Emerald Trail Steward

International Society of Arboriculture; Jacksonville (FL); On-site; USD 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A nonprofit organization in Jacksonville seeks an Emerald Trail Steward to maintain the Emerald Trail. This full-time role involves performing landscape maintenance, operating equipment, and supporting volunteers. Candidates should have relevant experience, communication skills, and knowledge of Florida plants.

Benefits

Vacation PTO

Sick PTO

Holiday PTO

Simple IRA with company match

Health insurance stipend

Qualifications

• High school education required.
• Two years of experience in professional landscaping needed.
• Experience driving with trailers for transporting loads.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and seasonal trail maintenance, landscaping, and irrigation.
• Operate landscape tools, power equipment, and heavy machinery.
• Assist with tree pruning and removals.

Skills

Excellent verbal communication skills

Attention to detail

Knowledge of Florida plants

Education

High School education

Two-year professional landscaping experience

Valid Florida Driver’s License

Professional landscape certifications or degrees

Job description

Location: Jacksonville, FL
Salary: 42,000

EMERALD TRAIL STEWARD
FLSA Status: Full-Time
Date Prepared/Last Updated: June 2025
Reports to: Emerald Trail Stewardship Manager
Salary and Benefits
$42,000/year plus Vacation, Sick, and Holiday PTO, Simple IRA with company match, and health insurance
stipend.

JOB SUMMARY
The Emerald Trail Steward is responsible for maintaining the Emerald Trail under the direction of the Emerald Trail Stewardship Manager. The role requires a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work well in a team environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
● Perform routine and seasonal trail maintenance, including landscaping, restoration, and irrigation
● Operate and maintain landscape tools, power equipment (chainsaws, blowers, water pumps), and
heavy machinery (mowers, backhoes, skid steer)
● Transport and install plants, haul landscape materials, and secure loads
● Assist with tree pruning and removals.
● Pick up litter, clean signage, and make minor repairs to trail facilities (benches, trash cans, fences)
● Support volunteers on workdays
● Maintain vehicles and equipment

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
● High School education
● Two-year professional landscaping experience
● Two-years of experience driving with trailers and transporting loads
● Valid Florida Driver’s License and good driving record
● Professional landscape certifications or degrees a plus

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
● Excellent verbal communication skills
● Attention to detail and ability to follow a plan
● Knowledge of Florida plants and green infrastructure installation

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
● Ability to work outdoors in hot, humid conditions for extended periods
● Ability to stand, stoop, bend, kneel for long periods of time
● Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
● Available to work a varied schedule, including Saturdays, as needed

CONTACT
To apply, please send resume to [e-mail]

Groundwork Jacksonville is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applications for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation/identification, or any legally protected status.

Groundwork Jacksonville is the City of Jacksonville’s nonprofit partner in building and maintaining the 30-
mile Emerald Trail and restoring McCoys and Hogans creeks. When complete, this signature outdoor
destination of trails, greenways and parks will encircle Jacksonville’s urban core and connect 14 historic
neighborhoods to downtown, McCoys and Hogans creeks, and the St. Johns River.