Land Steward

SER; Kennett Square (Chester County); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Longwood Gardens seeks a Land Steward to manage conservation and enhancement of its natural resources and landscapes. You will promote ecological function, biodiversity, and aesthetic beauty while supporting horticultural and programmatic needs across diverse lands.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years in natural land stewardship, ecology knowledge, and experience supervising students and volunteers. Will work outdoors in varying conditions and operate field equipment safely.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Ecology, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, Horticulture, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in natural land stewardship or ecological restoration.
• Demonstrated knowledge of ecology, land stewardship, and natural resource management principles.
• Experience supervising or directing the work of students and volunteers.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to operate equipment and tools safely (tractor with PTO, skid loader, chainsaws, etc).
• Basic computer proficiency.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to wear respirator and PPE.
• Experience with scientific data collection, analysis, and technical writing.
• Strong knowledge of native plant communities, wildlife species, and ecosystems of southeastern PA and Mid-Atlantic.
• Experience with GIS or mapping software.
• PA Pesticide Applicator’s License and Forklift Operator Certification or the ability to obtain within six months.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOT Physical Qualification Card.

Responsibilities

• Managing land stewardship projects to conserve biodiversity and ecosystem health across Longwood's natural lands.
• Developing project plans and leading implementation with supervisors and stakeholders.
• Coordinating with staff, contractors, students, and volunteers to complete stewardship projects safely and efficiently.
• Supervising and mentoring students and volunteers engaged in stewardship activities.
• Conducting land stewardship tasks including native plant installation, invasive species management, habitat restoration, trail maintenance, wildlife management support, and ecological research support.
• Implementing invasive species control using manual, mechanical, and herbicide methods per regulations.
• Assisting with ecological monitoring, data collection, and research projects.
• Safely operating and maintaining equipment (tractors, skid loaders, chainsaws, etc).
• Sharing ecological knowledge and best practices with staff and guests.
• Contributing to innovative stewardship techniques and operational improvements.
• Supporting special projects, seasonal displays, weather response, and other initiatives as needed.
• Willingness to work weekends, evenings, holidays, and non-standard hours.

Skills

Ecology knowledge

Land stewardship

Project coordination

Supervising volunteers

Safety compliance

Equipment operation

Computer literacy

Education

Ecology related degree

Natural Resources Management degree

Environmental Science degree

Horticulture degree

Tools

GIS Software

Environmental data analysis tools

Job description

As one of the great gardens of the world located just 30 miles outside of Philadelphia, Longwood Gardens is rooted in a steadfast mission of bringing joy and inspiration to everyone through the beauty of nature, conservation, and learning. Across our many departments, each and every staff member creates the magic that makes our Gardens distinctive. Our team of dynamic professionals is what sets us apart, and our spirit of legacy, innovation, and opportunity is what guides us. While beauty is our heart, our people are our soul.

Longwood Gardens is seeking a Land Steward responsible for managing the conservation and enhancement of Longwood Gardens' natural resources and landscapes to promote ecological function, native biodiversity, and natural beauty while supporting the broader operational, horticultural, and programmatic needs of Longwood's natural lands. This position applies technical knowledge of ecological restoration, horticulture, ecological science, and natural areas management while working extensively in the field across a variety of landscapes and weather conditions. Responsibilities include:

• Managing a variety of land stewardship projects to conserve and restore biodiversity, ecosystem health, and habitat quality across Longwood's natural lands.
• Assessing stewardship needs, developing project plans, and leading project implementation in coordination with supervisors and other stakeholders.
• Coordinating and collaborating with staff, contractors, students, and volunteers to ensure stewardship projects are completed safely, efficiently, and effectively.
• Supervising, training, mentoring, and directing the work of students and volunteers engaged in stewardship activities.
• Conducting a wide range of land stewardship activities, including native plant installation and maintenance, invasive species management, habitat restoration, trail maintenance, wildlife management support, ecological research support, and prescribed fire participation.
• Implementing invasive species control measures using manual, mechanical, and herbicide-based methods in accordance with applicable regulations and best management practices.
• Assisting with ecological monitoring, scientific data collection, and research projects that support conservation and restoration initiatives.
• Safely operating and maintaining a variety of equipment, including tractors, skid loaders, utility vehicles, chainsaws, string trimmers, forklifts, brush mowers, and other power equipment.
• Sharing ecological knowledge and stewardship best practices with staff, students, volunteers, and guests.
• Serving as an ambassador for Longwood Gardens by communicating conservation efforts, ecological principles, and the organization's mission in a positive and professional manner and ensuring that all stewardship activities are conducted with careful consideration for guest safety and experience.
• Contributing to the development and implementation of innovative stewardship techniques and operational improvements that enhance ecological outcomes and efficiency.
• Supporting special projects, seasonal displays, snow removal operations, winter weather response activities, and other organizational initiatives as needed.
• Working weekends, evenings, holidays, and other non-standard hours as required.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• An associate's or Bachelor's degree in Ecology, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, Horticulture, or a related field.
• Three or more years of experience in natural land stewardship, ecological restoration, or related work.
• Demonstrated knowledge of ecology, land stewardship, and natural resource management principles.
• Experience supervising or directing the work of students and volunteers.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to operate equipment and tools safely and effectively, such as a tractor with PTO implements, skid loader with attachments, tree spade, auger, chainsaws or other two-stroke engine equipment.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and across varied terrain and lift and carry up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Ability to wear a respirator and other required personal protective equipment.
• Experience with scientific data collection, analysis, and technical writing.
• Strong knowledge of native plant communities, wildlife species, and ecosystems of southeastern Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic region.
• Experience with GIS, mapping software, or environmental data analysis tools.
• A current Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator’s License and Forklift Operator Certification or the ability to obtain each within the first six months of employment.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a DOT Physical Qualification Card.