs and boundary markers, clean up debris, etc.
• Conduct annual monitoring of CLs as assigned.
• Address on-the-ground impacts of trespass or natural disturbance.
• Contribute to the development of land management plans, related documentation, wetland permitting, grant applications, etc.


General Responsibilities:
• Participate in staff, board and committee meetings as needed.
• Participate in occasional public presentations and events as needed (could involve evening and weekends).
• Draft or provide information for public relations material, online and in print, as assigned.
 
• Develop and sustain relationships with partner organizations, professional contractors, and community members.
• Respond to general public inquiries related to Kestrel and our mission.
• Along with other staff, occasionally assist with administrative tasks, as needed, such as answering phones, recordkeeping, copying, and mailings.
• Flexible work schedule and a willingness to work extended flex hours if needed, including occasional weekends.


Preferred Experience:
• 1+ season (6-12 months minimum ideal) conducting trail stewardship; knowledge of best practices for trail design, construction and maintenance.
• Participation in Student Conservation Association or a comparable program focused on trail work desirable.
• Ability to work extensively outdoors in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult or hazardous terrain, and/or under physically demanding circumstances.
• Experience and competence in the safe use and maintenance of tools & equipment (hand tools and assorted hand & electric powered tools, brush saw, etc.).
• Chain saw certification or willingness to seek within 6 months.
• Basic carpentry skills (e.g., build/maintain signage, kiosks, and other infrastructure) helpful.
• Plant and wildlife identification skills helpful, especially invasive species.
• Bachelor’s or associates degree in natural resources management or other relevant field desirable. Minimum of a high school diploma or GED required.
• Pesticide applicator license or willingness to seek within 6 months (optional).
• Competency and comfort with, field GPS, word processing/spreadsheets. Experience with Landscape Conservation Software and/or database/data entry experience desirable.

Kestrel Land Trust is a cross-functional land trust in which all employees are expected to perform tasks other than those for which they may be specifically hired to respond to new opportunities and challenges as they arise.

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