Land Steward, Western Riverside County

The Center for Natural Lands Management (CNLM) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3), organization, created in 1990, whose mission is the perpetual stewardship of lands that are natural open areas, sensitive species and their resident ecosystems. Current operations are in California and Washington.

In Washington, the South Puget Sound Program conserves one of the rarest ecosystems in the United States, the prairie and oak woodlands of Cascadia, especially those lands and habitats within the South Sound Region of Washington State. The Program protects and restores habitats and recovers rare species that are listed as candidates for federal listing in the South Sound Region.

Currently, seventy-five preserves, encompassing over 30,000 acres throughout California, are under the management of CNLM, with new preserves added regularly. The preserves vary in size from three to thousands of acres and are managed under direct ownership, conservation easements, or management contracts.

Position Overview:

CNLM seeks a part-time temporary Land Steward, Western Riverside County (Land Steward) for work primarily in unincorporated French Valley and Aguanga, California, and other cities within Riverside County. CNLM manages several preserves in these areas that total approximately 3,500 acres. Preserves are currently located in Lake Elsinore, Perris, Murrieta, Temecula, French Valley, and Aguanga. The preserves range in size from 110 to 1,120 acres and host numerous endangered and threatened species and sensitive habitat.

The Land Steward's primary roles are to patrol and secure the preserves, remove nonnative plant species, provide some assistance to the Preserve Manager with monitoring plants and/or wildlife, and protect the natural resources of the preserves in these areas, and thus, help fulfill the mission of CNLM. CNLM will pay the costs of all necessary supplies and materials and provide all needed field equipment and tools. A company vehicle may be provided at management's discretion.

The position is funded for approximately 10 months from November 1, 2012 through August 31, 2013 but may be extended contingent upon funding.

Reports to: CNLM Western Riverside Preserve Manager

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities will include but not necessarily be limited to:

• Patrolling and enforcing preserve and trail rules; monitoring for trespass, interacting with trespassers, and coordinating with local police
• Installing new and mending existing barbed wire fences and gates
• Removal of nonnative plants species using hand tools, weed whacker, chainsaw, tractor, and/or herbicide
• Picking up trash
• Assist with installing fuel breaks
• Assist Preserve Manager with the management and monitoring of wildlife and/or vegetation
• Interacting with the public, conservation partners, easement holders, and other parties who use or work on the preserves
• Coordinating schedule and activities with supervisor and other CNLM staff
• Some office work required: expense reports, monthly activity report, mileage report, time accounting

Qualifications:

• A minimum of 2 years' experience in a related field or some related college-level education required
• Ability to develop effective partnerships with local police, code enforcement, fire department, and other public safety agencies
• Appreciation for and knowledge of southern California natural resources
• Ability to use tools, supplies, and equipment required by the job
• Ability to perform varied manual tasks, evaluate problems, and take corrective action
• Ability to effectively communicate in English with co-workers, partners, and the public
• Cordial demeanor when interacting with co-workers, partners, and the public
• Ability to stand and walk for duration of shift
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of habitat and weather conditions
• Ability to conduct physical work for the entire work day and multiple days in succession
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and carry equipment and materials for signs and fencing.
• General computer skills: Windows XP, Excel, Outlook, Word and the internet
• Ability to drive a tractor or willingness to learn
• Must be able to maintain a home office with internet connection
• Current California driver's license with (and proof of) a good driving record
• Applicant must be able to pass a background check (administered after position is offered)
• Code enforcement training, emergency response training, and wilderness survival training desired
• Map reading and orienteering skills, experience with Geographic Positioning System desired
• Experience with 4WD vehicle is desired

Working Conditions:

• Regularly required to hike through a variety of habitat types and terrain, walking over uneven ground, climbing over obstacles, and accessing remote locations
• The position almost exclusively involves outdoor working conditions. Communication with supervisors is typically through use of email or telephone.
• Regularly required to operate a vehicle (4WD and/or 2WD)
• At commencement of work, the successful applicant is expected to work an average of 21 hours a week, Monday through Friday with some Saturday or Sundays (variable shift start and end times).

The working conditions described here are representative in part of those that will be encountered by an employee in this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to successfully function in these working conditions.

Compensation: Pay Level: Non-Exempt (Hourly), Part-time, Temporary, Not Eligible for Benefits Pay: DOE (up to $18/hr)

Application deadline: Open until filled, but for fullest consideration please apply no later than September 21, 2012. Applications will be accepted until position is filled, interviews will begin immediately.

To Apply:

Qualified applicants must provide a letter of interest, updated resumé or c.v., and contact information for at least 2 references: one personal and one professional. Electronic Submission Preferred. 

If email is not possible, the application can be mailed to:

Center for Natural Lands Management
Attention: Human Resources
27258 Via Industria, Suite B
Temecula, CA 92590

CNLM is an Equal Opportunity employer. Personnel are chosen on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed by people assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. CNLM management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

This position description does not constitute an employment agreement between CNLM and the employee and is subject to change by CNLM as the needs of CNLM and/or requirements of the job change. CNLM is an At-Will Employer; either you or CNLM may terminate your employment at any time.