LAND STEWARD
As one of the great gardens of the world located just 30 miles outside of Philadelphia, Longwood Gardens is rooted in a steadfast mission of bringing joy and inspiration to everyone through the beauty of nature, conservation, and learning. Across our many departments, each and every staff member creates the magic that makes our Gardens distinctive. Our team of dynamic professionals is what sets us apart, and our spirit of legacy, innovation, and opportunity is what guides us. While beauty is our heart, our people are our soul.
Longwood Gardens is seeking a Land Steward responsible for managing the conservation and enhancement of Longwood Gardens' natural resources and landscapes to promote ecological function, native biodiversity, and natural beauty while supporting the broader operational, horticultural, and programmatic needs of Longwood's natural lands. This position applies technical knowledge of ecological restoration, horticulture, ecological science, and natural areas management while working extensively in the field across a variety of landscapes and weather conditions. Responsibilities include:
- Managing a variety of land stewardship projects to conserve and restore biodiversity, ecosystem health, and habitat quality across Longwood's natural lands
- Assessing stewardship needs, developing project plans, and leading project implementation in coordination with supervisors and other stakeholders.
- Coordinating and collaborating with staff, contractors, students, and volunteers to ensure stewardship projects are completed safely, efficiently, and effectively.
- Supervising, training, mentoring, and directing the work of students and volunteers engaged in stewardship activities.
- Conducting a wide range of land stewardship activities, including native plant installation and maintenance, invasive species management, habitat restoration, trail maintenance, wildlife management support, ecological research support, and prescribed fire participation.
- Implementing invasive species control measures using manual, mechanical, and herbicide-based methods in accordance with applicable regulations and best management practices.
- Assisting with ecological monitoring, scientific data collection, and research projects that support conservation and restoration initiatives.
- Safely operating and maintaining a variety of equipment, including tractors, skid loaders, utility vehicles, chainsaws, string trimmers, forklifts, brush mowers, and other power equipment.
- Sharing ecological knowledge and stewardship best practices with staff, students, volunteers, and guests.
- Serving as an ambassador for Longwood Gardens by communicating conservation efforts, ecological principles, and the organization's mission in a positive and professional manner and ensuring that all stewardship activities are conducted with careful consideration for guest safety and experience.
- Contributing to the development and implementation of innovative stewardship techniques and operational improvements that enhance ecological outcomes and efficiency.
- Supporting special projects, seasonal displays, snow removal operations, winter weather response activities, and other organizational initiatives as needed.
- Working weekends, evenings, holidays, and other non-standard hours as required.
The ideal candidate will possess:
- An associate's or Bachelor's degree in Ecology, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, Horticulture, or a related field.
- Three or more years of experience in natural land stewardship, ecological restoration, or related work.
- Demonstrated knowledge of ecology, land stewardship, and natural resource management principles.
- Experience supervising or directing the work of students and volunteers.
- Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- The ability to operate equipment and tools safely and effectively, such as a tractor with PTO implements, skid loader with attachments, tree spade, auger, chainsaws or other two-stroke equipment
- Basic computer proficiency.
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and across varied terrain and lift and carry up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
- Ability to wear a respirator and other required personal protective equipment.
- Experience with scientific data collection, analysis, and technical writing.
- Strong knowledge of native plant communities, wildlife species, and ecosystems of southeastern Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic region.
- Experience with GIS, mapping software, or environmental data analysis tools.
- A current Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator’s License and Forklift Operator Certification or the ability to obtain each within the first six months of employment.
- The ability to obtain and maintain a DOT Physical Qualification Card
Longwood Gardens is committed to nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment that celebrates the complexities and differences of all living things. We welcome and respect diverse backgrounds, life experiences, and perspectives. Diversity creates a more beautiful world, sparks innovation, and unites us.
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