Ecological Restoration Crew Member

Part Time/Seasonal Ecological Restoration Crew Member 

Land Stewardship, Inc. has part time/seasonal openings for Ecological Restoration Crew Members (ERCM) for the 2024 field season. This is an excellent opportunity for those interested in working/exploring the fields of ecological restoration, invasive species management, and land stewardship. We are seeking conservation-minded people for work in a variety of natural communities in Massachusetts.

Level 1 Qualifications: No experience necessary, just a strong desire to actively engage with the land to promote native biodiversity. Applicants must be physically fit and be motivated. 

Level 2 Qualifications:  Experience in ecological restoration, landscaping, farming, horticulture, arboriculture, forestry and/or logging. Applicant should be familiar with core equipment such as chain saw, brush saw, string trimmer and backpack sprayer. 

We encourage students or those with an Associates or Bachelor’s degree in a natural resources field to apply, though forms of experiential knowledge are also valued, including local and indigenous knowledge.

The ERCM will work primarily on invasive plant management projects at sites in Massachusetts and Vermont. Other activities may involve planting/seeding native species, reforestation, brush/vegetation removal, mowing, chainsaw work, and streambank stabilization. The ERCM will be responsible for implementing targeted manual, mechanical and chemical applications. The ERCM position involves the use of sensitive-area herbicides along with strenuous physical labor under a variety of challenging conditions.

The ERCM will need to take the online Pesticide Applicator License Exam Training Workshop May 15 – 17 followed by the online pesticide exam in order to obtain a pesticide applicators license which is a requirement for employment. LSI will pay all fees associated with obtaining the license.

Terms of Employment

Position will begin in May 2024 and end in August or be extended longer as projects allow. Student schedules can be accommodated. Occasional overnight travel may be required. Position requires a 20 – 30-hour commitment of time (2-3 days/week). 2 days can be accommodated as needed for someone with another responsibility. Time off can be accommodated with advanced notice.

Further Description & Compensation

Year 1 Core Crew Member

The ERCM 1 position is our entry level crew position and includes our core training in ecological restoration techniques and context, invasive plant identification, and techniques for managing invasive plants. 

Year 2 Core Crew Leader

The ERCM position builds on skills, knowledge and experience acquired the first year and takes it to the next level with increased responsibility and accountability through engaging as a crew leader, collecting land management data (gps/photos) and other special projects. Specialized training topics include wetland identification, native plant identification, and advanced invasive plant identification. 

Benefits: paid federal holidays, gear allowance, core knowledge/skills training, mileage reimbursement, Society for Ecological Restoration membership.  Please note that health insurance is not offered as a benefit for this position.

The ERCM (Levels 1 & 2) pay scale is $18 - $24.50/hr.

Visit our website for more information: www.landstewardshipinc.com

LSI is an ecological restoration consulting and contracting company based in the northern Pioneer Valley of western Massachusetts. Our company is focused on ecological restoration, invasive species management, natural areas management/stewardship, wildlife habitat management, and conservation planning.

LSI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Thank you for your interest!

Please email resume and a statement of interest to: info@landstewardshipinc.com