Land Steward

The Little Forks Conservancy is seeking a Land Steward to be an integral part of our conservation team to care for and maintain our natural areas and assist our conservation programs. This is an opportunity to gain hands on experience in land management and conservation, work in beautiful outdoor settings, contribute to meaningful environmental projects, and build professional connections with conservation experts and community members. This is a seasonal position with an anticipated start date of May 2026.

Position: Land Steward

Duration: up to 16 weeks (seasonal with anticipated start date of May 2026)

Rate of pay: $14-15 per hour / up to 37.5 hours per week

Hours: Monday through Friday, some evenings and weekends. Flexible work schedule.

Location: Little Forks Conservancy office in Midland, Michigan and in Little Forks Conservancy’s service area. 

About Us: The Little Forks Conservancy is a dynamic land conservation organization whose purpose is the preservation of natural and cultural resources. As a Land Steward, you will play a critical role in meaningful conservation work in our community. 

Responsibilities: Duties will focus primarily on assisting stewardship and land protection efforts including trail work, invasive species management, assisting volunteer workforce and general tasks associated with LFC preserves and land protection projects. Specific activities include:

• Perform trail maintenance, including clearing debris, mowing, and marking trails.
• Manage invasive species through identification and removal to support native ecosystems.
• Assist with habitat restoration projects, such as planting and ecological improvements.
• Conduct monitoring and surveys of plant and wildlife species, and report observations.
• Support outreach events by engaging with volunteers and visitors to promote conservation efforts.
• Assists with the implementation of management plans for Conservancy preserves.
• Assist land conservation staff with projects including baseline documents, annual monitoring, meetings and site evaluations
• Office work associated with stewardship and land protection
• Assist with Little Forks Events
• Other tasks as assigned by Little Forks staff

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid driver's license and transportation.
• At least 18 years old.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the position (kneeling, bending, managing hand and basic power tools, lifting 50 pounds).
• Enthusiasm for conservation and the environment.
• Computer proficiency (typing, email, word processing, spreadsheets).
• Good organizational, observational, map reading, written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
• Posses or willing to obtain Michigan Pesticide Applicator License.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Seeking a post-secondary degree or possessing a bachelor’s degree in natural resources, environmental studies, or a related field.
• Comfortable using tools such as walk behind mower, chainsaw, brush saw, pruners, saws, backpack leafblower, or string trimmer (training provided).
• Familiarity with Michigan ecosystems.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Experience working with volunteers.
• Experience controlling invasive plant species through mechanical/pesticide methods.
• Ability to complete field tasks independently.

To Apply:

For consideration, submit a cover letter and resume to the following e-mail address: apply@littleforks.org. All documents should be in either PDF or Word document format. Only electronic submissions will be accepted. Applications will be accepted through March 20, 2026, or until the position is filled.

The Little Forks Conservancy, Inc. is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Little Forks is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.