Land Trust Stewardship Coordinator
Overseeing the long-term conservation and maintenance of protected natural lands and legal easements.
Overview
A Stewardship Coordinator balances technical fieldwork with administrative management to ensure the integrity of protected landscapes. The day-to-day work involves traveling to remote sites to conduct baseline documentation, monitoring biological diversity, and identifying potential encroachment or ecological threats such as invasive species. This role serves as a bridge between scientific research and practical land management, requiring a steady rhythm of seasonal field assessments followed by detailed reporting and data analysis.
The profession is defined by long-term problem-solving where the outcomes are measured in decades of environmental stability. Professionals in this field thrive when they possess a deep affinity for natural sciences and a meticulous approach to documentation and legal compliance. They must navigate a variety of terrains and weather conditions while maintaining professional communication with stakeholders ranging from agricultural operators to government agencies.
Responsibilities
- Conduct annual monitoring visits to eased and fee-owned properties to ensure compliance with conservation agreements.
- Draft detailed baseline documentation reports and current condition reports for new land acquisitions.
- Develop and implement management plans for ecological restoration, invasive species control, and trail maintenance.
- Maintain GIS databases and spatial data to track property boundaries and conservation values over time.
- Coordinate volunteer workdays and educational programs to engage the community in land preservation efforts.
- Review and respond to landowner requests for property modifications according to deed restrictions.
- Collaborate with legal and conservation teams to resolve easement violations or property disputes.
Qualifications
- A bachelor degree in environmental science, natural resource management, ecology, or a closely related field.
- Proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software and GPS data collection tools.
- Demonstrated experience in plant identification and ecological field assessment techniques.
- The physical ability to hike long distances over rugged terrain in various weather conditions.
- Excellent technical writing skills for the production of legal and environmental reports.
Nice to have
- Experience with conservation easement law and Land Trust Alliance standards and practices.
- Certification in pesticide application or prescribed burn management.
- Experience managing contractors and large-scale restoration budgets.
Work environment
- Work is split between a standard office setting and outdoor field locations across various ecosystems.
- Frequent travel to remote properties is required, often necessitating the use of 4WD vehicles or navigational equipment.
- Team interactions occur within small non-profit environments or larger state agencies.
- Standard business hours apply, though seasonal peaks in field monitoring may require weekend flexibility.
Benefits & growth
- Compensation typically includes health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off.
- Career progression often leads to Stewardship Director or Executive Director roles within conservation organizations.
- Professional development is supported through national conservation conferences and specialized technical training.
- The role offers high job satisfaction through tangible contributions to permanent environmental protection.
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