Stewardship Assistant

About the role

The Stewardship Assistant supports Preserve Managers and Building Stewardship staff with land management, equipment maintenance, and upkeep of roads and structures across Natural Lands preserves. This position primarily assists at Bryn Coed and Binky Lee Preserves or ChesLen Preserve but may work at any Natural Lands location as needed.

Responsibilities

• Meadow/lawn mowing and trail/road maintenance using lawn and farm tractors
• Trimming around buildings as needed
• Maintenance and operation of equipment, including farm tractors, commercial mowers, chainsaws, and other preserve maintenance tools
• Assisting the Building Stewardship crew with building repairs and renovations
• Restoration of degraded natural areas
• Transporting heavy equipment via truck and gooseneck trailer
• Adhering to Natural Lands’ safety program and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Assisting with preserve events and membership activities
• Collecting trash within preserves and along public roads
• Monitoring land and structures for unauthorized use or vandalism
• Posting 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 to adapt to changes in work plans
• Professional demeanor in carrying out tasks
• Adequate skills and familiarity with the safe operation and care of basic hand and power tools
• Willingness to perform subordinate tasks, such as cleanup
• Regular and consistent attendance
• 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 in all conditions, including exposure to heat, cold, poison ivy, and biting/stinging insects