Land Steward

The primary responsibilities for this position include regular preserve monitoring and maintenance for ecological health and visitor experience, neighbor relations and outreach, developing and retaining maintenance checklists and records, supervising volunteers, assisting other conservation staff as needed, and other duties as assigned.

Duties and responsibilities
1. Preserve maintenance (all preserves need quarterly visits to ensure proper stewardship) a. Monitor/prevent public access and maintain boundary markers b. Maintain entrances and parking areas c. Trash removal d. Identify and inventory wildlife species and habitats, native plants, and management needs e. Identify, remove and/or monitor invasive species f. Identify and implement restoration projects g. Recruit and train volunteer trail crews h. Mow, weed whack, clear and plant as needed i. Ensure all TWC equipment is well maintained and in proper working condition j. Communicate equipment and materials needed to perform duties or enhance visitor experience to direct supervisor 2. Neighbor Relations and People Management a. Respond to neighbor concerns and questions in a professional and timely manner b. Engage public in a positive manner and serve as an ambassador for TWC c. Lead work crews, volunteers, or interns on TWC properties d. Coordinate and lead volunteer workdays/projects e. Ensure all TWC’s stewardship activities are completed using environmental sound methods f. Develop and implement projects to enhance visitor experiences g. Listen to and communicate effectively in writing and in person in order to build rapport and develop effective relationships with others, and to work well with a wide variety of people as needed 3. Record Keeping a. Develop and maintain preserve maintenance checklists and stewardship plans b. Record and maintain data sets of field monitoring/surveys as needed c. Record and manage all field equipment/tools maintenance needs
4. Collaboration with TWC Colleagues a. Assist with prescribed burns, data collection, forestry needs, easement monitoring, or maintenance projects as needed b. Develop GIS mapping skills to assist TWC Marketing and Development staff to highlight preserves as appropriate c. Assist other TWC teams with utilization of preserves as appropriate Key qualifications and skills:  Must have strong interest in conservation  Ability to work independently, complete projects without direct oversight, and communicate proactively with supervisors  Ability to work in all weather and in various types of terrain while carrying equipment  Ability to problem solve  Comfortable in dealing with neighbors or partner organizations in a professional manner  Knowledge of Ohio native plants, habitats, and wildlife  Knowledge of invasive species management  Experience with hand tools, chain saws, brush mowers, weed whackers, ATVs, and other equipment as needed  Experience navigating with compass and GPS/GIS as used for natural resource management  Ability to work with the public in volunteer management and/or education context  Experience with proper and safe herbicide application  Possess strong organizational skills and attention to detail  General computer aptitude: Microsoft Office, social media platforms, data set recording/management, generating reports, record keeping and others as needed  Experience with field monitoring and surveying methods  Possess an understanding of ecological principles and processes  Must possess a minimum of an Associates Degree in a relevant field  Must possess a cell phone and adhere to a posted schedule to ensure personal safety  Must be able to pass a background check  Must possess a valid drives license with a clean driving record