Conservation Lands Steward

TITLE: Conservation Lands Steward

LOCATION: Office at McLane Center – 84 Silk Farm Road, Concord, NH 03301; responsibilities statewide at NH Audubon Wildlife Sanctuaries. See more at www.nhaudubon.org/lands

HOURS: 35 hours per week, non-exempt (hourly paid) staff position. Additional hours may be required as necessary.

SCHEDULE: Full time, seasonal 30 weeks (~April 15 – November 15).  

FUNCTION: The Conservation Lands Steward supports the mission of New Hampshire Audubon—to protect New Hampshire’s natural environment for wildlife and for people—by maintaining trails and visitor infrastructure, assisting with conservation easement and sanctuary monitoring, and serving as NH Audubon’s front‑line ambassador on Wildlife Sanctuaries across the state. This role is field‑forward, highly interactive, and central to building a strong, connected volunteer community.

The Steward works closely with the Conservation Lands Manager and summer intern, and coordinates directly with volunteers, contractors, and community partners to complete stewardship projects and enhance visitor experience.

SUMMARY: The Lands Steward is a versatile, field‑based position that spends most days outdoors (approximately 65%) completing trail maintenance, infrastructure improvements, habitat projects, and monitoring assignments across NH Audubon’s 40 Wildlife Sanctuaries. The role requires regular travel statewide (using an NH Audubon truck when available), occasional overnight camping—primarily in the Monadnock and White Mountains regions—and frequent engagement with volunteers and visitors.

The Steward is NH Audubon’s primary coordinator for volunteer workdays, trainings, and regional stewardship events. This includes communicating directly with volunteers, leading on‑site project work, supporting independent volunteer groups, and helping build a welcoming, mission‑driven volunteer culture. Office time (approximately 35%) includes planning and coordinating volunteer events, maintaining tools and equipment, preparing maps and monitoring materials, documenting fieldwork, and communicating with landowners, volunteers, and other stakeholders.

The successful candidate will bring strong interpersonal skills, a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and the confidence to represent NH Audubon professionally in the field.

ESSENTIAL WORK DUTIES:

Trails, Infrastructure, and Wildlife Sanctuary Stewardship

• Maintain and improve trails, trail infrastructure, kiosks, signage, and visitor information resources across NH Audubon sanctuaries.
• Conduct field assessments and implement trail reroutes, hazard mitigation, and infrastructure repairs in coordination with the Lands Manager.
• Maintain the Lands Tool Cache, ensuring tools are safe, functional, and well‑organized. Suggest and manage new tool purchases as needed.
• Maintain a clean and organized NH Audubon truck and troubleshoot equipment in the field as needed.
• Manage and mitigate risks appropriately; train staff and volunteers to make safe decisions.
• Maintain sanctuary boundaries and support long‑term boundary marking goals.

Monitoring & Field Documentation

• Conduct conservation easement and sanctuary monitoring visits, including navigation, field documentation, mapping, and follow‑up reporting.
• Prepare monitoring materials, maps, and digital files; assist with data management and recordkeeping.
• Communicate with landowners and partners as needed during monitoring activities.

Volunteer Leadership and Community Engagement

• Serve as the primary coordinator for volunteer workdays, trainings, and appreciation events.
• Lead regional volunteer gatherings that combine light training, community‑building, and stewardship projects (e.g., bog bridge replacement, trail improvements).
• Communicate directly with volunteers to schedule events, share updates, and maintain positive relationships.
• Support independent volunteer groups (e.g., Ponemah Bog) and help integrate solo volunteers into a more connected regional network.
• Provide on‑site supervision, safety briefings, and project leadership for volunteers of varying skill levels.
• Engage visitors and community members as NH Audubon’s front‑line ambassador, explaining stewardship activities, trail closures, reroutes, and wildlife management work.
• Promote educational and recreational use of NH Audubon properties in collaboration with Communications and Education teams.

LEADERSHIP: The Conservation Lands Steward reports to and works closely with the Conservation Lands Manager through regular check-ins; co-prioritization, planning, and implementation of projects; and purchase approvals. This position is supported by a summer intern (10 weeks), and dozens of place-based volunteers.

WORKING CONDITIONS: NH Audubon’s work culture is characterized by excellent colleagues who share a collaborative spirit, commitment to mission, open communication, and high integrity. Our offices are non-smoking, with both open workspaces and private offices.         The Steward works in both office and field environments, with extensive outdoor work in variable weather conditions, on uneven terrain, and in the presence of biting insects. Travel statewide is required.                                   

QUALIFICATIONS:

NH Audubon seeks the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or have a less traditional background. We are looking for applicants with the following:

Education: Bachelor’s degree or working towards completion of a degree in Natural Resources, Forestry, Fisheries or Wildlife Biology, Parks and Recreation, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, or related field required.

Experience – required: 

• 2-4 years aggregate experience in: trail building/maintenance, backcountry skills, light construction, forestry, wildlife/fisheries biology, other natural resources technician positions, sustainable field agriculture, lands maintenance/management or volunteer programming
• Proficiency with map, compass, and GPS; ability to read deed descriptions and locate ground boundaries is preferred.
• Demonstrated effective leadership and project management skills.
• Effective and respectful verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated the ability to work effectively within a diverse community. 

Experience – preferred:

• Experience leading volunteers or community groups strongly preferred.
• Experience with Avenza, GaiaGPS, ArcPro, associated ESRI tools, and cartographic skills are highly desirable.
• Knowledge of and experience with wildlife habitat inventory, management, and enhancement techniques and an understanding of forestry practices are desirable.
• Basic carpentry, grounds maintenance, and tool safety & maintenance skills desirable.

Skills, Traits and Characteristics Necessary for Success: 

• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills; ability to build positive relationships with volunteers and visitors.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, work independently, and make sound field based decisions, sometimes far from HQ or cell service.
• High attention to detail, strong problem solving skills, and excellent organizational habits.
• Proficiency with Microsoft SharePoint and Office Suite.
• Ability to complete field tasks independently and work effectively as part of a team.
• Knowledge of tool safety, usage, and maintenance as it pertains to multi-use trail surveying, building, and maintenance is highly desirable.
• Invasive plant identification and general common plant identification skills are desirable.
• Ability to assess the needs of wildlife sanctuaries (natural and anthropogenic) is highly desirable.
• Having a basic knowledge of the region’s geology, phenology, ecosystems, natural history, and geography is highly desirable.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to stand, stretch, bend, walk, lift, and transport up to 50 pounds.
• Willingness to spend time outdoors in variable weather conditions and in the presence of biting insects with the ability to hike over varied terrain for long distances.
• Ability to operate small watercraft (canoe, kayak, motorboat).
• Valid driver’s license required.
• CPR and First Aid certification required (training can be provided).

COMPENSATION: 

• $18-20/hour payrate, commensurate with experience.
• This position is eligible for a NH Audubon annual membership, employee discounts at the NH Audubon Nature Stores, and access to Pro Deals.
• Use of NH Audubon truck during work-related outings.
• Mileage driven with personal vehicle beyond normal commute reimbursed at current federal rate.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

NH Audubon is a welcoming, inclusive organization that is committed to ensuring people of all backgrounds and abilities are welcome and respected.  NH Audubon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, age, sexual orientation or Vietnam Era/Disabled Veteran status, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, NH Audubon complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location where NH Audubon has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. See more at: https://www.nhaudubon.org/lands/