THE POSITION WITH NWALT:
The Northwest Arkansas Land Trust seeks qualified applicants for the position of Land Stewardship Coordinator (LSC). The LSC plays a critical role in the organization and must have experience in land stewardship, natural resources management, and a strong background in the biological sciences. The LSC serves as the boots-on-the-ground land manager for nature preserves as well as chief monitor of conservation easements. The LSC works in a team with the Director of Land Stewardship and stewardship staff/interns to manage properties owned by the Land Trust and protect conservation values on easements placed on private lands. The position requires quick development of a comprehensive knowledge of the land trust’s policies, procedures, operations, programs, partnerships, and core values. The LSC takes ownership of day-to-day management activities on all Land Trust owned properties.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE:
This position is approximately 75% field work with daily activities consisting of habitat restoration activities, trail and public infrastructure maintenance, invasive plant removal and control, biological inventories, baseline documentation and property condition report preparation, and on-the-land volunteer event coordination/support. A strong work ethic and initiative are a must. Conditions in Northwest Arkansas can be hot, humid, and buggy in the summer, and wet and cold in the winter.
The LSC works under direction of the Director of Land Stewardship and is responsible for implementing management and public access plans on Land Trust owned properties and for monitoring and working with landowners to protect the conservation values of Land Trust held easements on private lands. The LSC is also responsible for directing and managing volunteers and contractors in the field and managing restoration work under various grants. Attention to detail and timely submittal of reports is paramount.
The LSC reports to the Director of Land Stewardship and works closely with other staff towards meeting the Land Trust’s stewardship and management objectives. The LSC may occasionally be called upon to present to various partner groups, submit field notes and photos for social media and outreach efforts, lead tours of properties for various supporters, and serve on special project and/or event committees with Land Trust partner organizations. Additionally, the LSC will be responsible for equipment and work truck maintenance and occasional facility maintenance at the Land Trust office.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience in natural resource management or similar field Experience working outdoors including rigorous field work, trail maintenance, invasive plant removal, and the use of power tools and operating UTV/ATVs
- There is a significant field work component to this position - must be able to traverse varied terrain while carrying program equipment, perform physically demanding tasks such as hiking long distances, and manual labor
- Willing and able to conduct fieldwork in various terrain and weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, and rugged landscapes.
- Comfortable working alone in remote outdoor areas for extended periods
- Possession of current Arkansas Pesticide Applicators License or be willing to obtain one
- Experience with the practical use of GPS and GIS including plotting waypoints, polygons and tracks, finding points in the field when given coordinates, and uploading to appropriate software.
- Project management experience- specifically working with and directing contractors and managing grant deliverables
- Ability to interpret and implement land management plans
- Some knowledge of field mapping, aerial photo interpretation, and biological survey techniques
- Experience working with landowners, civic groups, and partner organizations
- Exemplary communication abilities including written, oral, and presentation skills
- Ability to set and implement priorities, manage multiple projects, and evaluate project success
- Strong computer & technology skills
- Experience and willingness to collect field data, draft reports, and present findings
- Willingness to work occasional irregular hours, including weekends, evenings and/or holidays
- Volunteer coordination and management experience is a huge plus
- Must have a valid driver’s license and safe driving record
Applicants who do not demonstrate the above required qualifications will not be considered.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s Degree or higher in the biological sciences or natural resources
- Knowledge of leading trends in land and ecosystem management techniques
- Experience with planning and implementing prescribed burns
- Experience monitoring conservation easements and creating baseline documents
- Experience working with conservation organizations and agencies in Arkansas
- Experience surveying for plants and wildlife in Northwest Arkansas
PAY AND BENEFITS:
- Salary commensurate with experience and demonstrated skills (up to $41,600 annually)
- Paid holidays, vacation, sick and personal leave (PTO)
- Optional health insurance enrollment: 100% employee premium paid by NWALT
- Professional memberships and training encouraged and paid for by NWALT
HOW TO APPLY :
All applications must be received by 5pm Central Time, August 1, 2024. Successful applicants must meet or exceed the minimum qualifications outlined above. Please see the job posting on our website for details on how to apply.
Application Materials:
- Resume
- Detailed cover letter highlighting your interest and relevant experience
- Provide three references who can speak to your land stewardship experience
The Northwest Arkansas Land Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: Up to $41,600.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Application Question(s):
- Are you comfortable working in remote field locations, in challenging terrain and weather conditions (including extreme heat, cold, rain)?
Experience:
- natural resource management (or similar field): 3 years (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License and safe driving record (Preferred)
Work Location: In person