Stewardship Coordinator

Join Skagit Land Trust (the Trust), a not-for-profit conservation organization based in Mount Vernon, Washington, and help protect land for people and wildlife. Skagit Land Trust is nationally accredited with a 32-year history of using a collaborative approach to protect and steward land throughout Skagit County. The Trust permanently protects shorelines, wetlands, wildlife habitat, farms, forests, natural parks, trails and iconic lands from the North Cascades to the Salish Sea (Puget Sound). Become part of a dynamic, dedicated team of conservation professionals, volunteers, and landowners that work together to protect and steward priority conservation lands. Skagit Land Trust has protected over 10,000 acres of land and nearly 50 miles of shoreline. The Trust works with 1,500 supporters and over 40 partner organizations to accomplish its mission. 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Stewardship Coordinator is part of a team working to manage Skagit Land Trust’s protected lands. Working independently and collaboratively with staff, volunteers and partners, the Stewardship Coordinator is responsible for day-to-day property management of a portfolio of Trust-owned and managed lands. Duties include (but are not limited to) monitoring properties, resolving issues, managing stewardship projects, coordinating the work of stewardship volunteers and contractors, and keeping property records up to date. Good conflict management skills and the ability to work with a wide variety of individuals are very important.

Commitment to Inclusion

One of our core values is to have a workforce, board, volunteer and program focus that reflects the wide diversity of the communities we serve. We are committed to supporting diversity, equity and inclusion and finding opportunities for all employees to succeed. Applicants with diverse life experience, those from Tribal backgrounds, and those from eastern Skagit County are highly encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Stewardship (95%) Land Management: Track and prioritize ongoing stewardship needs on assigned lands. Initiate and manage projects to achieve property management goals. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Track stewardship needs and use available resources to prioritize and complete stewardship tasks on conservation areas. Tasks vary widely and include (but are not limited to) boundary marking, sign posting, site cleanups (including demolition contracting), invasive plants removal, trail maintenance, and planting.
• Coordinate with Trust staff, volunteers, interns, contractors and partners to accomplish stewardship projects as appropriate.
• Oversee the Trust’s coordination of work parties alongside Outreach and Community Engagement staff.
• Coordinate conservation area management planning, by writing new property management plans, tracking and completing management plan evaluations, and completing management plan updates on a regular schedule.
• Resolve encroachment or property misuse issues.
• Communicate with the public, neighbors, and partners about conservation areas. Respond to inquiries about conservation areas and Trust policies (particularly access and hunting policies).

Monitoring: Ensure the Trust meets internal policies and accreditation standards for monitoring assigned properties. This is not limited to but includes training and coordinating volunteer land stewards, completing regular staff field visits, and ensuring visits and property stewardship needs are appropriately documented via the completion of follow-up monitoring reports.

Recordkeeping: Manage records to ensure the Trust meets internal policies and accreditation standards for recordkeeping associated with stewardship of properties. Collaborate with other Trust departments to ensure property records are kept up to date and well organized. Assist with grant reporting.

Stewardship Team: Take part in stewardship department and stewardship committee meetings as appropriate. Help with other stewardship tasks delegated by the Stewardship Director.

Organizational (5%)

Organization: Skagit Land Trust works towards carrying out the Trust’s strategic direction as a close-knit team of staff, volunteers, board, members, and landowners. The Stewardship Coordinator takes part in Trust-wide meetings, events and programming as well as staff and meetings. They will regularly coordinate with and support the work of other departments and committees to meet organizational goals.

DESIRED EXPERIENCE AND ATTRIBUTES

• A commitment to land conservation and the environment. Preferably an understanding of natural resource and land management issues as related to the Pacific Northwest.
• Three or more years of relevant professional experience. Relevant (e.g. natural resource management, environmental planning, environmental science / studies, or park management) undergraduate and/or graduate degrees may each be substituted for up to one year of professional experience.
• Ability to work in the field at least 60% of the time and to complete hands-on stewardship work. Comfort with working in the field on hot, cold and very wet days. Work will regularly require hiking up to 5 miles through brushy and/or steep terrain, with uneven footing, occasionally crossing water, while carrying up to 25 lbs. of tools and field equipment. Will need to lift heavier items for short periods of time on occasion. Prefer experience with anticipating hazards and managing risk in the field, either by working or recreating outdoors.
• Experience and comfort with using various hand tools (such as shovels, machetes, and hammers); experience with other mechanized equipment such as a weed whacker, chainsaws, augers and tractors is preferred but not required.
• Comfort with regular conflict management and resolution.
• Comfortable with using computers and utilizing common office software (such as the Office suite, Salesforce, etc.).
• Professional or academic experience with ArcGIS including ability to make and manipulate maps.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, in written and oral formats.
• Strong organizational skills, such as good attention to detail and the ability to juggle multiple time-sensitive projects.
• Enjoys working both independently and as part of a team with people, including volunteers, contractors and partners from varied backgrounds.
• Willing to engage and take part in Skagit Land Trust’s efforts to increase diversity, equity, justice, and inclusion throughout the organization.
• A valid driver’s license and insurable driving history. Staff are compensated for any personal vehicle use at standard IRS rate when on official duty. An SLT vehicle is shared among departments for use in the field.
• Willingness to follow CDC guidelines regarding COVID or request an exemption. 
• Diverse life experiences will be considered as attributes for this position.

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume and cover letter electronically to admin@skagitlandtrust.org. No paper or inperson applications, please.

\Applications will be accepted from the time of job posting. Priority review of applicants will begin on September 16 at 5pm. The preferred start date will be in late October.