JOB DESCRIPTION

About Audubon

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary:

The Land Steward will be an integral member of the Greenwich Center and Audubon CT/NY teams. Under the direction of the Manager, Land Stewardship, they will help restore and maintain approximately 686 acres across seven sites within the town of Greenwich thereby helping the Greenwich Center meet Audubon’s strategic plan milestones for Habitat and Community Building. Specific tasks may include:

• Hands-on sanctuary maintenance, including invasive plant removal, mowing, tree and shrub planting and pruning, pest management, snowplowing, trail construction and repair, and other habitat restoration activities.
• Preparing, operating, and maintaining field equipment including gas-powered chainsaws, pole pruners, leaf blowers, weed whackers, hedge trimmers, and a variety of hand tools.
• Assisting with volunteer engagement and public outreach, including the scheduling, coordination, and leadership of volunteer stewardship activities.
• Collaboration on the development and implementation of conservation plans.
• Administrative assistance on an as-needed basis

Additional tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the expertise and professional interests of the Land Steward and the objectives and priorities of the Greenwich Audubon team.

This is a full-time position, generally with a schedule of Monday – Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm, but those hours can vary based on the program and project schedule.

Compensation:

$25.50 – $27.00/hour

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions:

• Utilize available equipment to coordinate and execute routine management activities as directed by the Manager, Land Stewardship and outlined in the Greenwich Audubon Center habitat management plan.
• Conduct special maintenance and restoration projects (i.e. trail clearing and mapping, basic forest inventories, boundary marking, tree removal, etc.) as needed.
• Aid in the identification and control of non-native, invasive plant species and insect pests.
• Complete general plant care and maintenance work, including planting, watering, mulching, weeding, and pruning.
• Monitor all sanctuaries for habitat quality, including spread of invasive plants, physical damage, and/or negative human impacts.
• Assist with the construction and repair of physical infrastructure including kiosks, trail boardwalks, signposts, bridges, and fencing.
• Assist in the planning and execution of volunteer workdays and public outreach activities. May include development of educational materials such as plant ID guides and informational signage.
• In a limited capacity, additional functions as needed and assigned by the Manager, Land Stewardship and/or Center Director.
• Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the Americas including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities.
• Maintains and fosters culture of safety.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Some formal education in forestry, environmental studies, biology, or a related field OR at least 1 year of relevant work experience in land stewardship, restoration ecology, or biological field work.
• Familiarity with foundational concepts in ecology, natural history, stewardship, and restoration (knowledge of native and non-native plants and CT’s ecological communities is a plus).
• Ability to work cooperatively with a wide variety of people, follow assignments closely, and work independently of supervisor.
• Ability to keep organized and accurate records and work efficiently without direct supervision.
• A very high degree of initiative and motivation, as well as innovative and creative problem-solving skills when working independently.
• Strong communication skills; comfortable with diverse audiences, including Board members, visitors, students, and volunteers.
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

Equipment Requirements:

• Ability or willingness to learn how to operate and maintain 4-wheel drive utility vehicles, farm machinery, chainsaws, and other power equipment.
• Comfortable with the use of Microsoft Office Suite, Field Maps, ArcGIS, and other computer programs as needed.
• Valid driver’s license.

This position is represented by the Communication Workers of America (CWA).

Physical Requirements: The Land Steward is expected to work outdoors in variable weather conditions and under physically demanding circumstances. The ability to perform hands-on, physical work for extended and irregular periods and under a range of weather conditions is required. Successful applicants will be expected to lift up to 60lbs. at a time and stand and/or walk for extended durations.

Affordable housing may be available. If housed in an Audubon-owned property, staff must vacate the premises no later than thirty days after the date of termination.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact [email protected]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.