Stewardship Associate

Summary

The Stewardship Associate provides essential administrative and field support for the organization’s conservation easement stewardship program. This position assists with annual monitoring of protected properties, maintains easement documentation and records, supports landowner relationships, and performs various administrative duties to ensure effective long- term stewardship of conservation lands. The position combines office-based administrative work with field monitoring activities throughout Minnesota.

Organization Values

All employees of the Minnesota Land Trust are expected to embrace the ideals of our organization’s values and incorporate our values into their ongoing work. All employees should be familiar with the current values statement.

Duties and Responsibilities

Easement Monitoring – 35%

• Conduct annual monitoring visits in person or by analyzing satellite imagery to assess compliance with easement terms.
• Prepare monitoring reports and follow-up correspondence to landowners.
• Review monitoring reports completed by interns.
• Provide support in the training of volunteer and non-Stewardship staff monitors.
• Schedule monitoring visits in accordance with landowner availability and make reservations of lodging and rental cars.

Baseline Documentation and Record Keeping – 30%

• Prepare updated baseline documentation reports.
• Compile conservation data and fieldwork for use in baseline reports.
• Utilize digital photography, GPS and GIS technology for reports.
• Maintain records of conservation easement projects.

Landowner Support – 20%

• Cultivate resources (educational, financial, technical) to support landowners with their land management activities.
• Write, edit and gather testimony as part of the preparation and delivery of print and electronic communications to landowners.
• Advise landowners on habitat management in accordance with habitat management plan and conservation easement.
• Interpret and answer questions regarding the Conservation Easement documents for Landowners

Stewardship Administration – 15%

• Assist with research and mapping of issues related to conservation easements enforcement and interpretation.
• Assist in the hiring, training, and supervision seasonal interns.
• Provide general office support (event coordination, technology questions, mailing correspondence, organizing and digitizing files) as needed.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education, Experience, Licenses/Certifications

• A bachelor’s degree and two (2) years of experience in conservation, ecology, habitat restoration, wildlife biology, or related science field; Or, equivalent combination of education, training, and experience; and
• Valid MN Driver’s License

Knowledge

• Natural resource management principles and conservation practices
• Minnesota ecosystems, habitats, and native species identification
• Basic understanding of legal documents and conservation easement terminology
• Field sampling techniques and data collection protocols
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and GPS technology
• Database management and record keeping best practices
• Preferred: Knowledge of habitat restoration techniques and understanding of agricultural practices and land use

Skills

• Written communication
• Verbal communication
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Database applications and web-based information management
• Digital photography and photo documentation
• GPS data collection and management
• Basic GIS and mapping software
• Organizational and Prioritization
• Time management
• Detail orientation and attention to accuracy
• Interpersonal skills

• Preferred: Drone operation and aerial imagery analysis

Abilities

• Work independently in remote field settings and collaboratively as part of a team
• Effectively communicate with a diverse group of individuals, including staff, volunteers, landowners, and partners
• Manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Navigate using maps, GPS, and aerial imagery
• Interpret technical and legal documents
• Problem-solve in field situations
• Adapt to changing weather conditions and field circumstances
• Learn and apply new technologies and software systems
• Work weekends and evening as necessary

Physical Demands

• Hike as much as an average of five to seven miles a day on foot through uneven, rough, or wet terrain. Comfortable hiking alone.
• Operate watercraft to reach remote sites.
• Navigate in remote areas with dense vegetation.
• Carry equipment while in the field, up to 20 pounds.
• Work full days outdoors in all weather conditions
• Office duties performed at a desk and at a computer.

Mental Demands

• Maintain focus and accuracy when reviewing legal documents and technical reports
• Exercise sound judgment when assessing easement compliance in the field

Location: Saint Paul, MN with potential for hybrid schedule.

Salary Range: $25-27/hour, non-exempt

Benefits: For regular, full-time employees, Minnesota Land Trust offers generous time off, 100% employer-paid individual medical insurance, 401(K) plan with match available, and more.

Minnesota Land Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Company will not discriminate because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, genetic information, sex, disability, age, or any other status protected by state or local law, for employees who fall within the jurisdiction of such law.