Stewardship Program Assistant

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Overview

The Land Trust of Napa County (LTNC) is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the character of Napa by permanently protecting land. In its 48-year history, LTNC has permanently protected more than 94,000 acres – 17.5% of Napa.

The Land Trust offices are located in the City of Napa, near downtown. We offer competitive salaries, paid vacation and sick time, health, dental and vision insurance, retirement benefits, and family-friendly policies. Our team consists of motivated and passionate individuals who care deeply about our mission and enjoy working together.

The Stewardship Program Assistant is an entry-level position within LTNC’s Lands Department, designed to assist with management activities across 25 protected natural areas (21,000 acres) owned by our organization. The Stewardship Program Assistant reports to the Stewardship Program Manager and Stewardship Project Manager, and works as part of the stewardship program team

 

Primary Responsibilities

  • Assist stewardship program staff with activities related to ecological restoration, biological resources assessment and monitoring, conservation science research, invasive species management, watershed restoration, public access, and property repairs and
  • Assist stewardship program staff with office-based administrative duties related to grants and budgets, contracting and insurance, equipment and supply procurement and maintenance, and vehicle maintenance, as well as tracking hours, completing timecards, and attending staff meetings.

 

Position Details

Work Environment: In addition to working within an office environment, this position requires a significant field work component. The position anticipates an average of 75% time in the field. Field work entails exposure to variable weather conditions and natural hazards, such as poison oak, ticks, rattlesnakes, other wildlife, etc.

Physical Demands: Carry out stewardship tasks in remote wildland areas involving off-trail hiking over rugged terrain and through dense vegetation. Lift and maneuver materials and equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.

Specific Tasks:

  • Assist with camera station maintenance and data management for quantitative wildlife monitoring projects
  • Assist with the installation, mapping and maintenance of replicated vegetation monitoring plots for habitat restoration, prescribed grazing and fire effects monitoring projects
  • Assist with control of invasive exotic plant species using manual, mechanical and chemical methods
  • Assist with native plant collection, propagation, planting and maintenance for habitat restoration purposes
  • Assist with forest management plan development, fuels reduction and forest restoration activities.
  • Collect and transfer spatially referenced data using GPS and GIS hardware and software
  • Regularly monitor preserve lands to track management needs
  • Assist with road and trail maintenance tasks related to erosion control, vegetation management and signage
  • Assist with contractor coordination for installation, repair and maintenance of preserve infrastructure including buildings, water systems, fencing and signage
  • Assist with the procurement, maintenance and repair of stewardship supplies and equipment
  • Assist with routine maintenance and repair of Land Trust vehicles
  • Assist with the tracking of stewardship projects and activities to support grant reporting and administration
  • Assist with contracting and insurance for stewardship work with outside vendors
  • Assist with field trips and volunteer stewardship events

 

Desired Qualifications:

  1. Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, restoration ecology, environmental or biological sciences and one year of demonstrated successful work or volunteer experience in field. At least two years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree.
  2. .Outstanding people skills and an ability to work with a variety of constituents, including donors, volunteers, researchers, caretakers, contractors, and outdoor recreationists. We strive to maintain strong relationships with our constituencies but must be prepared to make difficult decisions to uphold our organizational stewardship goals.
  3. Strong project management, communication, and record-keeping skills, including the ability to write and communicate verbally.
  4. Demonstrated proficiency with map orientation and interpretation, GPS mapping, and associated software applications. Experience with GIS mapping and data management is a plus.
  5. Demonstrated knowledge of natural history (specifically natural communities) of northern California or a strong willingness and ability to learn.
  6. Mechanical skills to repair and maintain stewardship equipment and infrastructure are a plus.
  7. Willingness to attend evening and weekend meetings, workdays, and field trips with volunteers.
  8. Ability to work independently and collaboratively under general supervision of the Stewardship Program and Project Managers.
  9. Excellent attention to detail. Ability to organize and archive important files and documentation.

 

Salary is based on candidate qualifications and experience. The salary range for this position is $43,000-$50,000. Full employee benefits and retirement plan. Send a cover letter and resume to tosha@napalandtrust.org. No photographs or phone calls, please. Please reference Stewardship Program Assistant 2024 in your Subject line.