Founded in 1971, Save Mount Diablo (SMD), a nationally accredited land trust and 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, California nonprofit corporation, acquires and preserves land on Mount Diablo and within its Diablo Range. This position plays a key role in planning for and executing our stewardship programs as well as daily management of Save Mount Diablo properties. The Land Stewardship Associate (LSA) takes care of our properties; implements restoration efforts; is a point of contact for lessees, neighbors, and contractors; effectively manages dedicated stewardship volunteers; and acts in an administrative capacity on behalf of these programs. Reporting to the Land Stewardship Manager, the Land Stewardship Associate supports the safety of our stewardship programs by ensuring staff and volunteers are well trained, annual fuels management is completed, and visitors and vendors on our properties have been properly oriented to the site conditions. This position supports land transaction due diligence and onboarding of new properties.
Save Mount Diablo
201 North Civic Drive, Suite 190, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Job Description: Land Stewardship Associate
This is a full-time, non-exempt position with a Monday through Friday schedule that reports to the Land Stewardship Manager and works in collaboration with the other Land Stewardship Associate.
Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Responsible for the stewardship of SMD properties, including habitat restoration, trail work, fire abatement, resource management planning, monitoring of conservation easements, trash removal, and other maintenance tasks.
- Coordinate restoration efforts with the stewardship volunteer programs, property maintenance, and service projects on SMD lands.
- Lead non-native plant removal with the Integrated Pest Management Team and maintain current licensing as needed.
- Work with the stewardship team to identify stewardship volunteer opportunities that relate directly to property management plans, monthly property reports, and field conditions.
- Coordinate and lead volunteer Diablo Restoration Team (DiRT) workdays, service projects, corporate workdays, and stewardship projects for Diablo Conservation Experience (DCE) field days.
- Maintain stewardship tools and equipment, including keys, locks, power tools, safety equipment, etc.
- Facilitate the use of SMD’s properties for programs to cultivate donor and supporter relationships.
- Participate actively in landowner outreach. Serve as point of contact for property lessees and contractors as directed. Participate actively in landowner outreach.
- Assist in implementation of the Conservation Buyer Program including due diligence activities for acquisition and disposition projects as needed.
- Staff events such as the annual Bioblitz, Four Days Diablo, Moonlight on the Mountain, and the Mary Bowerman Science and Research colloquium.
- Staff Discover Diablo outings as needed.
- Collaborate with the Education & Outreach Coordinator with volunteer intake, training, organization, retention, and recognition.
- Represent Save Mount Diablo at community meetings and in partnerships as appropriate.
- Partner with other departments to share information, develop integrated strategies, and achieve clear communication across the organization.
- Support Land Programs Director with strategic program planning and budgeting.
- Provide input and content for stewardship communications and publications, and on website.
- Collaborate with the Education & Outreach Coordinator with volunteer intake, training, organization, retention, and recognition.
- General support to the Land Programs Director and Land Stewardship Manager.