Stewardship Assistant

About the Organization

Natural Lands is a vibrant, regional, nonprofit organization and leader in land conservation, natural resource stewardship, and public engagement. Since the early 1950s, Natural Lands has saved open space, cared for nature, and connected people to the outdoors in eastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. Today, the organization is one of the nation’s largest regional land conservancies, preserving over 135,000 acres, including a network of 40+ nature preserves and one public garden across two states and 13 counties. These properties total 23,000 acres and are enjoyed by more than 300,000 visitors annually.

Natural Lands seeks to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, aiming to build a workplace where employees feel empowered to be their full, authentic selves.

About the Role

The Stewardship Assistant supports Preserve Managers and Building Stewardship staff in land management and maintenance of equipment, roads, and structures. This role involves operating power equipment such as chainsaws, tractors, and lawn mowers, and performing all tasks necessary for the maintenance of Natural Lands preserves. The position primarily assists at Bryn Coed and Binky Lee Preserves but may work at any Natural Lands location as needed. Occasional weekend, evening, or holiday work may be required.

Responsibilities

• Meadow/lawn mowing and trail/road maintenance with lawn and farm tractors
• Trimming around buildings as needed
• Maintenance and operation of equipment owned by Natural Lands, including farm tractors, commercial mowers, chainsaws, and other preserve maintenance equipment
• Assisting the Building Stewardship crew in building repairs and renovations
• Restoration of degraded natural areas
• Transfer of heavy equipment via truck and gooseneck trailer
• Adherence to Natural Lands’ stringent safety program and appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment
• Assisting with preserve events and membership activities
• Trash collection within Preserves and along public roads
• Monitoring the land and structures for unwarranted use and vandalism
• Posting of Preserve boundaries
• Conducting bird censuses
• Participating in Natural Lands’ prescribed fire program

Requirements

• Highly motivated, responsible, reliable, and dependable
• Capable of performing a wide variety of physically demanding tasks
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and a good driving record
• Customer service attitude and comfort working with the public
• Flexibility when dealing with changes in work plans
• Adequate skills and familiarity with the safe operation and care of basic hand and power tools
• Willingness to perform subordinate tasks such as clean-up
• Regular and consistent attendance required
• Successfully pass a background check

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Capable of performing physically demanding tasks, including sitting, standing, bending, squatting on uneven terrain, walking, climbing, and lifting/pushing up to 50 lbs. repeatedly
• Occasional work on weekends, evenings, and holidays as requested
• Prepared to work outdoors under all conditions, including heat, cold, and exposure to poison ivy, biting/stinging insects, etc.

Benefits

Natural Lands provides comprehensive benefits for eligible employees, including:

• Health insurance
• Retirement plans
• Paid time off, including vacation and holidays
• Professional development opportunities