Summer Trail Steward

The Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy is hiring two part-time Summer Trail Stewards to maintain public nature preserves and assist on stewardship projects. Responsibilities include trail maintenance, invasive species control, and community outreach. The role is field-based, requiring outdoor work and physical labor. Candidates should have strong communication skills and a valid driver's license. The position lasts up to 10 weeks, with hourly pay between $18-20.
Position Description

NCLC is a collaborative and supportive work environment that encourages and inspires professional growth. NCLC offers two part-time, paid positions as Summer Trail Stewards for people who are passionate about environmental conservation and eager to make a tangible difference in the communities of Northwest Connecticut. Summer Trail Stewards play a critical role in maintaining NCLC’s public nature preserves, as well as assisting on stewardship projects on NCLC’s other conserved lands and agricultural properties. Summer Trail Stewards are field-based and are expected to work independently with oversight from NCLC’s professional staff. Continuing education is a fundamental component of the Summer Trail Steward experience. Every steward is provided mentorship and opportunities for continued education through participation in ongoing research projects, technology training, and collaborative projects with partnering organizations.

Duties andResponsibilities

Stewardship Program
• Trail and preserve stewardship, including trail construction and maintenance, invasive species control, and clean-up of dumping/littering
• Erosion and restoration projects in field, forest, and wetland habitats
• Use and maintenance of hand and power tools
• Participation in volunteer trail workdays and other outreach events
• Record keeping, including weekly logs, other reporting, and self-reflection

Outreach and Partnerships
• Work in partnership with colleagues, partner organizations, members, and the community at large to build a welcoming, successful, and respected community institution
• Foster positive relationships with neighbors and visitors to public lands
• Support the organization’s public events by attending hikes, lectures, and other programs as needed
• Provide written reports on stewardship work for use in e-newsletters, social media, and other donor communications

Organizational Sustainability
• NCLC’s staff operate as a close-knit team and the Summer Trail Stewards may be expected to perform other duties as needed or assigned

Reports to

Public Lands Manager and Director of Stewardship

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications
• Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions, and complete physically demanding projects
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
• Strong sense of ethics, integrity, and discretion
• High school diploma
• Valid driver’s license and use of personal vehicle for transportation amongst preserves
• Cell phone for communicating with supervisors from the field

Preferred Qualifications
• Demonstrated interest in natural resources issues (related to land management, recreation, agriculture, and forestry, etc.)
• One year of relevant coursework in environmental studies, environmental science, education, biology, ecology, forestry, or one year of related field experience
• Familiarity with trail maintenance equipment, including hand tools, leaf blower, weed whacker, etc.

Salary and Benefits

NCLC is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer. Summer Trail Steward is a part-time, non-exempt position based in Kent, CT. Each Summer Trail Steward will work between 20-30 hours per week for up to 10 weeks. Hourly pay rates are commensurate with experience and range between $18-20 per hour. Part-time employees are not eligible for paid time off or other benefits.

To apply for an open position, please submit a resume and cover letter in one pdf to work@ctland.org.