Land Steward

Land Steward Role–Permanent

Green Forest is a non-profit nature sanctuary. Its team is built around the Land Steward–the person who is the sanctuary’s care giver, the one who gets things done, and who is the closest to the land. The three supporting team “members” include the Board of Directors whose role is to assure the stability of the Green Forest foundation and to see that it is succeeding in its Mission; the Managing Restoration Ecologist whose role, while limited time, is to “read” the ecological status of each of the management units and, using his/ her broader experience, to plan and oversee restoration activities; and the Consulting Restoration Ecologist role is to give a second opinion on the status of the sanctuary.

The Land Steward will be involved in planning, executing, and monitoring restoration progress. He/she will develop a close connection with the plants and animals and witness the changes produced by this effort. While the Managing Restoration Ecologist will train, coach, and advise, almost all of the work is done solo and the focus is on getting things done. If you are comfortable working alone, planning each work day, and taking satisfaction in completing tasks; this would be a good fit for you. Most days will have a variety of tasks to work on and often you can switch from one to another to keep things fresh. Of course, this is outdoor work–some days are hot, some cold, some windy, and some exquisite.

Our approach to restoration differs from what most contractors do: we work at a fine scale and on a long time frame. To succeed we depend on the success of the Land Steward. Attention to details, a curiosity about the plants and animals of the sanctuary, and intimately knowing the land over many years are essential. The ideal Land Steward is someone who finds satisfaction in nurturing and growing living plants and animals and who has roots in the local community. This can be a long term career– witnessing revitalization over time. We will train, provide all the tools and supplies, and encourage the Land Steward’s natural history skill development.

Land Steward Job description

The Mission is to Achieve the Following Key Results:

• Implementation of the Annual Work Plan.
• • • Assist the Managing Restoration Ecologist in drafting and updating the Annual Work Plan.
    • Update work completed on a daily basis.
    • Adjust the daily work to accommodate weather, equipment issues, and urgent changes.
    • Complete daily planned work efficiently and per Annual Work Plan dates assigned.
• Pay attention to the status of each property in ways that are not specific to the day’s work plan. This may lead to work plan changes, ad hoc field work, and input for planning the Annual Work Plan.
• Non-Negotiable Activities
• Achieve the planned results scheduled for each property
• Make good use of his/her time and the time of any seasonal helper.
• Use the timekeeping tool (Clockshark) and mapping tool as required.
• Follow standard practices when there are safety concerns.
• Grow skills and natural history knowledge.
• Primary Activities and Responsibilities
• Confer with the Managing Restoration Ecologist at least biweekly to adjust and prioritize the upcoming two weeks activities per the Annual Work Plan.
• Record all work completed daily (Clockshark).
• Get the scheduled work done including dealing with the unforeseen.
• Repair and keep equipment in good working order.

position Requirements/Skills 

• Likes to work independently.
• Physically able to be active for long days.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Required

• Driver’s License
• Wis Pesticide Applicator License Cat 6 Right-of-ways and Natural Areas (can be completed after hiring).

Physical & Other requirement

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

• All day walking
• Lift 80-100 lbs rarely, carry 30-50 lbs occasionally, and carry 10-30 lbs often.
• Herbicide Applicator Certification to be completed within 6 months.

Travel  No overnight. Work starts when LS arrives at the work site i.e. no travel allowance.

Support Materials  Smartphone and other mobile communication tools and data capture devices. Home computer with internet to update work completed and maps.

Compensation

• Salary (if full time). Part time hourly $28-32.00/hr
• Typical hours—1 March thru 15 November, 25 hrs/ week.  – November 16 thru Feb 28, 7-10 hrs/week.

Benefits None for part time.