Conservation Technician

Westchester Land Trust (WLT) works with public and private partners to preserve land in perpetuity and to enhance the natural resources in Westchester and eastern Putnam counties—a densely populated region under persistent threat from the pressures of development. Founded in 1988, WLT has preserved more than 9,250 acres of open space in suburban, rural, and urban, communities. WLT owns and manages 1,200 acres of preserves, much of which is free and open to the public year-round. WLT is accredited through the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. We have a dedicated professional staff and work as a team to achieve WLT’s mission to protect and to steward our region’s priority conservation lands.

Westchester Land Trust is committed to persistent learning, educating, and training about race, bias, and systemic racism. We are proactively adjusting our organizational systems, structures, and policies to increase equity, address opportunities for growth, and expand the spaces in our organizational culture for those who have not been historically included. Westchester Land Trust is committed to creating a diverse environment and is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Diverse candidates and candidates with nontraditional backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

Overview

WLT is seeking a Conservation Technician to support the stewardship of our preserves. The Conservation Technician position will have a strong focus on visitor experience and habitat management. This position offers exposure to land conservation and nonprofit operations, combined with the opportunity to develop practical field skills.

Work Locations: Field/Outdoors: Approximately 75% of the work will be outdoors on WLT’s preserves and easements across Westchester and eastern Putnam counties. When working in the field, this position requires working outside in variable weather conditions under physically demanding circumstances. Indoors: About 25% of the work is office-based and includes mapping, reporting, trainings, and meetings. Indoor work may be at the WLT office or a WLT-approved remote location per company policy.

Tasks: 70% preserve stewardship and management; 15% volunteer coordination; 10% conservation education and outreach; 5% easement monitoring.

Transportation: Must have reliable personal vehicle for travel to/from office; a WLT vehicle will be available for transporting equipment/supplies that are not transportable via a personal vehicle.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable visitor experience at preserves through timely monitoring, maintenance, and repair of trails, kiosks and signs, parking, and infrastructure.
• Steward WLT preserves as model properties for habitat management, including establishing and managing ecosystem restoration areas. This includes constructing and maintaining deer fencing, invasive species management, and installing and maintaining native plantings.
• Manage the day-to-day use and maintenance of stewardship tools and equipment.
• Assist in overseeing surveys, preparation of management plans, and other stewardship tasks.
• Perform annual preserve monitoring and reporting, including inspection of property boundaries and infrastructure. Identify and document encroachments, and work to resolve them with the Preserve Manager and Vice President of Conservation.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of field work through reports, photos, and memos.
• Foster community support by cultivating relationships with school, corporate, and community groups. Lead community programs and engage with stewardship volunteers of all ages and abilities on visitor experience and habitat improvement projects.
• Generate content to support communications including social media, newsletters, and other brand collateral.
• Assist colleagues with projects as needed, including community engagement and fundraising.

Education and Experience Requirements

• High school or college graduate with strong interest in land management, ecology, recreation management, botany, horticulture, environmental, or related field.
• Enthusiasm and dedication for conservation and stewardship. Prior experience with land stewardship or closely related activities preferred.
• Common native and invasive plant identification preferred.
• Strong work ethic and interpersonal skills with interest in engaging with diverse communities.
• Ability to prioritize safety and situational awareness in the field.
• Experience, or willingness to learn, using power equipment (e.g., weed whackers, hand drills, chainsaw, etc.).
• Comfortable working independently, within a team, and within leadership roles.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; preferred experience with ArcGIS.
• Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain including frequent standing, bending, twisting, lifting, pushing/pulling, and hiking alone for several miles.
• Valid driver’s license.

WLT is committed to cultivating a staff that is representative of the communities we serve. We are open to the possibility that a great candidate for this job may not precisely meet all the above criteria; if you believe you’re the right person for this job, we encourage you to apply.

Salary and Benefits

$53,000–$55,000. Competitive benefit package includes health insurance, retirement plan/employer match, 11 paid holidays, and generous PTO.

To Apply

Send cover letter and resume to [email protected] with a subject line of Conservation Technician Application. No phone calls, please. Applications without a cover letter will not be reviewed. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

Westchester Land Trust is an equal opportunity employer and acts in accordance with applicable law in all of our hiring and employment practices.