LAND CONSERVATION STEWARD (Full-time, Hourly)

Location: Reports to Cardinal’s Conservation Hub in Cincinnati, OH. Work will occur throughout the Greater Cincinnati region. Approximately 75% in the field; 25% in the office.

Schedule: Monday-Friday; occasional weekend days.

Typical Work Hours: 8 hours a day, variable

Compensation: $18 per hour

Reports to: Conservation Project Manager

Posting Date: 3/2/2025

Cardinal Contact Name: Drew Goebel

Cardinal Contact Information: drew@cardinallandconservancy.org

Posting End Date: 3/13/26

Cardinal Land Conservancy Inc. (“CLC”) is a non-profit corporation that works throughout the Greater Cincinnati region to acquire and manage land for conservation purposes. CLC also preserves agricultural lands through conservation easements. We continuously seek to attract new members and donors through communications and events throughout the region.

The Land Conservation Steward will be a member of CLC’s Conservation Team, which is responsible for managing and monitoring Cardinal’s growing portfolio of land, which currently includes 17 fee-simple owned properties (nature preserves) and 57 agricultural/conservation easements. The Conservation Technician will report to CLC’s Conservation Project Manager, work under the direction of the Land Manager and is primarily responsible for implementing the management plans for CLCs nature preserves and conducting annual monitoring visits to CLC’s easements.

Job Responsibilities for the Land Conservation Steward may include but are not limited to:

· Natural Areas Management – Implement the management plans for CLC’s nature preserves. This includes ecological restoration projects such as invasive species removal, prairie management, forest management, and restoration plantings. Track work in natural areas, monitor results, and develop recommendations for future work priorities. Requires work with herbicide, chainsaw, and heavy equipment.

· Manage public access to Cardinal’s fee properties. CLC has numerous properties open to the public for passive recreation. On these properties: ensure a safe and positive visitor experience by maintaining infrastructure such as parking areas, trails, signage, and security features. Organize and host outdoor access and appreciation events (which may be led by others), coordinate public access requests (colleges, scouts, bird watching groups, etc.).

· Trail construction and maintenance – Assist Land Manager in the design and construction of sustainably-designed hiking trails in CLC preserves. Includes work with hand tools and heavy equipment.

· Manage volunteers and seasonal workers in the field – Train volunteers and seasonal interns and coordinate their work within preserves.

· Maintain stewardship equipment – Keep shop, tools, and equipment organized and in ready-to-use condition for multiple users; keep service records and maintenance logs; take major equipment in for service when needed.

· Buildings and Grounds support – Assist improvement projects on CLC buildings such as light construction, rehabilitation work, and clean-ups.

· Easement and preserve monitoring – Conduct annual monitoring visits to easements and properties held by CLC and prepare monitoring reports in line with Land Trust Alliance Standards & Practices and CLC’s policies and procedures.

· Other – CLC staff is a diverse group of professionals working to ensure the success of a broad mission. Land Conservation Steward will be an important part of this team and will have opportunities to assist on a wide range of projects.

Work Hours & Organizational Structure

This is a full-time paid position. The position is expected to work 40 hours per week. The typical work week will vary seasonally because much of the work will be performed in the field on CLC’s preserves, which span seven counties in southwest Ohio. The position part of the stewardship team based out of CLC’s Conservation Hub (2427 W McMicken Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45214).

Start time may vary but applicants should be prepared to arrive at 7:00 a.m. and work for an 8-hour day when working with others on field projects. Standard workweek will be Monday to Friday; however, position will be expected to work occasional weekends to accommodate volunteer and public events.

Unusual Working Conditions:

· This position requires significant time to be spent in the field performing strenuous tasks in all weather conditions.

· Must be willing and able to work under physically demanding circumstances on difficult and hazardous terrain.

· Must be able to lift and carry 50lbs.

· Must be willing to occasionally drive up to 4 hours a day to access Cardinal properties (in Cardinal vehicle).

· May be required to work up to 10 hours in a single day, with advance notice.

· Cardinal will provide all PPE and other safety equipment for the field per standard practice.

· Collaborate in a convivial and effective manner with others on public access, engagement events, and security.

Education & Skills

· High school graduate, preferably with some college-level coursework in natural resources.

· Independent worker with strong communication skills.

· Ability to professionally represent Cardinal Land Conservancy to the public.

· Commitment to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging in the workplace.

· Growth mindset – demonstrated ability to problem solve and proven willingness to learn.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

· Experience with field studies and/or field work with plants and/or animals native to SW Ohio

· Experience in trail building or maintenance using modern sustainable standards.

· Safe and effective use of manual and power tools including chainsaws and other machine tools

· Experience operating heavy equipment such as tractors, skid steers, mini excavators, and trucks trailing heavy equipment.

· Proficient with technical tools: Microsoft Office, GIS, GPS, maps, compass, cameras and drones.

· Ability to find survey markers and perform basic offline and off trail land navigation

· Ability to organize, train, and lead groups of volunteers doing field work

· Basic first aid (training will be given if not current)

· Ability to write reports incorporating data, maps, and photos.

Desired Certification

The person hired for this position will have or will need to acquire all of the following:

– Ohio category 4a pesticide applicator licensure

– FAA part 107 commercial drone pilot licensure

– S-130 & S-180 wildland fire certification / prescribed burn experience

– OSHA 10/ OSHA 40 or equivalent

How To Apply

Position will remain open until filled. To apply, please submit your cover letter, resume and availability (start dates) to Drew Goebel: drew@cardinallandconservancy.org.