Preserve Manager

~ The Westchester Land Trust (WLT), founded in 1988, is the leading land conservation organization prioritizing the entirety of Westchester County and eastern Putnam County and was one of the first land trusts in the nation to be accredited through the independent Land Trust Accreditation Commission. ~

WLT has protected over 8,300 acres across 240 conservation easements and preserves. We have a small professional staff of 10, and all work together as a team to achieve WLT’s mission to protect and to steward our region’s priority conservation lands.

Position Overview

WLT is looking for a passionate and engaging Preserve Manager to implement the ongoing stewardship of our 29 (and growing) nature preserves. The ideal candidate will be excited to steward preserve lands in a populous, but ecologically diverse region of New York State, and to engage the public on the important role that land conservation plays in such a setting.

Responsibilities include regular monitoring of all preserves to ensure a safe and enjoyable visitor experience, boundary integrity, and prioritization of natural resource management needs. This position will also assist WLT’s efforts to foster continued community support by cultivating relationships with school, corporate, community and conservation groups. Approximately 75% of this position is field-based and approximately 25% is office-based.

Start Date: February 2019

Responsibilities

• Perform quarterly monitoring of all 29 preserves including inspection of boundaries, trails, infrastructure and stewardship projects; be able to identify and document encroachments;
• Maintain welcoming visitor experience at WLT preserves and headquarters through timely maintenance of infrastructure including kiosks, fences and exclosures, trails and parking lots, signage and postings, updating of maps, mowing and weed whacking;
• Manage native plant propagation nursery at WLT’s headquarters with intent to out-plant on WLT preserves;
• Assist in managing issues related to WLT preserve surveys, neighbor relationships and encroachments;
• Engage WLT preserve neighbors and community in conservation programs including invasive species pulls, field walks, native plantings, natural resource inventories, trail maintenance, and other activities;
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records for all preserve-related information; independently and collectively carry out all reporting requirements associated with responsibilities;
• Work with the Conservation Programs Coordinator to cultivate and grow our volunteer base for work on WLT preserves; oversee execution of volunteer projects that advance management plans on WLT preserves;
• Develop strategic work plans and budgets, in collaboration with WLT’s stewardship team, that sustainably develop WLT’s preserves into recreational destinations;
• Grow WLT preserves as model properties for ecosystem management including enhancements and restorations; research and employ best practices;
• Assist in the writing and implementation of management plans for WLT’s newly acquired preserves and updates to management plans for legacy preserves;
• Continuously look for opportunities to improve effectiveness and efficiency of all aspects of WLT preserve management.

Qualifications

• Ability to walk several miles per day over rough terrain in all weather conditions, lift more than 50 pounds, and safely use power equipment like chainsaws and brush hogs;
• A valid driver’s license and ability to drive pickup trucks with trailers.
• Minimum B.S in a relevant field of study; Master’s preferred;
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in land stewardship;
• Knowledge of and experience with management of natural resources, trail building, invasive plant control, and native plant propagation and restoration;
• Experience in safe operation of commercial-grade equipment including lawn and brush mowers, chainsaws, weed whackers, hand and pole saws, and hand tools;
• Proficiency with field equipment such as GPS units, digital cameras, compass and maps;
• Proficiency with software including GIS and Microsoft Office, social media platforms;
• Ability to work both in a team environment as well as independently with minimal supervision;
• A strong orientation to detail, and ability to create and maintain records critical to the performance of WLT’s mission and legal responsibilities;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and facility to educate/communicate with a diverse community;
• Willingness to acquire NYS Pesticide Applicator License.

Compensation

• Salary: $50,000-$55,000, plus eligibility for annual merit bonus;
• Benefits: Competitive benefit package including health insurance, retirement plan/employer match, generous PTO.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to upload your cover letter and resume;
• No phone calls please;
• Applications without a cover letter will not be reviewed;
• Applications Due: 1/11/2019 or until position filled.

~ Westchester Land Trust is an equal opportunity employer and acts in accordance with applicable law in all of our hiring and employment practices. ~