Stewardship Technician (Conservation & Restoration Technician)

Kawartha Land Trust seeks a Stewardship Technician for a contract from May 1 to August 18, 2025. The role involves implementing stewardship activities, managing invasive species, planting trees, monitoring properties, and engaging with the public. Candidates should have relevant education or experience in natural resource management or related fields. The position offers 40 hours/week at $20-22/hr, depending on experience. This is an on-site position in Canada.
Reports to: Land Stewardship Manager

Compensation: 40 hours/week at $20-22/hr. depending on experience

Contract Period: May 1 to August 18, 2025

Positions: 1

Overview

Kawartha Land Trust (KLT) is a dynamic land conservation charity with an impressive track

record of growth. Our mission is to care for the lands entrusted to us and help others protect the

land they love in the Kawarthas. We create nature reserves for future generations by acquiring

ecologically important properties and/or interests in properties. We also enhance our

stewardship of the land by engaging landowners in land care initiatives through our Partners in

Conservation program.

Founded in 2001, KLT protects 34 properties that include more than 6,750 acres of ecologically

diverse lands, some of which include hiking trails that introduce thousands of people to nature in

the Kawarthas every year. We have achieved our successes through the work of our dedicated

and growing team of donors, volunteers and supporters. Together, we can ensure more natural

spaces in the Kawarthas are preserved forever.

KLT works within the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig Territory and we are dedicated to continuing to

create meaningful connections and relationships with First Nations communities in our region as

we build upon these connections.

Tasks and Responsibilities

The technician will help implement stewardship activities, property management tasks, monitor

KLT properties and assist with restoration projects. Everyone at the Kawartha Land Trust is

responsible for being a positive ambassador for our mission and vision. All staff work with

volunteers, donors and the public and the ability to be a friendly and authentic representative of

our organization is very important to success in the role. Under the direction of the Land

Stewardship Manager the position will perform the following duties:

● Invasive species management on KLT properties using herbicide and manual removal

techniques (European Buckthorn, Dog-strangling Vine, Garlic Mustard)

● Tree and shrub planting for habitat creation and restoration

● Supporting native prairie habitat restoration

● Monitoring of owned conservation lands and conservation easement lands

● Creation and maintenance of trails using chainsaw, hand tools and brush mower

● Light carpentry on properties to build boardwalks, signage, fences, etc.

● Land management tasks (garbage clean-up, dealing with trespass issues)

● Organize logistics for safe and efficient field work

● Recording and reporting on work performed

● Communicating with the public on KLT properties

● Assist with the collection and storage of data including ecological inventory data, GIS

and GPS data, photos and the preparation of reports and applications

● Provide leadership to and coordination of one or more volunteers on the above tasks

● Conducting species inventories across varying habitats with a focus on species at risk

and unique ecosystems

Desired Level of Education and Experience

● Individuals possessing or working towards a degree or diploma in natural resource

management, ecological restoration, environmental science or studies, biology, or

related disciplines will be considered. Relevant work experience can compensate for

formal education

● Candidates should have least 2 season of fieldwork experience related to land

stewardship or restoration, park or conservation area management, or forestry

● You must have work or personal experience showing a comfort with outdoor work, a

positive attitude in adverse weather conditions, and comfort navigating off-trail. The

position will require physical ability to walk long distances carry equipment

● Experience supervising volunteers or staff in the field would be an asset

● Experience communicating conservation ideas with the public and presenting a

professional image is important

● Experience with some of the following property management tasks is required through

professional and personal experience: rough carpentry and maintenance, landscaping,

tree felling and pruning, tree planting, fence building, installing signage, vegetation

management, species/land classification surveys

● Ability to confidently identify priority invasive (non-native) plants of the Kawarthas

● Knowledge of flora, fauna & ecological communities of the area and standard protocols

for their assessment is an asset. Opportunities to develop these skills will be available

Additional Criteria

Due to granting requirements, candidates must fit the following criteria:

● be between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the start of employment;

● be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or person on whom refugee protection

has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act [S.C. 2001, c.

27]*; and

● be legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial / territorial legislation

and regulations.
• International students are not eligible. Recent immigrants are eligible if they are

Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents.

In addition, candidates must:

● Must have a valid G2 license and access to a personal vehicle (mileage will be

compensated)

o A vehicle capable of towing a light trailer is an asset

● In possession of or ability to obtain a boater’s licence/ORCKA certification

● Pesticide Exterminator license and experience is an asset

● Chainsaw license and experience is an asset

● Must be prepared to work some evening and weekends

● Must be prepared to work alone in the field on occasion

Orientation and Training

The Land Stewardship Manager will meet with the technician to ensure that they understand

their roles and responsibilities, after which regular meetings will be scheduled. Day-to-day

supervision will sometimes be provided, however, work will often be performed independently

without supervision and the technician will be empowered to take leadership on planning and

executing tasks. Training will be provided in the following areas

● Woody stem management, tree felling techniques and safe use of chainsaws

● Introduction to best management practices for invasive species including appropriate

use and safety around liquid herbicides for the control of invasive species

● Navigation using GIS apps and software in the Arc suite

● Introduction/background information related to KLT’s mission, history and goals

● Species at risk survey protocols

● Land management techniques and use of equipment

KLT is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for staff. KLT will ensure that

staff have the necessary certifications and qualifications to do the job (i.e., boating licence). The

position will require working with herbicide. If the eligible applicant is not in possession of an

exterminator’s license, KLT will pay for this testing and support the training. If the candidate has

experience using a chainsaw but is not certified, KLT can arrange certification. First aid training

will be provided.

Opportunities and Perks of the Position

● Spending time outdoors in protected areas with access to beautiful views, high

biodiversity areas and network of dedicated environmental professionals

● Opportunities to participate in surveys and fieldwork to protect/enhance habitat for

species at risk and overall ecosystem health

● Access to training opportunities with professionals in a wide range of areas including

ecological land classification, forestry, land conservation techniques, ecosystem

restoration, non-profit work and grant writing, trades, and advanced landscaping

techniques

Application Process

● Your application should include a resume and a covering letter as one document which

specifically addresses how your skills and qualifications relate to the job tasks and

responsibilities. The cover letter should be no more than one page long.

● Send application as a PDF or Word document with the following file name format: Last

Name, First Name_ Stewardship Technician).

● Email your cover letter and resume in one document to Kawartha Land Trust at

info@kawarthalandtrust.org by 12pm noon, March 11, 2025, with the subject line

“Stewardship Technician.”

Kawartha Land Trust (KLT) values diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all

qualified applicants. Accommodations for applicants with disabilities are available upon request

for all aspects of the recruitment process.

Thank you for your interest in Kawartha Land Trust. Although we appreciate all applicants taking

the time to express their interest in joining the Kawartha Land Trust team, only candidates

selected for an interview will be contacted.

For more information on the Kawartha Land Trust please visit www.kawarthalandtrust.org