Land Steward

(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities

Start Date: Immediate  Compensation: Commensurate with expreience

Excellent Opportunity for the right environmentalist to be part of a top-five park in Bergen County, NJ. The Land Steward will be part of Flat Rock Brook’s Land Management Team which is responsible for preserving today’s nature sanctuary and protecting tomorrow’s forest. We are looking for a proactive and flexible team member as “ No two days are alike”. Day-to-day property management can include routine trail upkeep, severe weather interference, mitigating safety hazards, planting, gardening and building maintenance. Land Stewards will be directed by the Land Manager but many activities will be independently executed.

Time Commitment: 20 to 25 hours/week on average, variable depending on time of year, and some evenings and weekends as needed

Benefits: Pro-rated vacation, personal, and sick time. Retirement plan with organizational matching available
Onsite housing with some additional caretaker responsibilities, is available for the right candidate

Responsibilities/Duties

Trail Maintenance:

  • Monitor and maintain hiking trails as directed by the Land Manager: remove hazards, woodchip trails and playgrounds
  • Install, maintain and repair structures as needed, storm drains, fences, bridges
  • Work with / supervise volunteer groups as needed to maintain trail system and improve wildlife habitat

Land Management:

  • Maintain meadows and native plantings, includes mowing and weeding.
  • Conduct invasive plant species control in coordination with the Land Manager. Help train volunteers to identify and remove invasive species
  • Assist in the maintenance of the deer exclosure, gates, and split rail fence. Assist with deer drives as needed
  • Perform hazardous tree assessments and removals

Building & Picnic Area Maintenance: 

  • Coordinate landscape / weather maintenance around structures, playground and picnic area. Includes mowing, weed whacking, leaf blowing, snow plowing etc.

Qualifications/Requirements

The ideal candidate will have a background working in nature preserves with either formal knowledge or general experience working with plants or trees. We are willing to train a candidate, who may lack preferred knowledge but he / she must be highly motivated, responsible and interested in learning about urban forests. Preference will, however, be given to those with formal education / past experience. 

  • Basic forestry skills, experience in trail maintenance and use of power tools/equipment
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team in all weather conditions
  • Perform heavy physical work on a daily basis. Must be able to lift and carry 40 pounds
  • Good computer skills, and familiarity with GPS/GIS mapping
  • Ability to work with volunteers, government entities, peer organizations, and research institutions is a requirement
  • Current First Aid/ CPR/ Wilderness First Aid certification or ability to obtain

Background check/ criminal history check required 

Additional Information

Flat Rock Brook is a 150-acre nature preserve and environmental education center in Englewood, NJ, just two miles from the George Washington Bridge. Flat Rock Brook has 3.6 miles of self-guided forested hiking trails that lead to a cascading stream, wetlands, pond and native meadows

Contact Information

Flat Rock Brook Nature Association
Contact Name: Catherine Wedgbury
Email: Catherine.Wedgbury@gmail.com
Phone: 551 795 1150