Conservation Steward

Conservation Steward 1450 Cass Road, Traverse City, MI 49685 $48,000

• $51,000 a year
• Full-time $48,000
• $51,000 a year
• Full-time

TO APPLY

Please email completed Resume and Cover Letter in PDF format to Sara Vaughan, Director of Conservation at svaughan@gtcd.org. No calls please. Applications submitted through an online portal will not be reviewed. The application can be found on the GTCD website at https://natureiscalling.org/employment.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Conservation Steward works with members of the Conservation Team to further the mission of the Grand Traverse Conservation District (GTCD) by leading natural resources best practice on the over 2,500 acres of parklands managed and owned by the District. Primary responsibilities include the development and implementation of annual work plans, trail and parkland maintenance, implementation of conservation and restoration projects, obtaining permits, reporting, grant writing, managing contractors, partnership development, and community engagement. The Conservation Steward will work closely with GTCD staff, partners and volunteers, and reports to the Director of Conservation.

Reports to:

Director of Conservation Supervises:

Volunteers Works with:

Conservation Team, Education Team, Agricultural Team, and Volunteers External Stakeholders:

Municipalities landowners, park users, park neighbors, volunteers, and partner organizations

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Coordinates and manages restoration and trail projects on managed parklands and within the Boardman River Watershed and Grand Traverse County Leads in monitoring and maintenance of managed parklands to ensure safe and accessible recreational experiences for users Researches, promotes and implements best management practices for natural resources management Plans and uses appropriate materials, labor, and contractors as necessary for project success Develops and implements annual work plans and budgets, obtains necessary permits, easements, and approvals for projects on managed properties and within Grand Traverse County Often leads volunteers and groups in field work activities Researches and applies to grant opportunities to support conservation and restoration efforts Manages Citizen Advisory Committees for contracted properties, includes preparing agendas, leading meetings, taking meeting notes, and directing correspondence Provides regular reporting for the District and its partners Develops maps, wayfinding and interpretive signage using tools such as ArcPro and Canva

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Formal Education or Equivalence:

Undergraduate degree in Ecology, Biology, Conservation, Natural Resources, Wildlife, Forestry, Environmental Sciences, Fisheries or a related field.

Preferred Experience:

Minimum of three years of professional natural resources management experience, including field work or trail work Knowledge of local trees, shrubs and forbs of the Northern Michigan region Knowledge and understanding of natural resources ecosystem processes of the Northern Michigan region Experience with trail maintenance and construction Experience with invasive species identification, treatment or removal Experience with conducting or planning restoration activities such as: streambank erosion mitigation, forest restoration, native forbs and flower planting Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking, written reporting, and leading meetings Grant writing and grant management experience of any level Experience with motor powered tools such as mowers, chainsaws, blowers Experience with hand tools and construction equipment

Desired Skills:

Strong ability to use power tools, chainsaws, construction equipment, building materials, and other trail building and structure maintenance techniques Strong organizational and operational skills, including strong project management skills Effective team member and collaborative partner Highly adaptable and able to effectively and efficiently problem solve Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace Experience using ArcPro, GIS Online, GPS, or other mapping software Must be able and willing to work efficiently outdoors in varying weather conditions and terrain throughout the year Experience with hauling a trailer

Other:

Able to work flexible hours Must maintain a valid driver's license Must be at least 18 years of age

WORKING CONDITIONS

GTCD's offices are located at the Boardman River Nature Center in Traverse City, Michigan. The Conservation Steward will regularly be in the field, which may involve traversing uneven, boggy, rocky, and submerged terrain in wide ranges of air temperatures and weather conditions and may require lifting equipment and materials of up to 80 pounds. The Conservation Steward will frequently be using tools and power equipment that will require use of proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This position is primarily field based in spring, summer and fall, with some field work required in the winter. Employee must be able to perform all job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

COMPENSATION

$48,000

• $51,000 salaried, full-time, 40 hours/week, FLSA exempt .

Starting salary based on experience.

Benefits include:

18 days paid time off plus holidays, retirement plan provided by Michigan's Municipal Employees' Retirement System (MERS), HSA contributions, comprehensive health, vision and dental insurance.

PREFERRED START DATE

June 20, 2026 TO APPLY Please email completed Resume and Cover Letter in PDF format to Sara Vaughan, Director of Conservation at svaughan@gtcd.org. No calls please. Applications submitted through an online portal will not be reviewed. The application can be found on the GTCD website at https://natureiscalling.org/employment. Applications will be accepted from May 18, 2026

• June 12, 2026 The Grand Traverse Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate in employment, promotions, or compensation on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$48,000.00

• $51,000.

00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Health savings account Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person