Job Opportunities

Big Sur Land Trust (BSLT) is seeking an experienced full-time Land Steward Associate with strong land management, organizational, and interpersonal skills. This position will work to design and implement effective, efficient, and engaging projects that strengthen the ecological integrity of the land, care for infrastructure, strengthen and build communities, and inspire a robust land ethic. The successful applicant will possess the technical, physical, and cooperative skill sets to advance projects both independently and in a team setting.

The stewardship team is responsible for the management of over 4,000 acres of diverse land holdings including, old growth redwood and madrone forests, coastal chaparral, riparian corridors, oak woodlands, a Monterey bay dune ecosystem, working ranches, and much more! We also conduct annual monitoring of another 7,000 acres of conservation easements throughout Monterey County.

Big Sur Land Trust’s (BSLT) Land Stewardship Associate is a full-time benefited position that assists the stewardship department in managing land; maintaining facilities, infrastructure, and equipment; promoting responsible land management; leading volunteer events; and performing administrative tasks. Primary duties will be to ensure facilities, roads and trails are operational, safe, and presentable and that conservation values of these properties are protected and enhanced. This is primarily a field position but will include administrative tasks and office-oriented work as well.

Specific Duties

Land Management

• Maintain regular communication with Stewardship Programs Manager and Stewardship Project Manager regarding land management tasks and priorities
• Make trail improvements by upgrading treads; clearing vegetation from trails; making trail signs; building stairs, hand rails, and retaining walls; and milling wood for trail improvements
• Manage and implement conservation easement and fee land monitoring program
• Develop and manage contracts
• Implement ecological restoration projects, maintain existing sites, manage irrigation system and schedules, etc.
• Control weeds and invasive species as directed
• Collect and remove debris and waste from properties
• Facilitate stewardship projects using volunteers

Building Maintenance

• Work with BSLT staff to identify repairs and upgrades on all property structures for operations, safety, and general appearance
• Maintain security of all facilities and equipment
• Address trespass and vandalism issues
• Conduct repairs and cleaning as needed
• Help develop and document operations manuals for ranches
• Help improve fee land BMPs and make sustainability recommendations

Road Maintenance

• Assess damage after storms
• Remove trees and debris from roads
• Clear culverts and improve drainage structures

Administrative Tasks

• Organize paper and electronic files and online databases
• Track timeline of stewardship projects
• Research, prepare, and coordinate stewardship activities, including volunteer outreach
• Develop maps, annual photo point monitoring of restoration projects, emergency and hiker resources

Required Qualifications

1. Ability to manage multiple projects and contractors with deadlines
2. Self-motivated with the ability to communicate effectively with co-workers, landowners, and members
3. Excellent problem-solving, time management, and organizational skills
4. Ability to ensure the safe and effective use of a wide range of hand tools, power tools (including chainsaws), vehicles and equipment in remote areas
5. Off-road driving experience using a variety of vehicles and ability to tow trailers
6. Sense of humor, flexibility, spirit of adventure, and desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others and the environment
7. Willingness and ability to perform strenuous work on difficult terrain in a variety of environmental conditions. Ability to lift and/or move up to 70lbs.
8. Ability to manage databases and Microsoft Office applications
9. Willingness to occasionally work evenings or weekends

Desired Qualifications

1. Bilingual – English & Spanish
2. At least 60 college credits toward degree in natural resources (biology, wildlife ecology, forestry, etc.) or related field
3. Trail and building maintenance skills
4. Advanced chainsaw skills
5. First aid and CPR certified (Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid preferred)
6. Experience with weed management using both physical and chemical control
7. Plant identification skills
8. GPS & ArcGIS Skills

Big Sur Land Trust (BSLT) is seeking a qualified seasonal Stewardship Crew Lead to manage a crew of 4 personnel to complete trail building and land management priority projects for BSLT’s flagship properties. The primary function of this crew will be to rebuild trail infrastructure damaged by the Soberanes Fire at the Mitteldorf Preserve, a 1057-acre property that is rich in natural and cultural resources and home to the largest redwood tree in Monterey County. Optional onsite rustic camping/housing is available for use. The successful applicant will possess the technical, physical, and cooperative skill sets to advance projects in a team setting.

BSLT is a non-profit organization with a mission to inspire love of land across generations, conservation of our unique Monterey County landscapes, and access to outdoor experiences for all. We see a future where natural landscapes, working lands, urban open spaces and healthy communities are cared for by people who share a love of nature and a deep appreciation for the richness of their diverse cultures. We are committed to supportive, respectful work environment for a diverse professional staff.

The stewardship team is responsible for the management of over 4,000 acres of diverse land holdings including, old growth redwood and madrone forests, coastal chaparral, riparian corridors, oak woodlands, a Monterey bay dune ecosystem, working ranches, and much more! We also conduct annual monitoring of another 7,000 acres of conservation easements throughout Monterey County.

Job Duties

Land and Trail Maintenance

• Maintain regular communication and reporting with Stewardship Programs Manager and Project Manager regarding land management tasks and priorities
• Plan, design, organize logistics, and execute trail maintenance and improvement projects
• Manage and coordinate the work of the Stewardship Field Crew and foster a positive atmosphere of teamwork and safety culture
• Use chainsaws to remove downed trees and brush from trails
• Implement ecological restoration projects, maintain plantings, install erosion control features, manage irrigation system and schedules, etc.
• Lead stewardship projects using volunteers
• Ensure the safe operation and proper maintenance of various hand and power tools and equipment

Collect and remove debris and waste from properties

Building Maintenance

• Work with BSLT staff to identify repairs and upgrades on all property structures for operations, safety, and general appearance
• Maintain security of all facilities and equipment
• Address trespass and vandalism issues
• Conduct repairs and cleaning as needed

Road Maintenance

• Remove trees and debris from roads
• Clear culverts and improve drainage structures
• Remove fallen rocks from road path

Administrative Tasks

• Research, prepare, and coordinate stewardship activities, including volunteer outreach
• Report progress of field crew

Required Qualifications

1. At least 21 years of age with valid driver’s license and clean driving record
2. Willingness and ability to perform strenuous work on difficult terrain in a variety of environmental conditions. Ability to lift and/or move up to 70lbs.
3. Ability to work independently to delegate responsibilities, resolve conflicts, and facilitate a positive team dynamic
4. Ability to ensure the safe and effective use of a wide range of hand tools, power tools (including chainsaws), vehicles and equipment in remote areas
5. Self-motivated, dependable, and willing to learn
6. Excellent problem-solving, communication, organizational, and time management skills
7. Sense of humor, flexibility, spirit of adventure, and desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others and the environment
8. Off-road driving experience using a variety of vehicles and ability to tow trailers
9. Willingness to occasionally work evenings or weekends

Desired Qualifications

1. Bilingual – English & Spanish
2. Trail and building maintenance training and skills
3. Demonstrated leadership experience in conservation field
4. First aid and CPR certified (Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid preferred)
5. GPS & ArcGIS Skills

Big Sur Land Trust (BSLT) is seeking qualified seasonal stewardship crewmembers to assist with trail building and land management priorities for BSLT’s flagship properties. The primary function of this crew will be to rebuild trail infrastructure damaged by the Soberanes Fire at the Mitteldorf Preserve, a 1057-acre property that is rich in natural and cultural resources and home to the largest redwood tree in Monterey County. Optional onsite rustic camping/housing is available for use. The successful applicant will possess the technical, physical, and cooperative skill sets to advance projects in a team setting.

BSLT is a non-profit organization with a mission to inspire love of land across generations, conservation of our unique Monterey County landscapes, and access to outdoor experiences for all. We see a future where natural landscapes, working lands, urban open spaces and healthy communities are cared for by people who share a love of nature and a deep appreciation for the richness of their diverse cultures. We are committed to supportive, respectful work environment for a diverse professional staff.

The stewardship team is responsible for the management of over 4,000 acres of diverse land holdings including, old growth redwood and madrone forests, coastal chaparral, riparian corridors, oak woodlands, a Monterey bay dune ecosystem, working ranches, and much more! We also conduct annual monitoring of another 7,000 acres of conservation easements throughout Monterey County.

Job Duties

Land and Trail Maintenance

• Maintain regular communication with Stewardship Programs Manager and Project Manager regarding land management tasks and priorities
• Make trail improvements by upgrading treads; clearing vegetation from trails; pruning; weedwhipping; making trail signs; building stairs, hand rails, and retaining walls; and milling wood for trail improvements
• Implement ecological restoration projects, maintain plantings, install erosion control features, manage irrigation system, etc.
• Facilitate stewardship projects using volunteers
• Use and maintain various hand and power tools and equipment
• Collect and remove debris and waste from properties

Building Maintenance

• Work with BSLT staff to identify repairs and upgrades on all property structures for operations, safety, and general appearance
• Maintain security of all facilities and equipment
• Address trespass and vandalism issues
• Conduct repairs and cleaning as needed

Road Maintenance

• Remove fallen trees and debris from roads
• Clear culverts and improve drainage structures
• Remove fallen rocks from road path

Administrative Tasks

• Research, plan, and coordinate stewardship activities, including volunteer outreach

Required Qualifications

• Ability to perform strenuous work on difficult terrain in a variety of environmental conditions
• Self-motivated with the ability to communicate effectively with co-workers, landowners, and members
• Dependable, flexible, and willing to learn
• Excellent problem-solving and organizational skills
• Off-road driving experience and ability to tow trailers
• Ability to safely and effectively operate and maintain a wide range of hand tools, power tools, vehicles and equipment in remote areas
• Willingness to occasionally work evenings or weekends
• 18 years of age or older with valid driver’s license

Desired Qualifications

1. Bilingual – English & Spanish
2. Trails and building maintenance skills
3. Chainsaw operation skills
4. First aid and CPR certified (Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid preferred)
5. GPS & ArcGIS Skills