Land Steward at Land Trust of Santa Cruz County

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Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

13 May, 26

Salary

35.0

Posted On

12 Feb, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Land Stewardship, Habitat Restoration, Invasive Species Management, Vegetation Management, Facilities Maintenance, Natural Resource Management, Power Tools Operation, Record Keeping, Collaboration, Communication, Risk Management, GPS Data Collection, Erosion Control, Volunteer Management, Event Support, Native Plant Identification

Industry

Environmental Services

Description

Position Snapshot Department: Land Stewardship Reports To: Stewardship Manager Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt Location: Santa Cruz Salary: $35/hour (with the opportunity to increase to $37 after 90 days based on performance) Overview The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, a nonprofit organization that has made substantial headway in environmental conservation by helping to protect more than 14,000 acres of important habitat and farmland over the last 45 years, is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and skilled Land Steward to support the day-to-day stewardship of our protected lands, working lands, and public access properties throughout Santa Cruz County. This position plays a key role in implementing habitat restoration, invasive species management, facilities maintenance, and land management projects that uphold the conservation values of Land Trust properties. The Land Steward position involves tasks that promote and support the conservation values of Land Trust properties using industry-standard best practices. Focus areas include our sandhills preserves, Glenwood Open Space Preserve, Santa Cruz long-toed salamander preserves, San Vicente Redwoods, Byrne-Milliron Forest, Watsonville Slough Farm, Highway 17 properties, Rocks Ranch, and other properties as they are added to our holdings. Work Schedule & Location Work hours total approximately 40 hours per week, typically between 8am - 5pm, Monday through Friday, with occasional early, late, or weekend work as needed. This position is field based, with regular travel to Land Trust properties throughout Santa Cruz County to perform habitat restoration, vegetation management, and infrastructure maintenance, as well as occasional participation in volunteer workdays and public events. The position is based at our Santa Cruz office. Compensation and Benefits This is a full-time, non-exempt position starting at $35 per hour, with the opportunity to increase to $37 per hour after 90 days based on performance. The Land Trust offers excellent benefits and a supportive work environment, including: High-quality health, dental, and vision insurance, with 100% of employee premiums covered by the Land Trust 403(b) retirement plan with employer match Generous paid time off and holidays A green commute stipend to encourage sustainable transportation Ongoing professional development support An annual wellness benefit Inclusive and fun staff events A dog-friendly office And more! Responsibilities Natural Resource Management and Habitat Restoration Conduct integrated pest management of invasive plant species, including mechanical removal and use of herbicides Perform vegetation management including operating power tools and equipment such as weed whips, chainsaws, and mowers Installation and maintenance of native plant restoration sites Execute watershed and erosion control projects and assist with cleanup of illegal dumpsites and vandalism Facilities and Infrastructure Maintenance Inspect, maintain, and repair facilities and infrastructure, Including trails, gates, fences, buildings, culverts, and more Conduct vegetation management along roads, trails, and fence lines Assist with the management and coordination of working lands operations Collect and report property data using GPS-based phone applications Maintain tools and equipment - such as Land Trust vehicles – and keep supplies stocked Support other Land Trust Programs Keep clear and accurate records in monthly reports Collaborate with the Engagement Department on stewardship stories and content Assist with volunteer management on specific properties and projects Assist with preparations for member and public events and contribute to or lead nature programs as needed Occasionally staff or support Land Trust events and public programs, which may include evening or weekend participation Perform other tasks and responsibilities as assigned Required Knowledge, Skills, Ability & Experience 3-5 years of professional experience in land stewardship or related fields Ability to exemplify a positive attitude to partners, visitors, and volunteers Ability to correctly identify California native plants in Santa Cruz County and understand noxious weed management strategies in California Experience with rural road maintenance, erosion control, irrigation, and weed management Experience and ability to safely operate power tools, such as mowers, weed whips, and chainsaws A collaborative mindset, particularly when managing recreation in ways that are compatible with natural resource protection and working lands Ability to work alone productively Valid driver’s license and capability of driving safely in city, rural, and 4-wheel drive conditions; Experience towing and a willingness to learn and safely operate OHV’s Ability to keep clear and accurate records Physically capable of extended walking in adverse terrain (steep, muddy, heavily vegetated, sandy) and extended landscape labor such as digging, reaching, squatting, pulling, and lifting up to 40 lbs. Experience managing risk in environments that include exposure to poison oak, wasps, mountain lions, rattlesnakes, hazard trees, and other natural hazards Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Ability & Experience Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, natural resource management, or related discipline An understanding of the conservation of natural, agricultural, cultural, and open space resources in Santa Cruz County Knowledge of Santa Cruz County ecosystems and management issues Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate with a diverse audience Experience operating heavy equipment such as backhoes, excavators, woodchippers, graders, skip loaders, cranes, and lifts Contract management experience such as soliciting bids, developing scopes of work, and executing contracts Proficiency with software such as Microsoft Office, Asana, Avenza Maps, and ArcGIS Strong prioritization and leadership skills

Responsibilities

The Land Steward will support the day-to-day stewardship of protected lands and implement habitat restoration and land management projects. Responsibilities include managing invasive species, maintaining facilities, and collaborating with other departments.