Seasonal Stewardship Assistant

Seasonal Stewardship Assistant | Sturgeon Bay, WI

About the Door County Land Trust

Since our inception in 1986, the Door County Land Trust has worked to preserve, maintain, and enhance lands that contribute significantly to the scenic beauty, open space, and ecological integrity of northeast Wisconsin. In pursuit of this mission, we have earned a reputation as one of the Midwest’s premier conservation organizations. We have worked with scores of landowners to protect more than 10,100 acres of fields, forests, farmlands, wetlands, and shoreline. We are a local, non-profit, non-governmental organization supported by more than 4,200 households who love Door County and share a concern for its future.

The Opportunity 

Join our team as a Seasonal Stewardship Assistant. This individual will be responsible for activities related to the management of the Land Trust’s fee-title properties. This hands-on, field-based role is focused on maintaining our trail network and related infrastructure to ensure a safe, sustainable, and enjoyable user experience. You will also play a role in community building by co-leading volunteer groups on critical workdays, connecting their passion directly to the land. 

Our Culture: Connecting People and Land

At the Land Trust, our culture is built on the belief that a healthy environment and a connected community go hand in hand. We are a passionate, mission-focused team that takes deep pride in providing the public with safe, high-quality, and sustainable ways to experience nature. We see our trails as vital bridges between conservation and community well-being.

• Safety and Diligence: We prioritize safe work practices above all else, in the field, with equipment, and particularly when working alongside volunteers and the public. We value thoroughness and attention to detail in all infrastructure projects.
• Collaborative Spirit: You will be a vital link between our core restoration staff, our large base of dedicated volunteers, and the Land Trust leadership. We thrive on mutual respect, clear communication, and working side-by-side to achieve ambitious outdoor goals.
• Resilience and Resourcefulness: Our work is physical and highly dependent on weather and field conditions. We celebrate adaptability, problem-solving, and a "can-do" attitude when faced with the challenges of building and maintaining infrastructure in dynamic outdoor environments.

KEY AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY

Property Maintenance 

The Steward’s key role includes assisting the property and infrastructure maintenance and supporting the Stewardship program. This may include tasks like mowing trails, boundary marking, and assisting with the volunteer program.

• Conduct routine and seasonal maintenance on all existing trail networks, including clearing blowdowns, brushing, and improving worn infrastructure.
• Maintain and repair access infrastructure such as gates, parking areas, kiosks, informational signage, and boardwalks.
• Safely operate and maintain specialized trail building equipment.
• Co-lead and potentially lead volunteer workdays, effectively delegating tasks, ensuring volunteer safety, and providing instruction on proper trail maintenance and tool use.
• Monitor and address issues related to public use, seeking to enhance the overall visitor experience and adherence to Land Trust policies.

EDUCATION, EXPEREINCE AND CAPBILITIES

Education 

• Minimum qualification of a high school diploma and at least 1 year’s training in a related field or related experience in land management, landscaping, farming, construction, or heavy equipment operation.

Experience and Other Qualifications

• Valid Wisconsin driver’s license or out of state license required. Occasional personal vehicle use may be required (milage will be reimbursed).
• English language skills are required. All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the time they apply.

Technical Skills 

• Experience operating property management equipment such as mowers, brush cutters, chain saws, tractors, power tools, trailering etc. is preferred.
• Proficiency in collecting field data using GPS mobile applications (such as ArcGIS Field Maps, Landscape) and exporting data for reporting is preferred.

Other Skills

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment in the field when facing unexpected challenges (e.g., equipment failure, weather changes).
• Respectful, energetic, team-player with a problem-solving approach and work ethic.
• Detail oriented, ability to multi-task, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to hike independently, quickly, and efficiently in all kinds of weather throughout the entire calendar year on properties ranging from flat fields to steep slopes associated with the Niagara Escarpment, forests, and wetlands characteristic of the natural features in northeast Wisconsin and beyond.
• Ability to perform manual labor necessary for land management activities such as clearing trails and treating invasive species.

Location: The position will be based out of the Door County Land Trust office in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. The position will be approximately 90% field and10% office work.

Start Date: Mid-late May 2026 (flexible)

Work Schedule: This position lasts 3-4 months over the summer of 2026. The typical work week is 35 hours usually Monday – Friday. Occasional work required outside normal business hours, potential overnights on the islands. 

Compensation: The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is within the range of $20-$24/hr. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate’s qualifications, specific skills, and experience. 

Application Requirements: Submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information by February 1, 2026. Interviews will be scheduled for mid-late February.

Submit Application Package as a single file (PDF preferred) to careers@doorcountylandtrust.org

No phone calls, please. 

Door County Land Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employees and applicants for employment are judged on their merits. The Land Trust is committed to proving an environment free of illegal discrimination of any kind, and does not base any employment decisions on race, color, national original, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify or gender expression, religion, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other protected category under federal and state laws.