Coastal Region Assistant Steward

The Coastal Region (CR) consists of the Virginia Eastern Shore (Lower Delmarva Peninsula) including Northampton and Accomack counties, plus the cities of Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth and Norfolk in Tidewater Virginia. The successful candidate will be managed from the Regional Work Center in the Town of Belle Haven on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. The Coastal Region Assistant Steward will assist the Regional Steward and Operations Steward in stewardship of the twelve Natural Area Preserves in the region, focusing on the three Preserves south of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. The successful candidate will primarily work out of the North Landing River Natural Area Preserve in Virginia Beach but will be required to report to the Regional Work Center regularly.  The ideal candidate will be responsible for assisting with resource management activities, engaging with the public, interacting with Inventory Section staff, collecting natural heritage data, and working on maintaining trails, roads, boardwalks and other public access facilities. Occasional weekend work may be required.

Job Duties

• Conduct walking trails, boardwalk, and facilities maintenance.
• Assist with resource management activities, including invasive species management and biological resource monitoring.
• Provide on-site presence and interpretation about natural resources and preserve rules at CR NAPs as needed and directed.
• Help to ensure a balance between resource protection and public use.

Minimum Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of resource management issues, practices, and procedures.
• Basic knowledge of Windows-based computer operation and the ability to effectively use Microsoft Office programs (including Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, etc.)
• Proficient data organization skills to include documenting, updating, and maintaining records; logging data; and keeping inventory of supplies on-hand and/or needed.
• Valid Driver’s license required and experience driving a tow vehicle with a utility trailer.
• Experience using GIS programs and/or mobile applications.
• Maintain high level of physical fitness.
• Experience working outdoors plus operating and maintaining tools and equipment.
• Ability to follow directions, work as part of a team and work independently.

Additional Considerations

• Demonstrated knowledge of biology, botany, resource management, or a similar field.
• Experience with pesticide application and VDACS Registered Technician certification or ability to obtain certification.
• CPR and First Aid certification or ability to obtain certification.
• DCR chainsaw sawyer apprentice certification (or equivalent) or ability to obtain certification.
• Successful completion of the Virginia Boater Safety Course and experience operating vessels; ability to operate a vessel up to 21’.
• Experience working with and/or training volunteers.
• Certifications that allow participation as VDCR burn crew member or the ability to obtain them, including being able to pass a work capacity test (pack test)-arduous level.