The Stewardship Crew Manager -The Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust

The Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust is a nature preserve and land trust operating over 11 miles of trails across 863 acres of preserved land. This private land trust is dedicated to pursuing excellence in native habitat restoration and is open to the public every day of the year.

The Pennypack Trust is a vibrant place located in Upper and Lower Moreland Townships, hosting 40,000 visitors per year and one the county’s most diverse bird populations. Wild beaver, mink, and coyotes thrive here.

The Stewardship Crew Manager is responsible for leading a positive and collaborative team that manages ecological connections among forests, grasslands, riparian and wetland communities. The manager works with all aspects of the Trust from research to education. The Stewardship Crew Manager is a teacher and role model, guiding interns, part-time staff, and volunteers to enhance the Preserve.

Description: The Stewardship Crew Manager leads a group of 2 other full-time employees, 2-6 seasonal part time interns, and a variety of volunteers. They are responsible for maintaining the safety, aesthetics, and ecological functions of an 863+ acre nature preserve and land trust that’s growing.

Basic Qualifications: The Stewardship Crew Manager must blend thoughtful hard work, care for a healthy environment, and the safety of their teammates and visitors alike. The successful candidate will have the following attributes:

  *   Highly motivated, responsible, reliable, and dependable

  *   Must possess horticultural knowledge of Mid-Atlantic native plants and invasive species

  *   Experienced with plant community restoration efforts

  *   Flexible in dealing with a changing work environment and changing work plans

  *   Desire to lead by example and demonstrate tasks given to direct reports

  *   Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

  *   Successfully pass a background check

  *   Must carry out tasks in a professional manner and have an aptitude for injecting positive energy and good humor into the workday.

  *   A minimum associates or bachelor’s degree in horticulture, plant science, landscape design forestry or related field from an accredited college or university or recognized certificate in horticulture is strongly desired.

Necessary Experience:

Candidates must have experience with professional landscape practices including but not limited to planting, native and non-native plant identification, experience operating gas-powered equipment (such as string-trimmers, chainsaws, etc.) as well as larger machinery (zero-turn mowers, walk-behind brush mowers, tractors and their implements).

A minimum of 3 years experience preferably at a public garden, arboretum, natural park setting, or landscape maintenance and installation crew. 3 years experience managing a crew of 3 or more, responsibility for health and safety and related training/PPE management. Seasonal planning and adaptation of work and maintenance routines for volunteers, interns, staff crews, and equipment. As a leader it is expected that this person will seek opportunities for professional development and skill building and demonstrate that to direct reports.

Advanced Experience:

Woodland or grassland restoration implementation and maintenance. Herbicide application, use of back-hoes, tractors and their implements. Other construction or trades experience.

Responsibilities:

  1.  Oversee, plan work tasks, and delegate to the stewardship team and volunteers

  2.  Develop and implement a wide variety of seasonal or multi-season projects. These projects may include trail improvements/repair, site clearing for reforestation areas, herbicide application, coordination with outside contractors*

  3.  Train staff, interns and volunteers to perform general landscape duties such as mowing, planting, weeding, debris management, etc.

  4.  Proactively responsible for the seasonal maintenance and replacement of tools, small engine implements, and heavy equipment.

  5.  Monitor and inspect landscape conditions for regular maintenance or corrective action*

  6.  Select and source, supplies such as trees, shrubs, tools, and protective equipment*

  7.  Periodically assist with public events, tours, educational programs, and membership activities

  8.  Writing and computer skills are required sufficient to draft policies and procedures for equipment use and maintenance, document land management activities, maintain observation logs, etc.

*Indicates shared or collaborative roles with the lead horticulturalist, research & restoration coordinator, and executive director.

Physical Demands/Work Environment:  Stewardship staff spends the majority of their time outdoors in all seasons. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities. The successful candidate must:

  *   Spend multiple hours outdoors in all weather

  *   Work while exposed to poison ivy, biting and stinging insects, ticks

  *   Hike 2-5 miles/day on rough terrain

  *   Engage in sustained physical activity throughout the day

  *   Lift up to 50 pounds

  *   Must be comfortable working from a ladder, lift or other high places

Reports to: Executive Director and works closely with the Research & Restoration Coordinator

Compensation and Benefits: This position is full time, salaried, with a full range of benefits including paid time off, healthcare, dental, life insurance, and a limited retirement savings match plan. Salary begins at $55,000, higher commensurate with experience. The Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust is committed to diversity and inclusivity, and we encourage qualified candidates from all cultures and communities to apply. Due to the managerial duties of this role, work-from-home is not permitted.

The work week is commonly M-F, rarely exceeds 40 hours per week. The Trust encourages and funds training and related travel, peer institution collaboration, and other forms of professional development.

To Apply: Email your resume and cover letter to Chris Mendel, Executive Director, to cmendel@pennypacktrust.org