Holden Forests & Gardens connects people with the wonder, beauty and value of trees and plants, to inspire action for healthy communities. When you join HF&G, you join a team of professionals who are passionate about improving Northeast Ohio’s communities through our mission-driven programs.

Opportunity:

The Land Steward contributes to the management of 3,500 acres of natural areas and 1,500 acres of conservation easements. This role serves as a field leader during the implementation of invasive plant species control work, forest pest and pathogen monitoring and treatment, restoration plantings, and property monitoring.

The Land Steward maintains accurate GIS records and creates all relevant maps and documents required for project management. They also actively contribute to Holden Forest & Gardens’ conservation easement and fee property monitoring program and may implement various ecological monitoring protocols. This position reports to the Conservation Manager and is a full-time, exempt position. Coordination with volunteers and other departments within the organization is essential

Key Responsibilities: 

Key responsibilities of the Land Steward include, but are not limited to: 

• Administers the implementation of Holden Forests & Gardens’ invasive plant control work and hemlock woolly adelgid mitigation treatments.
• Serves as field crew leader for ecological restoration projects.
• Inspects conservation easements annually; meets with easement owners as needed.
• Monitors natural areas through field surveys, GIS, and database analysis. Maintains GIS database for conservation projects and prepares maps to assist with inventory and conservation efforts.
• Assists with the design and successful implementation of conservation tree, shrub, and forb plantings.
• Maintains the Conservation department’s equipment, including small engine powered equipment and hand tools.
• Manages herbicide and pesticide inventory.
• Collaborates with external conservation organizations on endeavors of common interest
• Adopts and promotes sustainable, science-based management practices for natural areas.
• Is an expert resource for the general public
• Participates in employee education programs
• Trains, manages and schedules work with volunteers to support work in natural areas, ensuring safety is prioritized
• Supports professional development of interns, seasonal employees and regular staff and assists with their training and daily tasks
• Actively participating in organizational meetings, conferences, committees, and events to promote a culture centered around trust, sharing, and collaboration
• Observe all safety protocols and always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) required for positions and/or specific activities

Qualifications and Skills:

• Supports Holden Forests & Gardens’ mission, vision, and values
• Minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, forest ecology, natural resources, restoration ecology, or related field
• 1-3 years prior experience in natural resource management or related field (3-5 years preferred)
• Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, or other relevant mapping/GIS data management programs
• Knowledge of plant communities of the northeastern U.S. and Great Lakes Region
• Current Pesticide Applicator License is desired
• Possesses strong oral and written communication skills
• Proficiency with computer software: Microsoft 365, Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint
• Able to represent Holden Forests & Gardens to its supporters and constituents credibly, and professionally
• Appreciates the importance of the work of arboreta, public gardens, and museums
• Observe all safety protocols and always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) required for positions and/or specific activities.  Report any hazards or unsafe conditions immediately to your supervisor
• Maintain a valid driver's license and acceptable vehicle record

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Work outdoors where the ambient temperature spans 0 - 100-degree F.
• Transporting oneself by foot over a variety of terrain that may be wet, slippery, uneven, rocky, and steep
• Ascend and descend office stairs
• Standing, bending, kneeling, climbing, reaching, pulling, pushing, sitting, grabbing, and lifting
• Carrying up to 50 lbs. regularly
• Work independently as well as effectively with others

Holden Forests & Gardens (HF&G) is a great place to work!

In addition to the pay range of $48,000 – $58,000, we offer Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits | Paid Time Off | 8 Paid Holidays a year + 3 Floating Holidays | 403(b) | Employee sponsored life insurance, long term disability and short-term disability | Work in a beautiful environment within Greater Cleveland | Discounts in our stores & cafes  | Free parking at both campuses anytime we are open | Free admission to many Northeast Ohio Museums | Free Employee Assistance Program | And Much More!