Land Stewardship Coordinator

Location: 126 W. High St. Lawrenceburg, IN 47025

Organization: The Archaeological Research Institute

Overview: The Archeological Research Institute is on a mission to educate current and future generations about past cultures through the investigation, identification, and preservation of native and non-native sites. We are currently seeking a dedicated and passionate Land Stewardship Coordinator to oversee the management of our archaeological site, experimental eastern agricultural complex (EAC) gardens, and community gardens. This individual will be crucial in preserving the Guard Archaeological Site and other sites and properties under the organization’s protection. They will be an essential member of the ARI team that focuses on protecting the Ohio River Valley’s cultural and natural resources by educating the public on the importance of land stewardship. 

Breakdown of Position Duties & Responsibilities 

• 30% Site Management
• 25% Team Leadership & Mentorship
• 20% Public Education and Outreach
• 15% Program Development & Research
• 10% Administrative, Networking and Collaboration Duties

Key Responsibilities: 

30% Site Management: 

• Oversee and manage the archaeological site, ensuring its preservation and protection. (No archaeological investigations will be led by this position, however you are encouraged to be involved in the development of archaeological research questions.)
• Coordinate and supervise activities within the experimental eastern agricultural complex gardens and community gardens.
• Manage equipment and maintenance to ensure proper functioning and safety.
• Coordinate with subcontractors and partners to facilitate project implementation.
• Create and develop planting schedules and plans for gardens and restoration projects.
• Maintain trails to ensure accessibility and safety for visitors.
• Create native species habitats to enhance biodiversity within the managed areas.
• Track the success of programs related to site management, native species reintroduction, and community engagement.
• Invasive Species Management:
• • • Identify and remove invasive species from the managed sites.
    • Develop and implement strategies for repurposing removed invasive species.
    • Reintroduce native species to restore and enhance the ecological balance of the sites.

25% Team Leadership & Mentorship: 

• Supervise, mentor, and manage a team of 2-5 land managers (The Stew Crew) and volunteers.
• Lead and coordinate AmeriCorps and National Civilian Conservation Corps (NCCC) teams on stewardship projects.
• Provide training and professional development opportunities for team members and volunteers.
• Foster a collaborative and productive work environment.

 20% Public Education and Outreach: 

• Develop and implement educational programs and materials in collaboration with the programming department.
• Engage with the community to raise awareness about the importance of land stewardship.
• Organize and conduct tours, workshops, and events to educate the public about the Ohio River Valley’s regional cultural and natural resources.

 15% Program Development & Research: 

• Work closely with the executive director to develop strategic plans for the land stewardship department, the sites, properties and programs under our control.
• Work closely with the programming department to create engaging and informative educational materials.
• Develop research plans & questions for the stewardship team
• Manage research plans, questions & associated programs
• Share results of research with the public and peers
• Publish results of research
• Develop curriculum and resources for various educational initiatives.
• Evaluate and enhance existing programs to improve their impact and reach.
• Develop and implement a Recycling and Composting Program: ARI Zero Waste Program

 10% Administrative, Networking and Collaboration Duties: 

• Weekly team meetings
• Prepare and manage budgets for land stewardship activities and projects.
• Maintain records and reports related to site management and educational programs.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and standards.
• Meet quarterly with the ARI Board of Directors and committee members.
• Track, prepare and share metrics that pertain to the success of the land stewardship program.
• Research and write grant applications for grants under 25k.
• Work with the fundraising department on identifying and writing grant/funding applications for your department’s programs and initiatives over 25k.
• Network/collaborate with other land stewards, land managers, land conservancy groups, and nonprofits.
• Foster partnerships to share resources, knowledge, and best practices in land stewardship.
• Collaborate on joint projects and initiatives that benefit the community and environment.
• Collaborate with tribal communities on projects and programs:
  • • Talk to tribes about their current priorities and concerns related to their ancestral lands.
    • Seek to understand the tribe’s historical and cultural perspective on the lands in question.
    • Propose a collaborative approach where the tribes have a significant role in decision-making.
    • Establish how the tribes could be involved in each stage of the research and education projects.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in archaeology, anthropology, environmental science, or a related field (Masters preferred).
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in land stewardship, archaeological site management, or a related field.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Experience leading AmeriCorps or NCCC teams is highly desirable.
• Excellent communication and public speaking abilities.
• Experience in developing and implementing educational programs.
• Passion for preserving cultural and natural resources and educating the public.
• Knowledge of the Ohio River Valley’s cultural and natural history is highly desirable.

Skills and Attributes: 

• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of people.
• Creative and innovative approach to problem-solving.
• Enthusiasm for public engagement and community outreach.
• Commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation.

Other Requirements:  

• Live within driving distance for a daily commute to Lawrenceburg, IN
• Flexibility in working hours, as some evening and weekend work is required.
• Regular attendance.
• Detail-oriented.
• Valid driver’s license and must have own vehicle.
• Willingness to learn and participate in ARI educational programming.

Reporting Structure: Executive Director & Land Stewardship Committee  

Works Closely With:  

• Director of Public Archaeology
• Archaeology Coordinator/ VALOR Director
• AmeriCorps/ ArchaeoCorps Director
• Director of Programming
• Director of Philanthropy
• Marketing/Communications Manager
• Volunteer Coordinator

Manages: The Stew Crew (2-5 Team Members) 

• Trails & Land Manager
• Gardens Manager
• Stewardship Educational/Outreach Program Manager
• Volunteers
• Interns
• Students & Campers

Start Date: ASAP – to be discussed at interview 

Working Schedule:  

Full-Time Salary (40-ish hours a week) 

Monday – Friday or Tuesday – Saturday 

9am – 5pm or 8am -4pm  

Compensation: $40,000- $50,000/year depending upon experience and background 

• Salary with bi-monthly paychecks

Benefits & Eligibility:  

Health Insurance Plan – Available after 30 days 

Vacation-  20 days of paid vacation available after six months and one additional day of paid vacation per year after each accrued year of work. (ARI is closed Thanksgiving & Christmas weeks and are additional paid weeks off) 

Retirement Savings – Simple IRA will be offered with a percentage matching up to 3% – Available after 30 days 

Sick Days – Five Paid Sick Days 

Personal Days – Five Paid Personal Days