Stewardship Field Assistant

This is a full-time, temporary position that begins on August 31 and ends on December 4, 2026.

Essential Functions:

The Stewardship Field Assistant assists with a variety of stewardship and management duties on Conservancy preserves within southern Delaware, duties include preserve and conservation easement monitoring, preserve maintenance including trail, boundary, and sign maintenance, invasive species management, using and maintaining equipment such as hand tools, chainsaws and brush saws, safely applying herbicide, enforcing preserve policies and monitoring visitor use, and maintaining cooperative relationships with preserve neighbors, agency partners, the general public and partner organizations.

Responsibilities & Scope:

Assists with preserve and conservation easement monitoring, field data collection, and reporting. Works with stewardship staff and volunteers to perform preserve maintenance tasks (maintain signs and kiosks, maintain trails and parking areas, monitor preserve boundaries, control invasive species using hand tools and herbicides).Interacts with preserve visitors by providing information about preserves, promoting the work of the Conservancy, answering questions, and enforcing preserve policies.

Assists with field data collection that is pertinent to the management of Delaware’s preserves and conservation easements (Invasive species occurrences, management activities and issues, damaged infrastructure, etc.)Assist with prescribed fire preparation and may participate on prescribed burns on TNC and partner lands.

Deals with problems as they arise on preserves (may include timber and other forms of trespass, unauthorized vehicular use, camping, etc.).Assists stewardship staff with ecological monitoring,Assists with maintenance of basic equipment such as hand and power tools, chainsaws, brush saws, etc.

Assists with special projects as needed.

We’re Looking for You:

Want to help save the planet? Through the efforts of The Nature Conservancy over 137,000 acres in Pennsylvania and Delaware have been preserved for people and nature and you can help with the management of some of our lands. From the mountains to the sea, the Pennsylvania and Delaware Chapter is dedicated to conserving the natural resources that make each state unique.

To be successful in our mission, The Nature Conservancy is embracing processes and novel solutions that will accelerate and amplify our impact. This work at the intersection of people and nature requires new perspectives, skillsets, and an agile approach and we are seeking individuals to join us in helping to transform our work.

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma and 1 year’s training in science-related field or related experience in land management (e.g.: land management, landscaping, camp counselor, or similar experience) or equivalent combination

Experience identifying plant and animal species.

Experience working in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

Experience performing roles with physical exertion and/or muscular strain, long hours in isolated settings, and presents frequent possibility of injury.

Requires valid driver’s license.

Desired

Qualifications:

1 – 2 years training in science-related field or related experience in land management.

Ability to hike over rough terrain for extended periods of time, lift and carry up to 40 pounds, and be willing to work outdoors sometimes in foul weather; ability to navigate in the field.

Experience operating and maintaining power tools, chainsaws, and brush saws safely is highly preferred.

Communicates effectively in person and in writing with a wide variety of people, including preserve neighbors, private landowners, partners, and volunteers.

Experience with Microsoft Products Knowledge of, and demonstrated experience with, GPS devices to find and mark field locations, have experience navigating roads in remote locations. Able to read and interpret maps, aerial photos, and other sources of mapped information.

Experience with ESRI software is helpful.

First Aid and CPR certification is helpful.

Knowledge and familiarity…