Position Description: Stewardship Coordinator

Primary Service Location: Kalkaska, Michigan

Responsible To: District Manager

https://kalkaskaconservation.org/employment 

The Kalkaska Conservation District (KCD) helps public and private landowners voluntarily manage their land in ways that improve resource value and water quality. To accomplish this, we engage with units of government, schools, businesses, organizations and individuals to promote ecological awareness and implement conservation practices in the three watersheds in the county. KCD is a local unit of government, IRS 170(c)(1), and serves Kalkaska County through stewardship of natural resources. Historically, the District is funded by several sources - state, federal, and local grants, seedling sales, services for hire, and donations.

SCOPE AND PURPOSE: KCD is seeking to hire a full-time Stewardship Coordinator to provide a broad range of direct services to area producers, homeowners, and property owners or managers. They will work in collaboration with KCD’s staff, board, volunteers, and partner organizations to work with landowners to provide technical assistance for stewardship and habitat restoration activities in Kalkaska County. Focus areas include addressing riparian concerns and issues, wildlife habitat improvement, and invasive species consultations/monitoring.

POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct site visits and provide technical assistance for landowners/property managers which may include field work, field surveys and delineations, data compilations and entry for site visit requests within Kalkaska County.
• Recommend conservation practices and technical advice to land managers to address riparian/erosion concerns, biodiversity in the landscape, rain gardens, pollinator habitat installation and restoration, and wildlife habitat improvement.
• Maintain accurate records including field notes, site photos, and GPS data.
• Work with the team in project management components of the Conservation Mini-Grant program. This will include conducting site visits with interested property owners, guiding them through the application process, and tracking project progress and completion for timely payment.
• Host, and assist the team, with educational workshops hosted within Kalkaska County or as appropriate with partner organizations from content creation for the event, assist with logistics to promote and host the event, and post-event follow up. Workshops may range from adult education in coordination with the local library or lake association to youth education in coordination with the local library or community schools.
• Long term goals of this role include becoming a Certified Planner through National Conservation Planning Partnership (NCPP) to work more closely with core partners like the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) to write plans and provide better access to financial resources for landowners to complete conservation projects in Kalkaska County.
• Contribute to keeping office space clean, open, and inviting to the public.
• Assist public, both walk-ins and phone inquiries, making referrals to other staff or appropriate agencies where necessary.
• Must be available to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.
• Prepare and submit a monthly activity report.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree in natural resource management, fisheries/wildlife management, conservation biology, forestry, parks and recreation, or related field
• Experience and aptitude for conservation practices with native habitat restoration of Northwestern Lower Michigan - highly preferred
• Willingness and ability to work on varying terrain in all weather conditions
• Highly organized & detail oriented with good communication skills
• Ability to refocus after interruption
• Can work independently and cooperatively in a team/partnerships across governmental agencies
• Proficient in Google Suite, Microsoft Office programs, and other technical software as applicable
• U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien
• Pass state & federal background check
• Hold and maintain a valid US driver’s license This position will be in person at the office in Kalkaska, MI five days per week.

This is a 40 hour per week position with some flexibility due to occasional evening and weekend activities. Salary range is $40,000 to $44,000 with a 10% stipend for health insurance for purchase/or HSA contributions, and a 10% stipend for retirement savings. Paid time off package including holiday, sick, and vacation time offered.

To apply, send your resume and cover letter to: kalkaskacd@macd.org. Applications will be accepted until September 14, 2026. Please no calls or walk-ins to submit application materials.

Reasonable accommodations: If you need to make a request for a reasonable accommodation, due to a disability, such as obtain materials in a format that works for you or to fully participate in the application process, please contact Renee Penny, District Manager, at (231) 258-3307 or kalkaskacd@macd.org