Stewardship Associate

POSITION SUMMARY:

Founded in 1993, the Southern Conservation Trust is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, Georgia non-profit corporation that acquires and preserves land throughout the southeast U.S., currently totaling over 65,000 acres.

This position plays a key role in the stewardship of conserved properties. The Land Stewardship Associate is a full-time position that reports to the Land Stewardship Manager. The Associate is responsible for monitoring 100-150 conserved properties and assisting with the management of the Southern Conservation Trust’s privately owned properties.

Work is performed at an office in Fayetteville, Georgia and independently at remote field sites across the southeast U.S. Candidates must be located within one hour of Fayetteville, Georgia by the position start date. Field work is required year-round in all weather conditions, with  exposure to insects, poison ivy, wildlife, and steep, rough terrain. Extensive computer use is also required.

Key responsibilities include:

Conducting regular onsite monitoring visits – by foot, vehicle, and drone – and making objective observations about conditions on the property;  

• Completing monitoring reports, submitting reports for review, and filing final reports in SCT databases;
• Reviewing baseline reports and maps to effectively monitor conserved properties;
• Communicating with landowners or their property managers to coordinate site visits and providing them with additional support or resources;
• Working with the Land Stewardship Manager to enforce the terms of conservation easement(s) and manage the resolution process.

Performing other related duties to support the Conservation & Stewardship Team, including,

• Assist with ecological restoration and management of owned properties, including invasive species removal, game camera deployment, boundary posting, and water quality sampling;
• Provide administrative support, including clerical filing of conservation easement and communication materials, as well as responding to digital file requests from landowner and third parties;
• Contribute content for social media and SCT newsletters;
• Participate in public outreach and volunteer events for the organization. Some weekend or evening work may be required on occasion.
• Other duties, responsibilities, and activities that will elevate SCT as assigned with or without notice.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Skills: 

• Completed bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife, natural resources, forestry or related field.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong and reliable work ethic, integrity, and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of common threats to natural resources in the Southeast U.S., such as invasive species, forest health, integrated pest management, erosion, trespass, poaching, and more.
• Motivated to work independently. Can also work collaboratively on a team.
• Part 107 drone certified. Willingness to complete certification within 90 days of hire.
• Directional awareness, orienteering and navigational skills using compass or basic phone mapping applications.

Desired Skills: 

• Identification of common plants and wildlife in the southeastern U.S.
• Experience with fieldwork or backcountry hiking in the southeastern U.S.
• Competency in Landscape Mobile 3, GIS, Google Earth, or other GPS software.
• Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Office.
• Passion for community outreach and environmental education.
• Certifications in Leave No Trace or Wilderness First Aid/Responder/EMT.

Physical Requirements: 

• Work outdoors with exposure to inclement weather, insects, poison ivy, wildlife, and steep, rough terrain. Fieldwork is conducted in extreme heat and cold weather.
• Drive for extended periods of time to local or regional field sites.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and demonstrate the ability to safely operate 2- and 4- wheel drive vehicles and UTVs.
• Lift and carry heavy equipment (<50 pounds).
• Must pass a nationwide background check.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The position does not have any internal direct reports. Position will have regular interaction withlandowners, the public, and volunteers.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ABOUT THE SOUTHERN CONSERVATION TRUST:

The Southern Conservation Trust, founded in 1993 and headquartered in Georgia, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with EIN 58-2036727. Our mission aims to elevate nature through exceptional stewardship. We monitor and protect over 65,000 acres of conserved land across the southeastern United States. Our commitment extends beyond land conservation; we are dedicated to ensuring equitable access for all individuals to appreciate and experience the beauty of our lands. To that end, we maintain five public nature areas in Fayette County, Georgia and manage the Fayette Environmental Education Center.