Wilderness Stewardship Director

• position type: Full Time (Exempt)
• Anticipated start date: July 2026 (as early as possible; negotiable)
• Schedule: 09:00 – 17:00 Monday – Friday, flexible
  Weekend and evening work commonly required
  Some travel required; overnight trips into the field required
  Remote work possible (especially in the off season, November – March)

description:

Natural Curiosity, Inc. (view website) is seeking a Wilderness Stewardship Director to support the mission of advancing conservation through research, experiential education, and immersive outdoor experiences. The Wilderness Stewardship Program, in particular, is centered on the Black Fire Recovery Effort through which Natural Curiosity maintains a seasonal trail crew (May – October) to work on trail recovery and maintenance within the 2022 Black Fire Burn Scar. Work by both the Natural Curiosity Trail Crew and supported partner crews serve the dual function of improving landscape health and resiliency in the Gila National Forest while advancing backcountry skills and conservation capacity in Southern New Mexico. The Wilderness Stewardship Director is responsible for guiding and managing all aspects of Natural Curiosity Trail Program, as well as additional projects which fall under Natural Curiosity’s Wilderness Stewardship branch. Administrative tasks include grant writing, budget management and financial reconciliation work, hiring seasonal trail personnel, scheduling work projects, planning volunteer events, ensuring pack support for crews, running payroll, implementing safety protocol and risk management structures, coordinating with partner organizations, maintaining an up-to-date inventory of trail conditions, reporting on accomplishments and expenses, and more. In-field responsibilities include scouting trail projects, training crews, overseeing crew progress, leading partner and volunteer hitches, maintaining Natural Curiosity’s tool cache, and other associated tasks. While trail work is currently the primary focus of this position, other facets of the job may come online in the foreseeable future, including invasive species management, Wilderness character monitoring, and conservation research in wilderness areas. Beyond Wilderness Stewardship, Natural Curiosity offers many forms of immersive outdoor experiences, including jobshiringnearme.org Research, Edutourism, and Educational Programs. The Wilderness Stewardship Director will endeavor at all times to work positively alongside other branches of the organization to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive community at Natural Curiosity. He/she will strive to support a dynamic and multi-faceted calendar of events and the mission of Natural Curiosity across programs.

Qualifications (please apply if you feel you meet a majority of qualifications):

• Desire and ability to create a safe and inclusive work environment
• experience coordinating teams in the field
• Familiarity with risk mitigation strategies for backcountry work
• Proficiency in grant writing, invoicing, and report writing
• Proficiency managing budgets in excess of $250,000
• Experience hiring for multiple positions
• Ability to travel on foot over rough terrain, up to15 miles/day, with loads >60 lbs
• Ability to work long hours in often uncomfortable outdoor conditions
• Adaptability in the face of unpredictable conditions and shifting prioritization of tasks
• Ability and willingness to engage in regular, clear communication, including use of 2-way radios
• Experience with handheld GPS units; Google and Microsoft; ArcGIS, Caltopo, or other mapping software
• Valid driver’s license
• Access to a reliable 4WD or AWD vehicle with current registration & insurance
• Ability to pass a background check
• Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency in financial record keeping with QuickBooks Online
• Wilderness First Responder training
• USFS Crosscut Sawyer Certification (B or C level; bucking & felling certifications preferred)
• Experience with equine pack stock