Land & Boundary Steward
As Land & Boundary Steward, you’ll be responsible for the physical patrol, maintenance, and documentation of a portion of Mohonk Preserve’s nearly 80 miles of fee property boundary, as well as the conservation easements in the Preserve’s portfolio, and related tasks.
We are seeking a land protection professional with working knowledge of mapping programs and tools – current ESRI ArcGIS applications (required), other mapping tools, e.g., Gaia, Avenza, (preferred) and the ability to read and evaluate the landscape. The Steward will prepare written monitoring reports for all sections of fee boundary and conservation easements monitored in accordance with Mohonk Preserve and Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices. This position reports to the Land Protection & GIS Manager.
Compensation:
· $18.00/hour for a maximum of 400 hours
· Housing is available if needed
· Preserve membership for the duration of the position
Essential Functions:
· Inspect, witness, document and maintain Preserve fee land boundary and other land parcel lines to affirm actual boundaries with historic/legal records, and to prevent unauthorized trespass, occupancy, or other encroachment
· Prepare written boundary monitoring and/or baseline data reports for fee owned lands and conservation easements of the Mohonk Preserve in accordance with Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices
· Conduct site visits and prepare documentation to support conservation initiatives
· Assist with maintenance and management of property files, survey files and GIS data
Desired Skills and Experience:
At Mohonk Preserve, our priority is finding the best candidate for the job. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the qualifications or have a less traditional background.
· Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Environmental Science, Land and Natural Resource Management, Forestry, or other related fields of study desirable/preferred OR equivalent combination of education and experience
· Working knowledge of mapping programs and tools – current ESRI ArcGIS applications required
· Ability to read and evaluate the landscape (i.e., tree blazes, stone rows, rail and wire fences, hedgerows, corner monumentation, signage, flagging, etc.)
· Ability to effectively use map and compass, land surveys and aerial photos for navigation and interpretation of the landscape
· Ability to use technological tools for fieldwork, including two-way radio equipment, cameras, GPS, and various mobile applications
· Have a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice to ensure that all people are respected and welcomed at the Mohonk Preserve. This includes participating in ongoing education and other work the organization undertakes to develop and incorporate these principles
· Driver’s license and background check required
· Bonus skills:
o Bi-lingual (Spanish/English)
o Experience with mapping tools, e.g., Gaia, Avenza
o Experience with a non-profit land trust or other land resource agency
o Knowledge of Land Trust Alliance (LTA) Standards and Practices
o Knowledge base of the natural and cultural history of the region
Physical Demands:
· Ability to traverse and navigate deep, back-country, off-trail land conditions of varying, sometimes extremely rugged, mountain terrain while carrying equipment for up to 8 hours at a time
· Frequently works outdoors
· May require standing, walking, hiking, climbing, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching
· Uses a computer keyboard, reads, writes
· Occasional events indoors or outdoors outside standard office hours and in other locations around the Preserve