Stewardship Coordinator

Huyck Preserve and Biological Research Station; Town of Rensselaerville (NY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A nonprofit conservation organization in New York seeks a Stewardship Coordinator to manage land protection and resource operations. Responsibilities include overseeing invasive species management, maintaining GIS mapping, and coordinating outreach efforts. The ideal candidate has a in relevant fields and a strong commitment to conservation. Submit your application to Dr. Anne Rhoads at the provided email address.

Qualifications

• Completed bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Commitment to conservation with land stewardship experience.
• Strong knowledge of invasive species management.

Responsibilities

• Manage invasive species monitoring and management.
• Maintain GIS mapping and create relevant maps.
• Coordinate with maintenance teams for the preserve's trail system.

Skills

Knowledge of invasive and native species ecology

Communication skills

GIS mapping expertise

Public outreach experience

Interest in conservation

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural resources, biology, environmental science

Tools

ArcGIS

iMapInvasives

iNaturalist

Job description

The Huyck Preserve seeks a Stewardship Coordinator (SC) to manage its land protection and resource management operations. The SC is a fundamental part of the Preserve’s team of year-round staff and plays a significant role in fulfilling the organization’s conservation mission.

The Huyck Preserve is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization encompassing 2,000+-acres of protected land in Rensselaerville, New York. Our mission is to preserve the natural beauty of the Rensselaerville Falls, the watershed of Lake Myosotis and surrounding lands; to conduct long-term research on natural systems as part of a global effort to understand and protect the Earth’s biodiversity; and to increase appreciation of this effort through innovative, field-based educational programs for students, teachers, and the community.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing invasive species monitoring and management through executing and refining the Huyck Preserve’s invasive species management and monitoring plan
• Maintaining the Preserve’s GIS mapping capabilities and creating maps relevant to its mission and program areas
• Coordinating with the Buildings and Grounds Supervisor (BGS) in the maintenance and enhancement of the Preserve’s trail system for user safety and enjoyment
• Leading annual boundary inspection and helping evaluate and resolve potential issues
• Overseeing phenology trail citizen science program and other potential future environmental monitoring efforts initiated at the Preserve
• Performing annual monitoring visit and report for land protected with a conservation easement
• Participating in the prioritization of future land protection projects, and, if additional land is acquired by the Preserve, performing site visits, creating baseline documentation reports, and updating the Preserve’s Land Management Plan
• Training and coordinating seasonal land stewardship staff
• Maintaining and growing a volunteer crew for stewardship activities including trail monitoring and invasive species monitoring and management, and working with the Membership and Outreach Coordinator to plan educational and work days
• Connecting with the public and conservation partners to share information on stewardship and conservation and developing relevant print and online outreach materials
• Identifying and contributing to grant opportunities to increase the Preserve’s conservation and stewardship capacity and participating in other efforts to create sustainable funds for stewardship
• Supporting educational programs and public events
• Contributing to team effort by performing other related duties as required

Qualifications

The ideal Stewardship Coordinator candidate will possess the following qualifications and skills:

• Completed bachelor’s degree in natural resources, biology, environmental science, or related field
• Commitment to conservation and experience/interest in land stewardship
• Strong knowledge, genuine interest, and keen observation skills related to invasive and native species and their ecology and management
• Expertise in GIS mapping programs like ArcGIS and ArcGIS Mobile Advanced
• Experience with citizen science tools such as iMapInvasives, iNaturalist, and Nature’s Notebook
• Experience/interest in public outreach and volunteer organizing
• Excellent communication (writing and speaking) and interpersonal skills

Other Requirements:

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Takes initiative and thinks critically while also carrying out assigned duties accurately
• Well-organized with excellent time management skills
• Positive, enthusiastic attitude
• Interest in and ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, to navigate rugged terrain, and to carry and operate equipment needed to carry out land management operations
• Some weekend or evening work will be required
• Use of personal vehicle will be required
• May be required to drive Huyck Preserve pickup truck
• Willingness to be trained in use of power machinery including chain saws and weed and hedge trimmers
• Must successfully complete a criminal background check and a DOT driving record check before an offer of employment is made

Procedures for Applying

Submit a cover letter and resume to Anne Rhoads, Ph.D., Executive Director, at [e-mail]. Include in your application the names and contact information of three professional references.

The Edmund Niles Huyck Preserve, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, marital status, age, disability, veteran status or any other status protected by law.