Land Steward Position Overview                                                                              

Sycamore Land Trust is a land conservation nonprofit headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, that has been preserving land and connecting people to nature in southern Indiana since 1990. Sycamore seeks a qualified and enthusiastic individual to assist with the monitoring and management of Sycamore’s increasing number of nature preserves and conservation easements, which currently consist of over 90 separate properties and total more than 11,000 acres across southern Indiana. This position reports to the Land Stewardship Director and works with other Sycamore staff and volunteers to fulfill Sycamore’s land management goals, and to meet Land Trust Alliance accreditation requirements related to land stewardship and acquisition.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Land Stewardship Director with developing and implementing management plans for nature preserves owned by Sycamore, including the restoration of natural areas and the creation and maintenance of trails and other visitor amenities.
• Conduct and document monitoring of Sycamore’s conservation easements and preserves, at least annually and more frequently as needed. Establish and maintain good relationships with easement landowners and preserve neighbors.
• Maintain land project files and documentation in accordance with Land Trust Alliance standards.
• Maintain equipment and supplies for land management.
• Coordinate and oversee contractor services for land management.
• Plan and lead occasional volunteer stewardship activities, such as trail building and invasive plant control work days. Train and supervise volunteer preserve stewards and other outdoor volunteers, including interns.
• Assist with fundraising for land management, including identifying funding opportunities and helping with grant applications.
• Assist with the evaluation of potential land preservation projects, including performing site inspections and writing reports.
• Represent Sycamore at meetings with other organizations and at occasional public events, such as nature hikes.
• Maintain clear and regular communication with the Land Stewardship Director.

Skills and Qualifications

• Organized, reliable, self-directed, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work alone in remote natural areas with minimal or distant supervision, as well as in a highly collaborative team-based environment.
• Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe manner (e.g., 4WD truck, UTV, tractor, brush hog, chainsaw, brush cutter, leaf blower, backpack sprayer, etc.).
• Ability to identify plant and animal species as needed for land management activities, or willingness to learn.
• Physical ability to walk several miles per day over rough terrain, carry a 35-pound backpack sprayer, use heavy hand tools, and use power equipment such as chain saws.
• Willingness to apply herbicides and assist with prescribed burns for natural area management, and to work outside in all weather conditions with exposure to poison ivy, ticks, and other outdoor hazards.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, email, and other common computer applications.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, volunteers, land owners, funders, and other organizations.
• Enthusiasm for land conservation and the mission, goals, and values of Sycamore Land Trust.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in natural resources, environmental science, or a related field.
• Familiarity with the natural communities and native species of southern Indiana.
• Experience with non-native invasive species management and natural areas restoration.
• Familiarity with GPS units and ArcGIS software.
• Qualified, or able and willing to become qualified, as a Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2).
• Experience with applying science for decision-making to guide stewardship.
• Land trust experience, and knowledge of Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices.

Other Requirements

• Valid driver’s license, demonstrated safe driving record, reliable transportation, and willingness to travel throughout southern Indiana.
• Flexibility to work long days in the field, including some evenings and weekends as needed.
• Compliance with Sycamore’s COVID-19 vaccination procedure. Accommodations for disability- and religious-based reasons will be considered.

Compensation

Commensurate with experience and qualifications. This is a full-time position with benefits including health insurance, Simple IRA with employer matching, paid vacation and sick time, travel reimbursement, a flexible work environment, and the satisfaction of visiting, protecting, and restoring our local natural areas.