Land Steward, Avalonia Land Conservancy

OUR MISSION
We preserve natural habitats in southeastern Connecticut by acquiring and protecting lands and communicating the value of these irreplaceable resources.

Avalonia Land Conservancy, founded in 1968, is a regional land trust dedicated to conservation through the acquisition and stewardship of open space. It is a non-profit, non-political, tax-exempt organization. Avalonia works to acquire, protect, and maintain land of high conservation and habitat value; combat climate change for the benefit of people and wildlife; and ensure healthy, livable communities for now and generations to come.

Avalonia conserves over 5600 acres of land, preserved in perpetuity. Where appropriate, trails are maintained for passive recreation enjoyment including hiking, birdwatching, nature study, and photography. 

Avalonia depends significantly on volunteers and contributions to maintain preserves and to fund operations. It’s volunteers and members work tirelessly and give generously to conserve our local natural resources for the common good.

Position Overview

This position provides support to the Director of Stewardship and Stewardship activities with a focus on administrative and field-based work on Avalonia preserves and conservation easements.  The Land Steward will report to the Director of Stewardship and may oversee and plan the work of interns, consultants, contractors and volunteers related to stewardship, monitoring, or land projects.  

Key Responsibilities 

  1. Work with Town Committees to develop budgets, recruit and coordinate volunteers and assist in planning and implementing preserve work parties and stewardship events, including invasive plant management and restoration projects 
  2. Provide general preserve management, including periodic monitoring and site visits.  Work will include trail maintenance, parking area clean-up, mowing certain fields and trails, etc.  
  3. Support site-specific infrastructure activities, including but not limited to bridge building, kiosk building, and sign installation.
  4. Work with external contractors as directed, including parking area contractors, licensed arborists, surveyors, foresters, and ecological consultants.
  5. Provide support and field supervision of student interns.  
  6. Manage and maintain equipment, including motorized vehicles and hand tools.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree with one or more years of relevant experience in land conservation or related field ideally with knowledge of natural history of New England and land conservation practices
  • Demonstrated teamwork skills.  Strong people skills and ability to work with a variety of constituents, including volunteers, donors, interns, contractors etc.  
  • Ability to work individually and independently 
  • Physically able to conduct demanding field work with hand and mechanical tools and traverse occasionally rough terrain.
  • Excellent attention to detail.  Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and stay organized.
  • Knowledge of map orientation, GPS and field marking and associated software applications.  Experience with GIS mapping and data management software a plus.

Salary in the low 40’s depending on experience

To apply:  Send letter and resume to personnel@avalonialc.org

Avalonia Land Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class.