Are you looking for a fun seasonal position where you get to be outdoors and active? Come join the Cincinnati Nature Center's land steward team and get paid to learn about land management including, but not limited to, invasive species and what to do about them! These positions are flexible in the number hours and the days in which the team members work. The Nature Center is open 7 days a week and schedules are weather dependent. Stewards can work as little as 3 - 5 hours a week or up to 15-20 hours per week. Pay starts at $15/hour. We will work around day off and vacation requests.
No experience is necessary, however, a team attitude and willingness to learn is a must. This position also has the opportunity to work with Citizen Science projects and prescribed burns if the candidate is interested.
General Information
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Position Title
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Assistant Land Steward
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Classification:
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Hourly
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Supervisor:
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Land Manager
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Category:
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Part-time
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Department:
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Conservation
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Schedule:
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March 3 through October
Varies week to week
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Revision:
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January 2020
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Purpose
With direction from Conservation Managers & Land Stewards, assist the Department of Conservation with execution of land management plans and native plant propagation program. Executes all activities with the highest standards for safety, customer service, and in keeping with CNC Mission, Values, and Principles.
Essential Job Responsibilities
Stewardship & Land Management
- Assist in the control of invasive plant species using various acceptable methods as directed by the land manager and consistent with the Nature Centers best practices.
- Assist with trail construction and maintenance as directed by the trails coordinator
- Collection of biological and chemical samples from streams and lakes for water quality assessment
- Assist the land manager with reintroduction of native plants and sowing of seeds into newly restored prairie and forest habitat
- Assist with monitoring of wildlife populations including monarch butterflies, Eastern Blue Birds, butterflies, neotropical migrant birds, and other wildlife species as needed
- Assist with tree and seed plantings as needed
- Assist with prescribed burns as needed
- Assist with maintenance of all landscaped beds, consisting of: Nature PlayScape, Krippendorf Lodge, Groesbeck Lodge, Celebration Garden, Backyard Habitat Exhibit, Rowe Woods Visitor Center, Entry Gate, Entry Sign, additional areas at Long Branch Farm
- Assist with design execution and transplanting of current and new landscaping areas
- Assist with the installation of native habitat and pollinator gardens in the SW Ohio region
Additional Job Responsibilities
Depending on experience, opportunities may present to assist with the entry and management of
- Research/monitoring data
- Mapping and entry of GIS data
- Working with or leading groups of volunteer land stewards
- Assisting other departments with issues related to grounds, landscaping, and wildlife
Additional Job Responsibilities
- Stationary and portable hand power tools
- Hand tools and equipment such as chain saws, loppers, shovels, axes, or other tools may be used
- When appropriate, required safety equipment will include eye and ear protection as well as respirator masks, due to occasional exposure to herbicides when necessary to carry out duties
Education and Competencies
- Successful candidates will have basic naturalist skills and a background in the use of equipment related to land management and landscaping
- The ability to interact with the Nature Centers guests, volunteers, and other staff in a pleasant manner
- Punctuality and dependability are a must
- Flexibility will be essential and other duties may be me assigned as available
- Ability to stay positive and friendly when conditions are harsh or uncomfortable (e.g., rain, heat, cold)
- The ability to work well on a team, but flexibility to work independently with little supervision.
- Must be available evenings and weekends
- Possess a valid drivers license if there is a need to operate a company vehicle or RTV
- Candidates who have acquired or are in the process of acquiring a bachelors degree in one of the life sciences is preferred\
- Must pass BCI/FBI background checks and remain current on First Aid/CPR certification
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Must maintain confidentiality of sensitive and confidential information
Computer Skills
- Proficient using word processing and spreadsheet software
- Experience with MS Office products
- GIS knowledge is a plus
Work Environment
- The work is performed on-site, outside in a nature preserve, as well as indoors, on occasion
- Local travel may be required. Some travel to regional conferences may be required. When a Nature Center vehicle is not available, the use of personal vehicle (reimbursed at IRS recommended rate) may be needed for Cincinnati Nature Center business.
Physical Demands
This position requires the following physical activities: pushing, pulling, climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, sitting, standing, walking, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, repetitive motions, talking, hearing and visual acuity.
