Location: Greenwich,CT, USA
* Land Steward for Greenwich Audubon Center
** Land Steward for Greenwich Audubon Center**
+ 20 hours ago
Employer: National Audubon Society Location: Greenwich, CT Country: United States Last Date to Apply: 12/31/2021 Open Until Filled: Yes
Position Summary
The Land Steward will help maintain 650 acres of sanctuary property, implement the Habitat Management Plan, and provide support and assistance to the Greenwich Audubon Center Director. The Land Steward will work in partnership with staff from the Greenwich Audubon Center as well as Audubon Connecticut and New York to accomplish the following: sanctuary maintenance, which may include landscaping, mowing, and/or snowplowing, control of invasive plant species, and other habitat restoration activities; development and implementation of conservation plans for sanctuary lands; and administrative assistance on an as-needed basis. The Land Steward will be responsible for stewardship equipment preparation and maintenance as a part of field work, and other responsibilities as assigned. The Land Steward will coordinate volunteer stewardship activities with local volunteers and lead Volunteer Days. Responsibilities include supervising volunteers and contractors and working in close cooperation with partner agencies and organizations, such as the Town of Greenwich and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
Essential Functions
Maintain and assess the stewardship and habitat management goals for each of the sanctuaries managed by the Greenwich Audubon Center.
Create a management activity schedule for all areas in the Habitat Management Plan.
Execute and coordinate the regular completion of management activities per the schedule.
Collaborate with Audubon conservation scientists on the development and implementation of habitat management/conservation plans for each sanctuary.
Oversee restoration and habitat management planning and mapping projects.
Conduct maintenance and restoration activities using appropriate equipment. For example, maintain trails, roads, and open space areas by mowing with a tractor, using a chainsaw, brush cutter, or other power equipment, or hand cutting.
Control invasive and non-native plant species.
Monitor all sanctuaries for habitat quality, including spread of invasive plants or negative human impact.
Post boundaries, build or repair kiosks and trail bridges, construct trail boardwalks, maintain trails, clean up litter, and perform other custodial maintenance on sanctuaries as needed.
In a limited capacity, develop a network of volunteers to assist with land stewardship activities and coordinate volunteer work days.
In a limited capacity, collaborate with Audubon educators and other program staff to connect habitat management and restoration with educational programs, youth training programs, and other community engagement opportunities.
Other duties, including assisting on other projects, as needed and assigned by the Center Director.
Qualifications and Experience
3+ years related work experience in land stewardship, restoration ecology, or biological field work.
Demonstrated knowledge of ecology, natural history, stewardship, and restoration (knowledge of Connecticuts native ecological communities and their natural processes a plus). A combination of experience and education will also be considered.
Ability to work cooperatively with a wide variety of people, follow assignments closely, and work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to keep organized and accurate records and work efficiently without direct supervision.
A high degree of initiative and motivation, as well as innovative and creative problem-solving skills when working independently.
Excellent communication skills; comfortable with diverse audiences, including Board members, town officials, environmental regulators, and volunteers.
Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, ecological land management, and natural resource preservation.
Ability to operate 4-wheel drive, manual transmission vehicles, farm machinery, and chainsaws, as well as experience in general maintenance of equipment.
Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite and other computer programs as needed.
Valid Driver's License.
Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends when needed.
Willing and able to work outdoors in variable weather conditions on uneven terrain and under physically demanding circumstances with or without accommodation.
Ability to perform hard physical work for extended and irregular periods, under adverse conditions and in all extremes of weather, with or without accommodation, required.
Must be able to lift up to 60 pounds with or without accommodation.
Ability to travel when required for research and training.
Degree in life science, forestry, environmental studies, or related field preferred.
Commitment to Audubon mission.
EEO Statement
The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.
Accessibility Statement
The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact ...@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
COVID Policy
Beginning September 15, 2021: Audubon requires all staff either to provide proof of being fully vaccinated or, if they cannot provide such proof for any reason, to wear a mask while working indoors, including in all Audubon facilities and offsite, and while working outdoors in situations where they cannot maintain social distancing. In addition, at this time and until CDC recommendations change, all staff in counties the CDC identifies as having substantial and high COVID transmission rates must wear masks indoors (unless alone in a closed office) and outdoors in situations where they cannot maintain social distancing regardless of vaccination status.
This policy covers national and state offices, centers, and sanctuaries, as well as Audubon employees working offsite. Should you be selected for this position, you will be asked to acknowledge you have read the above policy and provide your vaccination status.
* Land Steward for Greenwich Audubon Center