We are seeking a motivated and skilled Land Management Specialist to join our team, responsible for ensuring the successful implementation of land restoration, erosion control, and habitat management projects. This role requires a combination of hands-on fieldwork, equipment operation, and leadership skills, along with a deep understanding of land management practices, environmental restoration, and ecological best practices.
As a Land Management Specialist, you will be responsible for overseeing and executing field operations, operating a wide variety of equipment, and ensuring that all tasks are completed safely, on time, and according to project specifications. This position requires both technical skills and the ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced outdoor environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Equipment Operation:
- Safely operate and maintain a range of equipment, including 75hp to 140hp tractors, 10-ton to 20-ton excavators, skid steers, seed drills, and various tractor and skid steer attachments.
- Operate small off-road trucks, four-wheelers, UTVs, company trucks, and both small and large trailers to transport equipment and materials to and from job sites.
- Ensure proper maintenance and upkeep of all vehicles and machinery.
Fieldwork and Installation:
- Install silt fencing to control erosion on job sites.
- Apply various types of seed, fertilizer, and lime in accordance with planting and seeding plans.
- Perform straw blowing, shaking, and other erosion control tasks.
- Build and repair fences, including woven wire, high tensile, and barbed wire.
- Perform chainsaw work and operate weed trimmers for vegetation management and land clearing.
- Plant a variety of plant species, including hardwoods, herbaceous plugs, bare roots, and live stakes, in accordance with planting plans.
Site Preparation and Management:
- Install erosion control matting, geo textiles, and other materials to prevent soil erosion and enhance vegetation growth.
- Read and interpret planting and seeding plans to ensure all work is completed to specifications.
- Schedule crews and coordinate daily tasks in the field, ensuring efficient project timelines (typically scheduling crews one week in advance).
Invasive Species Control and Spraying:
- Identify and remove invasive species, applying appropriate control methods.
- Safely apply herbicides and pesticides when needed, adhering to all safety regulations.
Team Leadership and Communication:
- Supervise and lead field crews, ensuring productivity, safety, and high-quality workmanship.
- Communicate effectively with supervisors, project managers, and clients to provide updates on project progress and resolve issues in a timely manner.
- Travel to various job sites as needed, often requiring overnight stays or long hours in the field.
Additional Requirements:
- Knowledge of erosion control and land restoration techniques, as well as environmental and ecological best practices.
- Ability to speak Spanish is a plus, but not required.
- Must be able to work independently or as part of a team, showing strong initiative and problem-solving skills.
Qualifications:
- Prior experience operating heavy equipment (tractors, excavators, skid steers, etc.) and working in the field is highly preferred.
- Strong knowledge of land management practices, erosion control, habitat restoration, and ecological restoration.
- Ability to read and interpret land management plans, including planting and seeding designs.
- Experience in invasive species removal, spraying, and general land stewardship practices.
- Must be comfortable working in varying weather conditions and be physically fit for outdoor work.
- Valid driver’s license is required.
- Ability to travel as needed for job sites.
If you're passionate about environmental restoration, possess strong equipment-operating skills, and enjoy working outdoors in a collaborative team environment, we encourage you to apply for the Land Management Specialist position.