Stewardship Associate

JOB OPPORTUNITY: Stewardship Associate

The Bainbridge Island Land Trust seeks an experienced and enthusiastic self-starter to join our stewardship team helping to support our mission to conserve and steward the diverse natural environments of Bainbridge Island for the benefit of all.

For more than three decades, the Bainbridge Island Land Trust has played a vital role in conserving areas of ecological significance. The Land Trust’s work to protect and restore Bainbridge Island’s lands and waters is done to honor past generations, preserve a legacy for future generations, and build a network of protected lands resilient to a changing climate. The Bainbridge Island Land Trust is a non-profit organization committed to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion and finding opportunities for all employees to succeed.

The Stewardship Associate will support all aspects of the Bainbridge Island Land Trust’s conservation and stewardship work. Reporting to the Stewardship Manager and the Stewardship Coordinator, the Stewardship Associate will be engaged in the care and stewardship of Land Trust-owned lands and conservation easements and participate in Land Trust community and organization events.

RESPONSIBILITY & SCOPE

The Stewardship Associate will conduct field and office tasks to support monitoring and field stewardship and assist with new acquisitions, conservation easements, amendments, and other conservation activities. This position will:

• Conduct site visits and perform field tasks in sometimes remote locations and rough terrain to collect and record data defined in Land Trust management plans. Duties include, but are not limited to, property monitoring, invasive plant control (including herbicide use), installing native plants, watering, trail installation, trail maintenance, debris removal, sign installation, and fence installation.
• Collect data in the field using hand sketches, photos, GPS, and other tools and integrate data into GIS maps on existing and new properties. Attain proficiency in ArcGIS editing and creation of clear maps to document existing attributes.
• Produce reports and photo documentation reflecting fieldwork and collected data.
• Assist in drafting baseline documentation reports for new conservation easements, amendments, and management plans and assist in reviewing and editing these documents.
• Support camera trap studies on Land Trust properties.
• Coordinate and supervise volunteers to assist with field tasks. Provide training on best management practices and guide their work.
• Assist with management of electronic and paper conservation property files.
• Participate in fundraising and other outreach-related events.
• Represent the Land Trust when interacting with landowners, organization partners, and members of the public.
• Collaborate with other staff to advance the Land Trust’s mission.
• Provide office support as needed.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Works collaboratively in a team environment with a spirit of cooperation
• Ability to uphold high ethical standards
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills and knowledge to communicate effectively
• Fluency with MS Office Suite, familiarity with Zoom and Google Workspace
• Outgoing and friendly personality with the ability to meet, work and communicate with diverse stakeholders and community members
• Commitment to confidentiality
• Excellent organization skills, document preparation, reporting, and attention to detail

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two yearsof land stewardship experience or equivalent education and experience that are sufficient to perform the job’s essential duties successfully.
• A strong willingness to expand knowledge about the natural history (specifically natural communities) of northwest Washington.
• Ability to locate land boundaries and navigate using maps, compass, GPS, and other orientation tools to complete assigned field tasks successfully.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, under the day-to-day general supervision of the Stewardship Coordinator, in coordination with other staff and volunteer committees.
• Ability to work in rough, varied terrain and navigate remote areas in a variety of weather and environmental conditions.
• Ability to lift and maneuver materials and equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Ability and willingness to learn to safely operate and maintain brush-cutters, chainsaws, hand tools, and herbicide application equipment.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Formal education or training in natural resources, restoration ecology, environmental or biological sciences.
• Knowledge of restoration ecology and protected land management techniques.
• Knowledge and experience with GIS mapping (preferably ArcGIS), GPS and field marking, and associated software applications (additional training may be available).
• Experience with Salesforce or similar CRM software.
• Current WSDA pesticide applicator license.
• Ability to identify plant and animal species in the Puget Sound and North Cascades eco-region.
• Familiarity with standard field sampling techniques and data management, including digital photography and GPS data collection and management.

SALARY & BENEFITS

Annual starting salary range: $39,000-$45,000. This is a full-time, salaried position (40 hours/week). Occasional weekend or evening work associated with events or other Land Trust activities will occur.

The Land Trust values work-life balance; its work culture supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal and professional development. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage. Additional benefits are offered with tenure, e.g., SIMPLE IRA 3% employee match. Annually, the Land Trust  offers 12 paid holidays, 12 paid sick days, and 15 paid vacation days, with vacation days increasing at tenure benchmarks.

The Bainbridge Island Land Trust is committed to supporting diversity, equity and inclusion and finding opportunities for all employees to succeed. The position is based out of the Land Trust office on Bainbridge Island, WA. A mutually agreeable flexible work location and schedule are possible for a portion of monthly hours.

POSITION OPEN UNTIL FILLED.

TO APPLY:

Please send a cover letter and resume to:

Brady Jones, Office Manager

brady@bi-landtrust.org 

The Bainbridge Island Land Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other class protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws.