Land Stewardship Assistant
About The Position
The Land Stewardship Assistant implements land stewardship activities on the Principia College campus in the Land Stewardship Program within the Ecology and Ecosystem Management Department. Under the direction of the Director of Land Stewardship, this full-time, 12-month position works 40 hours per week and is contingent upon funding availability. The assistant supervises the Land Stewardship Work Crew, demonstrates sound fieldwork practices, and often operates EEM forestry tools and equipment independently. The role supports resource inventories and population assessments; forest, field, and invasive-species management; stewardship planning and monitoring; and land-use activities. It also supports student employees, academic programs, research projects, community outreach, contractor and farm-operator coordination, and annual budgeting and purchasing. The position requires fieldwork in rough terrain and adverse weather, as well as attendance at relevant training and acquisition of land stewardship-related certifications.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Biology, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Studies, Forestry, Wildlife Management, or a related field.
- Knowledge of Midwestern ecology, including forests and prairies.
- Previous experience on natural resource work crews.
- Proficiency in GIS mobile data collection.
- Possession of relevant certifications.
- Ability to work with power tools and heavy equipment.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds and work in adverse weather conditions in rough terrain.
- Valid driver's license.
- Supportive of Principia’s guiding statements.
- Student of Christian Science preferred.
Nice To Haves
- Student of Christian Science preferred.
Responsibilities
- Assist with resource inventories and population assessments.
- Assist with forest and field management, including planting, mowing, and spraying as needed.
- Maintain databases containing resource information.
- Train and supervise student employees working for EEM and the Land Stewardship Work Crew.
- Assist with the annual deer population control program by collecting information, recording harvests, and reporting poaching activity.
- Assist with community-wide outreach to communicate land stewardship activities.
- Implement invasive species management, including spraying, mowing, and treatment activities.
- Work with the Land Stewardship Manager on management of contractors and farm operators.
- Assist with stewardship planning, resource use, and monitoring.
- Assist with the annual budget and purchasing of supplies.
- Assist academic programs, research projects, and professors who utilize the land.
- Attend relevant trainings and obtain certification in land stewardship-related skills.
- Implement campus land stewardship activities under the direction of the Director of Land Stewardship.
- Supervise the Land Stewardship Work Crew and demonstrate good fieldwork skills.
- Operate EEM forestry tools and equipment, often independently.
Benefits
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- 90% employee tuition discount for eligible children enrolled from Pre-K3 through College; infant and acorn programs are excluded, and the discount is prorated for part-time staff.
- Relocation reimbursement of up to 12% of annual salary when moving from more than 50 miles away.
- Professional development, training programs, and career growth support.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans.
- Paid time off.
- 403(b) retirement plan with Principia matching.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
