Private Land Management Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About Peconic Land Trust

Since 1983, the Peconic Land Trust, a nonprofit charitable organization, has worked collaboratively with landowners, communities, municipalities, and partner organizations to protect over 14,000 acres of land on Long Island, NY – more than 7,000 acres of farmland, many miles of trail systems, and over 6,000 acres of preserves and natural lands that protect watershed, shorelines, wildlife habitat, scenic vistas, land sacred to indigenous people and historic resources.

Position Summary

Seeking a motivated Associate Land Steward to assist in land management, environmental studies, regional partnership coordination, and community-driven conservation initiatives. As a member of the Stewardship Department, and reporting to the Director of Stewardship, this position focuses on the ecological health of our preserves, the monitoring of changing landscapes, collaborative management of restoration projects, and the physical upkeep of public lands. A successful candidate must be hardworking, professional, and possess a rare blend of scientific curiosity, computer skills and a "boots-on-the-ground" work ethic.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Preserve Management & Stewardship: Support the development of comprehensive management plans and monitoring reports for Trust-owned properties; perform regular physical maintenance and stewardship activities to ensure the long-term health and safety of the preserves.

• Easement Oversight & Landowner Relations: Assist with enforcing Trust conservation easements through annual on-site monitoring visits to different property types including woodlands, preserves, beaches, etc. and professional communications with landowners to ensure compliance with shared conservation goals.

• Restoration Implementation: Perform hands-on land management and restoration work, balancing technical goals with heavy physical labor in the field.

• Regional Project Coordination: Collaborate with a team and diverse public/private partners to coordinate regional studies and restoration projects focusing on soil health, forestry, clean water initiatives, climate change resilience, and living shorelines.

• Grant Development & Stakeholder Engagement: Support the department’s grant-seeking efforts by gathering field data, drafting technical applications, and identifying stakeholders to secure funding for critical conservation initiatives.

Essential Qualifications

• Minimum of 1–2 years of field experience in environmental or ecological work.

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, ecology, natural resource management, or related field or at least 4 years’ experience as a land steward

• Must be tech-savvy with a strong command of standard office software. Experience with GPS units, GIS (Geographic Information Systems), and drone operation for monitoring or data collection is a significant plus.

• Ability to navigate remote terrain and accurately locate property boundaries using maps and/or GPS devices. Experience operating basic equipment is required.

• Capability to perform physically demanding tasks in diverse outdoor environments and various weather conditions; must be comfortable with in-field labor and the below working conditions.

• Strong writing and communication skills, with an interest in drafting technical reports, grant applications, and community outreach materials.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects, manage partner expectations, and maintain meticulous records.

• A deep commitment to environmental conservation, land stewardship, professional growth, and educating the community on conservation efforts.

• Must be at least 18 years of age with a valid driver’s license and the ability to work in the Southampton office at least 4 times per month and travel to multiple field sites mostly on the east end of Long Island throughout the workday.

Working Conditions

• Ability to walk or hike long distances over variable and often challenging terrain; must be comfortable navigating through diverse landscapes, including dense woodlands, wetlands, active farms, and open fields.

• Willingness and ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions, including heat, rain, and cold.

• Capability for frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching to perform maintenance and monitoring tasks.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

• Proficiency in operating the machinery, vehicles, and specialized equipment necessary for land management and preserve maintenance.

• Comfort with sitting or standing for extended periods during office-based project management, data entry, or community presentations.

WE OFFER

• $26-$28 per hour

• 35 hours a week Monday-Friday, with a hybrid work schedule (at least 4 days per month in the office and field work). During initial employment period (1st 90 days), there will be more in-office days.

• Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA and HRA.

• Employee contributed 403b plan.

• Profit-sharing retirement plan.

• Annual Bonus and salary increase potential.

• Generous Paid Time Off.

• Professional development and other benefits.

Peconic Land Trust is an equal opportunity employer.

To Apply

Please email resume and interests to hr@peconiclandtrust.org