Land Steward

To apply: please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references in one PDF document to info@prlc.net with the subject line “Land Steward.”

Job Description

The Pound Ridge Land Conservancy (“PRLC”) is seeking a passionate, self-motivated, and intellectually curious Land Steward to guide and grow the organization’s impact in 2023 and beyond.

PRLC is a thriving private land trust operating in Pound Ridge, New York. Located 45 miles north of Manhattan, Pound Ridge is a semi-rural town of approximately 5,000 residents in Northeastern Westchester County.  PRLC protects more than 550 acres of undeveloped land and manages 20 preserves, three conservation easements, and more than 12 miles of hiking trails.  

The Land Steward is critical to the success of PRLC’s mission and is responsible for managing PRLC’s protected properties as well as educational and volunteer programs. As the only staff member, this position requires the employee to perform their duties under minimal supervision with the ability to communicate effectively and proactively with the Board of Directors, volunteers, partners, and contractors.

Summary of Duties:

Living and working out of the historic Armstrong House, the Land Steward is responsible for: 

  • Prioritizing, developing, and implementing stewardship plans for PRLC’s preserves

  • Managing PRLC’s conservation easement portfolio

  • Coordinating, overseeing and evaluating PRLC’s educational activities

  • Supporting PRLC’s Board of Directors in conducting community outreach and collaborating with partner organizations 

Detailed duties are as follows:

Land Stewardship (approximately 70% of time):

  1. Oversee the stewardship of PRLC properties, create and implement management plans and work projects for each preserve consistent with best practices and LTA guidelines.

  2. Support ecological health and resiliency through habitat restoration. Coordinate and conduct removal and management of invasive species. Promote successful native plant regeneration through plant protection, forestry, and replanting strategies. 

  3. Conduct annual monitoring and reporting on all fee and easement properties consistent with LTA guidelines. Identify and document encroachment issues and trespass violations, reporting to and working with the Stewardship Committee towards resolutions.

  4. Conduct and coordinate regular trail monitoring and maintenance.

  5. Assist the Board in making land acquisition decisions, including assisting with landowner relations, conducting initial site visits, project mapping and environmental due diligence on potential acquisition properties, assisting with negotiations and making recommendations.

  6. Manage PRLC’s GIS database. Create new maps and collect GPS data as necessary.

  7. Install and maintain kiosks, signs, boundary markers, entrances and other property improvements as necessary.

  8. Plan and lead volunteer work sessions, held on one Saturday per month, April to December (8-9 sessions per year, weather permitting). Other volunteer work activities coordinated at the Land Steward’s discretion.

  9. Oversee PRLC’s volunteer land steward program, coordinating with individual volunteer land stewards as needed to assist with stewardship projects such as trail maintenance and restoration work on assigned preserves.

  10. Work with the Board Executive Committee in writing, administering and reporting grants to support stewardship and other organizational efforts.

  11. Procure and maintain materials, supplies, and equipment to carry out stewardship activities and responsibilities.  Research the need for permits and assist the Executive Committee in obtaining any required permits in advance of project or activity.

  12. Maintain stewardship records and data consistent with LTA guidelines.

Outreach and Education (approximately 25% of time):

  1. Plan and conduct approximately six public guided hikes per year, themed at the discretion of the Land Steward. Coordinate additional educational programming with the Board.

  2. Organize and oversee  a summer internship program for at least two college students; The internship program may also include high school seniors, May-June, who pursue their independent experience requirements with PRLC.

  3. Represent PRLC at local events.

  4. Maintain mutually beneficial relationships with other land trusts and related organizations, including participation in LHPRISM and H2H partnerships or other organizations as requested by the Board of Directors.

Administration/Miscellaneous (approximately 5% of time):

  1. Provide technical and specialized content for PRLC’s website, semi-annual newsletters, quarterly e-bulletins, social media, and similar outreach venues.

  2. Maintain participant documentation for all public events, workshops and hikes.

  3. Take photos at events and post to social media as appropriate.

  4. Send email invitation/reminder to Board and public of monthly events and volunteer work sessions.

  5. Track time spent on projects, volunteer hours and oversee intern time management.

  6. Attend and present information at Board, committee, and annual membership meetings.

Required Qualifications and Skills:

  • A four-year degree in natural resource management, ecology & environmental sciences, forestry, outdoor recreation or related field. A master’s degree is preferred.

  • At least two years of experience in land management, ecological restoration or related area. Prior experience with a land trust preferred, with specific understanding of annual monitoring protocols, conservation easements, and LTA standards & practices. 

  • Knowledge of local flora and fauna as well as invasive species identification and management techniques.

  • Strong experience in using and managing GIS data and GPS data collection. Experience with ArcGIS preferred, with experience using ArcPro and ESRI field maps or other mobile data collection being highly desirable.

  • Experience reading and interpreting legal property documents such as deeds, easements, title reports, and survey maps.

  • Proficiency in the use and maintenance of chainsaws, power equipment, and hand tools. Chainsaw safety certification and experience with tree felling, and handling hazard trees preferred but willing to coordinate training for the right candidate.

  • Experience with field research including collecting and analyzing ecological data.

  • Basic carpentry, landscaping, equipment troubleshooting, and trail building skills

  • Strong organizational, database management, writing and interpersonal communication skills. An attention to detail and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

  • A demonstrated capability to perform physically demanding work and hike in rough terrain and varying weather conditions. Ability to lift and carry materials up to 50 pounds.

  • Applicants should have an enthusiasm and commitment to conservation and the mission, goals, and values of Pound Ridge Land Conservancy.

  • Proficiency in computer skills, including but not limited to Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, Adobe Acrobat.

  • A valid driver’s license and a personal vehicle are required.

Other Desired Skills:

  • Experience conducting outdoor education programs.

  • Experience working with, leading, and organizing volunteers.

  • Ability to draft social media posts for an organization and experience in photography and/or video production.

  • Experience with gardening, plant propagation, tending plant nurseries and chickens.

  • Having a New York pesticide applicators license or the desire to obtain one.

Schedule:  

An average of 40 hours per week with a flexible work schedule, which may include occasional longer field days, evenings or weekends to assist or lead events such as volunteer work sessions, guided hikes, or other community outreach programs.

Compensation & Benefits:

Full time position, with competitive salary and benefits, commensurate with experience. Housing is included at the Armstrong House, PRLC’s headquarters – the location of the Land Steward’s office and stewardship equipment. The Armstrong House is a 3-bedroom 2-bath home with yard, gardens and chicken coop, all located within the heart of the 43-acre Armstrong Preserve which provides miles of hiking trails right out the front door. All utilities are provided, including cleaning and snow plowing. The house is located in the Katonah-Lewisboro School System, one of the finest public school systems in the country. PRLC provides a substantial stipend to help cover health care insurance costs. Paid Time Off is allotted annually and includes two personal days, two weeks of vacation, and 13 Federal/State Holidays. An additional vacation day is added for each year of service. Family Leave complies with New York State’s generous policy.

To Apply:

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references in one PDF document to info@prlc.net with the subject line “Land Steward.”

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis after December 16, 2022, and applicants are encouraged to apply early. Incomplete applications will not be considered. No phone calls please.

The position will remain open until filled. The Pound Ridge Land Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.