Conservation Land and Trails Steward

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Classified Details

Classified ID
2343
Description

Exciting Opportunity: Become a Conservation Land and Trails Steward in Williston's Thriving Community!

The Williston Planning & Zoning Department invites applications for the position of Conservation Lands and Trails Steward. Situated just eight miles from downtown Burlington, and at the gateway to the Green Mountains and beyond, our historic and dynamic community of over 10,000 residents offers a unique opportunity to engage with the challenges and opportunities faced by growing New England communities.

We seek candidates eager to gain valuable municipal land and trails conservation experience within a supportive and stimulating environment. This is a seasonal, part-time position, up to 20-hours per week, Monday-Friday from mid-May to Mid-September, not to exceed 270 hours total. Weekly hours may vary to accommodate start/end dates and unpaid leave. The hourly wage will be $22.10 per hour.

This position is responsible for work related to stewardship and management of the Town of Williston’s roughly 1,000 acres of publicly accessible natural areas and 12 miles of town-maintained trails. Duties may also include coordinating volunteers for conservation, management, and stewardship projects including tree planting, trail maintenance, and invasive species removal.

The ideal candidate enjoys working outdoors on projects that benefit recreation and the environment, can interact positively and professionally with the public, and is able to conduct stewardship activities independently while following safety guidelines and exercising good judgement.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Monitor trail network for hazards, maintenance concerns, and unauthorized use.
  • Inventory and assess trail structures using a mobile survey application (Survey 123).
  • Identify trail segments for improvements and upgrades.
  • Restock dog waste bags and maintain informational signage at trail kiosks.
  • Keep trails and parking areas clear - pick up trash, trim back fallen or overhanging branches, and weed whack.
  • Close off/brush-in unauthorized trails (switch-back short-cuts and social trails.)
  • Mow selected areas of Town trails with a walk-behind mower/weed whacker.
  • Manage invasive species by manual removal.
  • Maintain and improve trail signage – replace or repair existing signs; install new signs where needed.
  • Estimate costs of trail maintenance and construction; assist with ordering and procuring project materials.
  • Repair, replace, and install trail structures such as puncheon and boardwalks.
  • Coordinate and supervise volunteer workdays for tree planting, trail maintenance, and invasive plant removal.
  • Mark boundaries for town Country Parks and natural areas.
  • Assist with natural resource inventory and biological monitoring projects.
  • Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
This position receives supervision from the Senior Conservation Planner.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
This position does not exercise supervisory responsibilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

· Valid driver’s license and reliable motor vehicle for daily use.

· High degree of independence and resourcefulness.

· Ability to follow safety guidelines

· Ability to exercise good judgment in all aspects of responsibility.

PREFERED QUALIFICATIONS

· Previous trail work experience.

· Adept problem-solving skills.

· Experience navigating with GPS, map, and compass.

· Comfort working alone in remote field locations without reliable cell service.

· Willingness to work outside in adverse weather conditions.

· Carpentry or construction skills; experience using hand and power tools like saws, drills, loppers, and trimmers.

· Experience using a weed whacker and walk-behind mower

· Invasive species identification and removal experience.

· Leadership experience and/or experience supervising volunteers.

· Helpful, friendly, and courteous public communication style.

· Non-essential qualifications include chainsaw certification, state herbicide applicator certification, and first-aid certifications.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must have strength, stamina and mobility to perform duties that may involve standing and walking for long periods, hiking through woods off trails on steep or uneven terrain, crouching, kneeling, reaching, bending, pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds, , and operating hand and power tools. Visual acuity is needed to operate equipment and to identify hazards and finger dexterity is needed to operate tools and equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The position involves working outdoors in all types of weather conditions. The Steward performs duties which could involve exposure to adverse weather conditions, poison ivy, poison parsnip, ticks, noise, dirt, dust, power tools, toxic chemicals, and heavy machinery, for which safety precautions must be followed at all times to prevent injury to self and others.

For the full job description, please visit www.town.williston.vt.us/employment. To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to David Moroney at dmoroney@willistonvt.org.

The Town of Williston is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Title
Conservation Land and Trails Steward
Salary Range
$22 to $22
Application Deadline
04/26/2026
Location
Williston, VT
Application URL
www.town.williston.vt.us/employment 

Contact Information

Name
Leonard, Susan
Phone Number
(802) 876-1178
Email
sleonard@willistonvt.org 
Best Method of Contact
EMAIL
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