Land Steward/ Educator- Pound Ridge, NY
Organization: The Pound Ridge Land Conservancy, Inc.
Job Title: Land Steward/ Educator
Location: Pound Ridge, NY
Hours and Compensation: salary $22,000 + housing
Application Deadline: Dec 9
Posted on: Nov 18
Organization Overview:
PRLC owns and stewards 350 acres in the town of Pound Ridge with conservation easements held in partnership with the Westchester Land Trust of another 100 acres. Visit our website for several sample property descriptions.
Description: The Land Steward/Educator will be hired as an independent contractor, reporting directly to the Board of Directors. Projected start date is March 1, 2012.
Responsibilities:
(1) The Land Steward/Educator will be responsible for the development of a viable “conservation project plan” for the Armstrong Preserve to evaluate and target conservation values, actual and potential threats to flora and fauna, including an assessment of the natural resources of the Preserve. The goal of the conservation plan is to ensure continued sound conservation project planning, analysis, land management and monitoring as well as effective land steward administration for the Armstrong Preserve and other protected lands. S/he will have responsibility for two projects now underway as well as projects targeted for implementation during the 12-month contract.
(2) The Land Steward/Educator will design and implement a structured and sustainable volunteer program at the Armstrong House and Preserve (Education Center) in conjunction with a sub-committee of the Board of Directors. The candidate will assist with growing community and school partners, networking, and community connections to build volunteer opportunities and programming at the Education Center. S/he will participate in the development of outreach and messaging materials, organize meetings and events. The structured volunteer program will include: a) screening for defined volunteer opportunities; b) a series of age and interest appropriate volunteer trainings facilitated by both the candidate and others; c) a program of supervision and, d) a program of evaluation materials and metrics to analyze both outreach efforts and participation.
(3) The Land Steward/Educator will be responsible, in conjunction with a subcommittee of the Board of Directors, for overseeing/monitoring the independent energy systems of the residence and for the onsite recycling, composting and rainwater collection programs as well as writing a weekly blog about living off the grid and “lighter on the land”. The candidate will assist with tours of the residence, leading guided trail hikes and facilitating outdoor classroom experiences, assist with maintenance and construction projects at the preserves and help execute organization events throughout the year.
Qualifications/Skills:
- Undergraduate or Masters Degree in natural resources related field such as environmental science, natural resource management/forestry, or 2-3 years equivalent experience in land management, habitat restoration or natural resource management.
- Understanding of current restoration and resource management techniques. Able to identify conservation values and design protection strategies for particular habitats.
- Experience in designing and implementing volunteer or community-based programming, providing supervision and evaluative metrics
- Computer/digital expertise with current word processing, spreadsheet, GIS and GPS programs and equipment, iphoto and Internet savvy. Good Writing skills.
- Excellent organizational and communication/interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively and tactfully present information to various constituencies in alternative educational settings.
- Ability to work independently, set priorities and meet deadlines.
- Ability to meet job requirements with changing seasonal demands, working odd hours, occasional weekends and in adverse weather conditions. Must hold a valid driver’s license and current insurance and be comfortable using hand tools. Front or 4-wheel drive vehicle preferred to access residence.
How to Apply:
Send resume, cover letter and writing sample on a subject related to the job opportunity to:
The Pound Ridge Land Conservancy att. Elyse Arnow at [email protected] with a copy to [email protected].
