Seasonal Stewardship & Outreach Technician

HeadWaters Land Conservancy - Stewardship & Outreach Technician

Position Description:

The Outreach and Stewardship Technician at HeadWaters Land Conservancy is a seasonal position which plays a crucial role in supporting the organization's mission by engaging with the community, promoting conservation initiatives, and ensuring the proper stewardship of protected lands. The major focus of this position is fieldwork to maintain and restore our preserves. Activities may be physically demanding and will occur on varied terrain and in variable weather conditions. This position requires a combination of communication skills, environmental knowledge, and a passion for preserving natural habitats.

Headquartered in Gaylord, Michigan, HeadWaters serves 11 counties in northeastern Michigan (Alcona, Alpena, Arenac, Crawford, Iosco, Montmorency, Roscommon, Presque Isle, Ogemaw, Oscoda, and Otsego)

Responsibilities:

Nature Preserve Stewardship: 40%

•  Implement preserve management plans to address invasive species and habitat restoration.
• Conduct annual monitoring visits at each nature preserve.
• Maintain trails, signs, nest boxes, and trail cameras at nature preserves.
• Facilitate preserve restoration projects.
• Complete annual monitoring visits to assess and document changes in habitat health.
• Conduct baseline visits for new preserve projects.

Conservation Easement (CE) Stewardship: 30%

• Assist in conducting annual conservation easement monitoring visits.
• Participate in monitoring visits for new conservation easement projects.
• Cultivate and maintain positive relationships between HWLC and CE landowners.

Community Outreach: 15%

• Lead hikes and community events to promote environmental stewardship and raise awareness about HeadWaters' mission.
• Contribute to newsletter, E-News, and website.
• Assist in creating engaging content and materials to educate the public about conservation and the organization's mission.
• Participate in public meetings, forums, and events to engage local partners.
• Update community calendars and community organizations about our events.
• Collaborate with other organizations to foster partnerships and support conservation initiatives.
• Prepare reports on outreach and stewardship activities, including key metrics and success stories.
• Participate in educational programs for local schools and community groups.

Volunteer Engagement: 15%

• Coordinate and lead volunteer workdays on preserves.
• Facilitate a volunteer engagement program to expand the volunteer base and educate communities about proper land stewardship activities.
• Maintain accurate records of volunteer participation.
• Train volunteers on proper conservation and stewardship practices.

Qualifications:

Required for Position:

• Willingness to participate in weekend events (workdays/educational sessions).
• Comfortable working solo in the field.
• Comfortable using tools such as a brush cutter, tree trimmers, saw, and post digger.
• Physical ability to hike and perform manual labor in various weather conditions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Comfortable with public speaking.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with social media platforms.
• A driver’s license and good driving record (vehicle provided for work use)

Preferred for Position:

• Strong background in natural resources, conservation, environmental science, ecology, or a similar field.
• Basic knowledge of Avenza Maps, including the ability to create and edit maps.
• Knowledge of natural ecological communities of northeast Michigan.
• Chainsaw training.
• Basic knowledge of ArcGIS.
• Experience in wildlife monitoring and identification.
• Experience in community outreach, environmental education, or related fields.

To Apply:

Send cover letter and resume to HeadWaters Land Conservancy at land@headwatersconservancy.org by Monday, April 28, 2025.

This is a seasonal position, May to October, with flexible start and end dates. This position is full-time, Monday through Friday, and includes some weekend and evening work. Pay rate is $18/hr. Housing is not provided.

HeadWaters Land Conservancy

110 S. Elm Ave.

Gaylord, MI 49735

989-731-0573.