Natural Lands, a vibrant, regional, nonprofit organization and leader in land conservation, natural resource stewardship, and public engagement, seeks an Stewardship Assistant to join our team at our Chester Springs preserves.

Since the early 1950s, Natural Lands has saved open space, cared for nature, and connected people to the outdoors in eastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. Today, the organization is one of the nation’s largest regional land conservancies and is widely respected for its record of success, technical expertise, respectful and creative approach to partnerships, fiscal strength, and integrity.  

Over the course of its nearly 70-year history, Natural Lands has helped preserve more than 135,000 acres including a network of 40+ nature preserves and one public garden across two states and 13 counties. These properties total 23,000 acres and include many of the most spectacular and diverse properties in the region, which are enjoyed by more than 300,000 visitors annually.

Natural Lands provides comprehensive benefits for our employees. Eligibility is determined based on number of hours worked per week. We offer a range of benefits and incentives including health insurance, retirement plans, time off including vacation and holidays, and professional development opportunities.

Natural Lands seeks to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our organization stronger. We aim to build a workplace where employees feel empowered to be their full, authentic selves. We welcome you to explore a career at Natural Lands.

Job Summary

The Stewardship Assistant is responsible for assisting Preserve Managers and Building Stewardship staff. Duties will include land management and maintenance of equipment, roads, and structures. This will include operation of power equipment, such as chainsaws, tractors, and lawn mowers. The Stewardship Assistant will be required to physically perform, as needed, all tasks necessary for the maintenance of any Natural Lands preserve. May be occasionally required to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as requested. The position will primarily assist the Preserve Managers at Bryn Coed and Binky Lee Preserves but may work as needed at any Natural Lands locations. 

Responsibilities

• Meadow/lawn mowing and trail/road maintenance with lawn and farm tractors 
• Trimming around buildings as needed 
• Maintenance and operation of equipment owned by Natural Lands including farm tractors, commercial mowers, chainsaws, and other preserve maintenance equipment 
• Assisting Building Stewardship crew in building repairs and renovations 
• Restoration of degraded natural areas 
• Transfer of heavy equipment via truck and gooseneck trailer 
• Adherence to Natural Lands’ stringent safety program and appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment 
• Assisting with preserve events and membership activities 
• Trash collection within Preserves and along public roads  
• Monitoring the land and structures for unwarranted use and vandalism  
• Posting of Preserve boundaries         
• Conduct bird censuses 
• Participate in Natural Lands’ prescribed fire program          

Qualifications

• Highly motivated, responsible, reliable, and dependable 
• Capable of performing a wide variety of physically demanding tasks 
• Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and a good driving record 
• Customer service attitude and be comfortable working with the public 
• Flexibility when dealing with changes in work plans 
• Carry out tasks in a professional manner 
• Adequate skills and a familiarity with the safe operation and care of basic hand and power tools 
• Willingness to perform subordinate tasks such as clean-up 
• Regular and consistent attendance required 
• Successfully pass a background check 

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

Capable of performing a wide variety of physically demanding tasks necessary for the maintenance of the various preserves. This may include sitting, standing, bending, and squatting on uneven terrain, walking, climbing, and lifting and pushing up to 50 lbs. repeatedly. Must be available to occasionally work on weekends, evenings, and holidays as requested to fulfill their responsibilities. Must be prepared to work outdoors under all conditions, including heat, cold, and with occasional exposure to poison ivy, biting and stinging insects, etc. 

Natural Lands is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. We aim to build a workplace where employees feel empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.