Northeast Wisconsin Land Trust’s mission is to preserve lands that protect our waters, landscapes, and natural habitats for this and future generations. We serve a twelve-county area of Northeast Wisconsin, working with private landowners and public entities to protect natural areas and to educate the public on the importance of land conservation.  Since its founding in 1996, NEWLT has protected more than 7,000 acres of land, critical to sustaining the natural resources and environmental integrity that people rely on for enjoyment, recreation, and a productive economy.

This position plays a key role in maintaining the health and protected status of NEWLT properties. The Land Stewardship Manager is a full-time position responsible for stewarding the relationships and conservation easements that preserve 70 privately held properties. The role also assumes full land management responsibility for NEWLT’s 12 public nature preserves.

Work is performed at an office in Appleton, Wisconsin and independently at remote sites across northeast Wisconsin. Field work is required year-round in all weather conditions, with exposure to insects, poison ivy, wildlife, and steep, rough terrain. This role works closely with dedicated volunteers and with landowners to manage conservation land. Extensive computer use is also required.

Duties of the Land Stewardship Manager include:

• Managing NEWLT’s Public Nature Preserves
• Leading ecological restoration and management of NEWLT-owned properties, including invasive species removal, game camera deployment, boundary posting, and maintenance projects;
• Generating comprehensive land management plans and other site-based reports. Documenting environmental conditions, natural resources inventories, risk assessments. Producing detailed maps using GIS sources;
• Working with volunteers, contractors, allied professionals, community groups, and neighbors to manage land;
• Grant writing and fundraising to manage and develop NEWLT Preserves;
• Improving owned properties. Managing natural aspects and creating infrastructure to enhance visitor experience, educate and promote conservation;
• Managing public access, neighbor relations, safety and amenities on NEWLT Preserves;
• Annual monitoring and property recordkeeping; including both formal and volunteer-derived information retained in databases, digital and archival storage;
• Managing NEWLT’s Conservation Easements
• Maintaining strong working relationships with property owners and their property managers. Respond to formal requests, coordinate site visits, provide guidance, management oversight and resources;
• Managing a dedicated group of volunteers to ensure regular onsite monitoring visits for all properties – by foot, vehicle, and drone;
• Documenting objective observations about conditions on the property. Completing monitoring reports, reviewing, and filing final reports;
• Reviewing new projects with a stewardship lens. Informing Baseline Documentation Reports/maps/photos.
• Generating Current Conditions Reports for existing conservation easement properties as needed;
• Annual monitoring and property recordkeeping; including both formal and volunteer-derived information in databases, digital and archival storage;
• Working with the Land Conservation Director and Executive Director to enforce terms of conservation easement(s) and manage the resolution process;
• Promoting Conservation and the mission of Northeast Wisconsin Land Trust
• Distributing educational and communication materials, as well as responding to digital file requests from landowner and third parties;
• Contributing content for social media, website and NEWLT newsletters;
• Participating in public outreach and volunteer events for the organization. Some weekend or evening work may be required;
• Other duties, responsibilities, and activities that will elevate NEWLT as assigned.

Required Skills:

• Completed bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife, natural resources, forestry or related field.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong and reliable work ethic, integrity, and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of common threats to natural resources in Wisconsin, such as invasive species, forest health, integrated pest management, erosion, trespass, poaching, and more.
• Motivated to work independently. Can also work collaboratively on a team.
• Part 107 drone certified. Willingness to complete certification as needed.
• Directional awareness, orienteering and navigational skills using compass and phone mapping applications.

Desired Skills:

• Identification of common plants and wildlife in northeastern Wisconsin.
• Experience with fieldwork or backcountry hiking in Wisconsin.
• Competency in Landscape, GIS, Google Earth, and other GPS software.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365.
• Passion for community outreach and environmental education.
• Willingness to acquire certifications for herbicide application, burning, chainsaw safety, first aid, etc.

Physical Requirements:

• Work outdoors with exposure to inclement weather, insects, poison ivy, wildlife, and steep, rough terrain. Fieldwork is conducted in extreme heat and cold weather.
• Drive for extended periods of time to local or regional field sites.
• Possess a valid driver's license.
• Lift and carry heavy equipment (<50 pounds).
• Must pass a nationwide background check and drug test if requested.

Personal Qualifications:

A successful candidate will be personable and have a positive and outgoing nature. A personable demeanor capable of managing competing interests for land use and public access.  An energetic self-starter with ability to manage multiple details and deadlines.