Conservation Technician

The Westchester Land Trust is hiring a Conservation Technician to support land stewardship and enhance visitor experiences in New York. The role involves outdoor work (75%) and some office tasks (25%) that can be done remotely. Responsibilities include habitat management, volunteer coordination, and community engagement. Ideal candidates should have a strong interest in conservation and related fields. This position offers practical field skill development in a dynamic environment.
About the position

Westchester Land Trust (WLT) is seeking a dedicated Conservation Technician to support the stewardship of our preserves. This role is crucial in enhancing visitor experience and managing habitats across our conservation areas. The Conservation Technician will engage in a variety of tasks that contribute to land conservation and nonprofit operations, providing an excellent opportunity to develop practical field skills while working in a dynamic environment. The position involves approximately 75% of the work being conducted outdoors on WLT's preserves and easements, which are located throughout Westchester and eastern Putnam counties. The outdoor work will require the technician to operate in variable weather conditions and under physically demanding circumstances. The remaining 25% of the work will be office-based, focusing on mapping, reporting, training, and meetings, which may take place at the WLT office or a WLT-approved remote location. The Conservation Technician will be responsible for a range of duties, including preserve stewardship and management, volunteer coordination, conservation education, and outreach. This role will also involve monitoring easements and ensuring that the preserves are maintained as model properties for habitat management. The technician will work closely with the Preserve Manager and the Vice President of Conservation to oversee surveys, prepare management plans, and document fieldwork accurately. This position is ideal for individuals passionate about conservation and eager to make a positive impact in their community.

Responsibilities
• Provide a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable visitor experience at preserves through timely monitoring, maintenance, and repair of trails, kiosks and signs, parking, and infrastructure.
,
• Steward WLT preserves as model properties for habitat management, including establishing and managing ecosystem restoration areas.
,
• Construct and maintain deer fencing, manage invasive species, and install and maintain native plantings.
,
• Manage the day-to-day use and maintenance of stewardship tools and equipment.
,
• Assist in overseeing surveys, preparation of management plans, and other stewardship tasks.
,
• Perform annual preserve monitoring and reporting, including inspection of property boundaries and infrastructure.
,
• Identify and document encroachments, and work to resolve them with the Preserve Manager and Vice President of Conservation.
,
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of field work through reports, photos, and memos.
,
• Foster community support by cultivating relationships with school, corporate, and community groups.
,
• Lead community programs and engage with stewardship volunteers of all ages and abilities on visitor experience and habitat improvement projects.
,
• Generate content to support communications including social media, newsletters, and other brand collateral.
,
• Assist colleagues with projects as needed, including community engagement and fundraising.

Requirements
• High school or college graduate with strong interest in land management, ecology, recreation management, botany, horticulture, environmental, or related field.
,
• Enthusiasm and dedication for conservation and stewardship.
,
• Prior experience with land stewardship or closely related activities preferred.
,
• Common native and invasive plant identification preferred.
,
• Strong work ethic and interpersonal skills with interest in engaging with diverse communities.
,
• Ability to prioritize safety and situational awareness in the field.
,
• Experience, or willingness to learn, using power equipment (e.g., weed whackers, hand drills, chainsaw, etc.).
,
• Comfortable working independently, within a team, and within leadership roles.
,
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; preferred experience with ArcGIS.
,
• Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain including frequent standing, bending, twisting, lifting, pushing/pulling, and hiking alone for several miles.
,
• Valid driver's license.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience with community engagement and outreach programs.
,
• Knowledge of local ecosystems and conservation practices.

Benefits
• Health insurance
,
• Retirement plan with employer match
,
• 11 paid holidays
,
• Generous PTO