Job: Part Time Preserve Manager/ Caretaker
Preserve Manager / Caretaker
French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust, Chester County, PA
Close date on application: April 24, 2017
Start Date: May 2017
Period of Employment: 21 hours/week for a minimum of six months (April-October),
Compensation: $19.23/hour
To apply: French and Pickering Creeks Trust is an equal opportunity employer. Pease do not call. Email cover letter, resume and three references to jbaldo@frenchandpickering.org. Criminal background clearance and reference checks will be required upon employment.
Position Description
French and Pickering is seeking a Preserve Manager/Caretaker responsible for managing approximately 730 acres of conserved woodlands, wetlands and meadows primarily located in the French Creek and Brandywine watersheds in northern Chester County, PA. This position will require strong interpersonal skills in order to engage and educate the public as well as the knowledge and physical ability to perform various field activities. The position offers the opportunity to help to protect the headwaters of the Exceptional Value French Creek and the ecologically rich Great Marsh uplands, while sharing their natural wonder with volunteers, members, donors and students.
The primary responsibilities will include: mowing trails in the field portion of the preserve, weed whacking, trimming, grass and weed control in our historic furnace ruins, monitoring boundaries and enforcing unauthorized visitation, invasive species control, maintenance of fences and gates, working on reforestation and riparian buffer projects, assisting in ongoing research studies and assisting with other projects on the preserve as they arise. Additionally, the Preserve Manager/Caretaker will assist in the creation and implementation of a Preserve Master Plan, assist with weekly volunteer work days and be a representative for the French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust in the community. The Preserve Manager/Caretaker will report directly to the Executive Director.
Specific Duties
• Produce well written reports of Preserve activities, decisions taken and Preserve conditions;
• Maintain the property grounds in an ecologically sound and professional manner;
• Identify, post and monitor boundaries of Preserve;
• Patrol the Property regularly and log status reports on security and observations concerning plants, animals, trails, roads, etc.;
• Coordinate and oversee small scale reforestation and riparian buffer projects;
• Assist with ongoing scientific research including water quality monitoring of the Preserve’s Exception Value- designated French Creek
• Maintain a social media presence for the Preserve;
• Interface with the general public, distribute Trust literature, answer questions, guide visitors through the preserve, and maintain visitors sign guestbook;
• Work with Trust staff and partner organizations to plan and implement a full range of public access activities, including leading tours and field trips;
• Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.
Minimum Qualifications
• An understanding of and creative approach to connecting people with the land in ways that develop a conservation ethic
• Strong background including a formal education and experience in ecology with an emphasis in plant and/ or wildlife biology;
• Relevant experience in land stewardship and management, including knowledge of best management practices;
• Advanced map-reading and mapping abilities, including proficiency in compass and GPS use; GIS proficiency desirable;
• Possess and demonstrate the aptitude and ability to work harmoniously and productively with staff, and committees, representing the Trust in an ethical and professional manner;
• Be able to produce well written reports; be skilled in the use of a computer including MS products such as Excel, Word, Access and be competent in the use of social media such as Facebook;
• Be skilled at using and maintaining equipment such as chainsaws, estate tractors, brush-hog, riding mowers, string trimmers, log splitters, etc.;
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of people, including Trust board members and staff, landowners, volunteers, the public, and donors
• Be in excellent physical condition and be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and have an insured motor vehicle;
The Preserve Manager/ Caretaker is expected to own and be familiar with proper field gear including, but not limited to: rubber boots, gloves, safety glasses, work clothing, and Permethrin (Repel or similar product) tick repellant for field work safety. The Trust will purchase required safety gear, including steel-toed boots, hard hat with visor, specialized chain saw gear (including chaps), etc.
We recognize that a potential candidate may not have every specific skill mentioned in the job description. However, a successful candidate should possess as many of the specified attributes and qualifications as possible.
