Find full job description and application instructions at columbialand.org/jobs
The Columbia Land Conservancy is currently hiring a seasonal Public Lands Assistant. The successful candidate will work as part of a team that makes CLC’s Public Conservation Areas safer and accessible to more people and assists with protecting and restoring ecological resources on CLC-owned and managed lands. This is a seasonal term position of 34 weeks, with the possibility of an extension. This is a full-time, 35-hour/week position, $19.50/hour, paid holidays, eight paid days off, housing not provided.
Goals and Objectives:
- Assist with program support, infrastructure improvements, and routine maintenance on CLC’s over 30 miles of public trails, engaging with visitors, contractors, volunteers, and staff
- Build positive community relationships, and work from a Diversity and Inclusion lens to make public conservation lands more welcoming, navigable, and accessible for all
- Balance the needs of public access while protecting and preserving the natural resources
Essential Duties:
The Seasonal Public Lands Assistant will monitor, maintain, and assist with the projects as needed for CLC’s public lands, including, but not limited to:
- Clearing trails of downed trees and brush,
- Building and repairing bridges and boardwalks,
- Installing and repairing trailhead infrastructure including kiosks, benches, and wayfinding signage
- Mowing and weed-whacking trails and trailheads
- Leading volunteer work crews, with the support of the Public Lands Team
- Assisting with habitat management projects such as fencing, native pollinator meadow management, and invasive plant control
- Assisting with field office and vehicle maintenance and repair
- Using ArcGIS, and field data collection apps to track land management activities and assisting with annual fee land monitoring
- Assisting with the development and implementation of management plans for CLC properties
- Assisting with events as needed
Minimum Qualifications:
Qualifications required to excel in this position can come from professional and lived experiences. Below we describe what we believe to be important qualifications for a candidate while remaining open to diverse backgrounds that can lead to these skill sets. Position descriptions are often presented in a way that leaves qualified candidates, particularly women, people of color, and LGBTQIA applicants, feeling unwelcome, intimidated, uncomfortable, and/or unqualified to apply. Recognizing that, we strongly encourage anyone who feels passionate about this work and believes they have what it takes to thrive in this role to apply.
- Minimum high school diploma or GED and/or one year’s experience in land management, parks, or an ecological-related field. B.S. Degree or progress towards a B.S. Degree in agriculture, biological science, botany, ecology, land use planning, or a related field preferred.
- Valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
- Must be comfortable working in variable weather conditions, physically demanding circumstances, and/or remote locations.
- Experience or willingness to learn to operate and maintain various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner
- Ability to listen and genuinely engage with diverse public concerns and comfort with productively addressing conflict.
- Ability to function productively as a member of a work team.
- Demonstrated ability to work with diverse stakeholders, including staff, contractors, and volunteers.
- Comfort with learning new technology and interest in or familiarity with GIS Software or other technological skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Working knowledge of natural systems in New York; ability to identify invasive plant species common to New York
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and natural resource conservation.
- Knowledge of the impact of climate change and interest in implementing on-the- ground mitigation projects
- Experience with small engines, carpentry, and safely using and maintaining tools
Find full job description and application instructions at columbialand.org/jobs
- Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to jobs@ColumbiaLand.org in a word or PDF format. Only electronic submissions will be accepted.
- Applications will be reviewed as they are received.
- Applications are due by April 12, with a preference for those received by March 29.
- Interviews will begin the week of April 1. Questions will be provided in advance and initial interviews will be conducted by phone or on Zoom by a panel of staff.
- Candidate will be chosen no later than April 30.
Job Types: Full-time, Temporary
Pay: $20.00 per hour
Expected hours: 35 per week
Benefits:
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Schedule:
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Ability to Relocate:
- Chatham, NY: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person