Stewardship Coordinator

Wildlands Engineering, Inc. is seeking a motivated individual to join the Stewardship Team in our Raleigh office. The Stewardship Coordinator will lead planning, coordination, and implementation of land management activities for a variety of stream, wetland, and other restoration sites. Land management activities involve promoting the long-term ecological health of project sites necessary to support project success and ecological design. Work relates to native plant community establishment, invasive species management, stream stabilization, conservation easement compliance, landowner relations, and wildlife management. Work will occasionally involve addressing infrastructure and general maintenance issues on sites. This position is responsible for identifying land management issues on sites, developing land management plans, and driving implementation of plans. The Stewardship Coordinator’s role will involve both hands-on work and coordination with sub-contractors. The Stewardship Coordinator will additionally be responsible for monitoring and documenting current conditions on sites and working collaboratively across restoration project teams. Success in this role will require attention to detail, adaptability, strong communication skills, and problem solving in addition to a firm background in ecology and land management techniques.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Promote the long-term ecological health of project sites necessary to support project success and ecological design
• Lead land management planning and implementation for assigned sites
• Vegetation enhancement through vegetation release, promoting soil health, planting, and seeding
• Invasive species management
• Ensure conservation easement compliance
• Stream stabilization efforts
• Erosion control
• Provide upkeep of fences, gates, and other infrastructure associated with project sites
• Wildlife management
• Create project planting plans
• Deliver effective communication and coordination with team members, other staff, and sub-contractors
• Meeting deadlines with a willingness to react positively to changes in priorities

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience related to the key responsibilities and requirements of the job
• A four-year degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, geography, or other related field.
• Understanding of ecological processes important to riparian and wetland restoration in the southeastern US
• Southeastern native and invasive plant identification skills
• GIS proficiency
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office
• Demonstrated initiative
• Strong organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Must have valid driver’s license
• Adhere to company safety policy and OSHA safety procedures

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ecological restoration projects
• Experience with field sampling practices including vegetation and soil sampling
• Experience interfacing with landowners and agency officials
• Experience working with conservation easements
• Technical writing experience
• Proficiency in technical literature review
• Experience using power equipment such as chainsaws, brush cutters, and handheld power tools. A chainsaw safety certification is additionally preferred.
• Commercial Pesticide Applicator license
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement land management activities
• Advanced degree in relevant field

Physical Demands

• Ability to frequently walk over rough, uneven surfaces
• Ability to sustain periods of strenuous physical exertion
• Ability to lift to 50 pounds
• Ability to work independently in an outdoor setting
• The requirements of the job and the physical demands are performed in outdoor weather conditions with frequent exposure to wet/humid conditions and extreme heat or cold. Other adverse factors may include exposure to ticks and poison ivy.
• The successful applicant must be willing and able to apply herbicides safely and effectively according to label regulations, laws, and best management practices.

Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt