JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS LAND TRUST

Job Title: Land Stewardship Coordinator Full/Part Time: Full Time

Organization: Northwest Arkansas Land Trust Office Location: Fayetteville, AR

ABOUT THE LAND TRUST

The Northwest Arkansas Land Trust (NWALT) is a regional non-profit, 501c3 conservation organization based in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Our nationally accredited organization is dedicated to preserving quality of life in Northwest Arkansas through the permanent protection of land. We work to save important natural areas that support clean water, wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation, local farms, and cultural heritage. To accomplish our mission, we work collaboratively with diverse partners including private landowners, local communities and governments, state and federal agencies, and other regional conservation partners. To learn more, visit www.nwalandtrust.org.

The Northwest Arkansas Land Trust offers competitive wages, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We believe in providing professional development opportunities that strengthen the organization from within. We strive to hire and retain people who are passionate about our work, who seek excellence in their personal and professional development, and who fit the collaborative culture of our workplace.

THE POSITION WITH NWALT

The Northwest Arkansas Land Trust seeks qualified applicants for the position of Land Stewardship Coordinator (LSC). The LSC plays a critical role in the organization and must have experience in land stewardship, natural resources management, and a strong background in the biological sciences. The LSC serves as the boots-on-the-ground land manager for nature preserves as well as chief monitor of conservation easements. The LSC works in a team with the Director of Land Protection & Stewardship and the Land Protection Coordinator to place lands into permanent conservation and then to manage properties owned by the Land Trust and protect conservation values on easements placed on private lands. The position requires quick development of a comprehensive knowledge of the land trust’s policies, procedures, operations, programs, partnerships, and core values. The LSC takes ownership of day to day management activities on all Land Trust owned properties.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

This position is approximately 75% field work with daily activities consisting of trail maintenance, invasive plant removal and control, biological inventories, and restoration activities. A strong work ethic and initiative are a must. Conditions in Northwest Arkansas can be hot, humid, and buggy in the summer, and wet and cold in the winter.

The LSC works under direction of the Director of Land Protection & Stewardship and is responsible for implementing management and public access plans on Land Trust owned properties and for monitoring and working with landowners to protect the conservation values of Land Trust held easements on private lands. The LSC is also responsible for directing and managing volunteers and contractors in the field, creating Baseline Documentation Reports on new conservation properties, and managing restoration work under various grants. Attention to detail and timely submittal of reports is paramount.

The LSC reports to the Director of Land Protection & Stewardship and works closely with other staff towards meeting the Land Trust’s land acquisition and management objectives. The LSC may occasionally be called upon to present to various partner groups, submit field notes and photos for social media and outreach efforts, lead tours of properties for various supporters, and serve on special project and/or event committees with Land Trust partner organizations. Additionally, the LSC will be responsible for equipment and work truck maintenance and occasional light facility maintenance at Land Trust office.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in the biological sciences or natural resources required

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in natural resource management or similar field Experience working outdoors including rigorous field work, trail maintenance, invasive plant removal, and the use of power tools and operating UTV/ATVs

• Possession of current Arkansas Pesticide Applicators License or be willing to obtain one

• Experience with the practical use of GPS and GIS including plotting waypoints, polygons and tracks, finding points in the field when given coordinates, and uploading to appropriate software.

• Project management experience- specifically working with and directing contractors and managing grant deliverables

• Ability to interpret and implement land management plans

• Some knowledge of field mapping, aerial photo interpretation, and biological survey techniques

• Experience working with landowners, civic groups, and partner organizations

• Exemplary communication abilities including written, oral, and presentation skills

• Ability to set and implement priorities, manage multiple projects, and evaluate project success

• Strong computer & technology skills

• Experience and willingness to collect field data, draft reports, and present findings

• Willingness to work occasional irregular hours, including weekends, evenings and/or holidays

• Volunteer coordination and management experience is a huge plus

• There is a significant field work component to this position - must be able to traverse varied terrain while carrying program equipment

• Must have a valid drivers license and safe driving record

Applicants who do not demonstrate the above required qualifications will not be considered.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of leading trends in land and ecosystem management techniques

• Experience monitoring conservation easements and creating baseline documents

• Experience working with organizations and agencies in Arkansas

• Experience surveying for plants and wildlife in Northwest Arkansas

PAY AND BENEFITS:

Salary commensurate with experience and demonstrated skills (up to $42,000)

• Paid holidays, vacation, sick and personal leave

• Health and retirement benefits to be decided

• Professional memberships and training encouraged and paid for by the Land Trust

HOW TO APPLY

All applications must be received by 5pm Central Time, August 10, 2020. Successful applicants must meet or exceed the minimum qualifications outlined above.

Email Marson Nance, Director of Land Protection & Stewardship mnance@nwalandtrust.org:

• Indicate your interest in the Land Stewardship Coordinator position in the subject line

• Provide resume and detailed cover letter highlighting your interest and relevant experience

• Provide three references who can speak to your land stewardship experience

Applicants selected for interview may be asked to supply additional materials.

The Northwest Arkansas Land Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.