Conservation Steward, Grand Traverse Conservation District

Position Overview

Application Deadline: June 12, 2026

Salary: $48,000 to $51,000 per year, salaried, full-time, 40 hours per week, FLSA exempt

Description

Grand Traverse Conservation District is hiring a full-time Conservation Steward in Traverse City, Michigan, paying $48,000 to $51,000 per year, with a preferred start date of 20 July 2026 and applications accepted from 18 May through 12 June 2026.

Grand Traverse Conservation District (GTCD) manages more than 2,500 acres of parkland across the Boardman River Watershed and Grand Traverse County. The District works alongside municipal partners, advisory committees, private landowners, volunteers, and partner organisations to advance natural resources management across northern Michigan.

The Conservation Steward reports to the Director of Conservation, supervises volunteers, and works closely with GTCD’s Conservation, Education, and Agricultural Teams to lead best practices on managed parklands and implement restoration projects.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage restoration and trail projects on managed parklands and within the Boardman River Watershed and Grand Traverse County.
• Lead monitoring and maintenance of managed parklands to ensure safe and accessible recreational experiences.
• Research, promote, and implement best management practices for natural resources management.
• Plan and use appropriate materials, labour, and contractors as necessary for project success.
• Develop and implement annual work plans and budgets and obtain necessary permits, easements, and approvals.
• Lead volunteers and groups in field work activities.
• Research and apply to grant opportunities that support conservation and restoration efforts.
• Manage Citizen Advisory Committees for contracted properties, including preparing agendas, leading meetings, and directing correspondence.
• Provide regular reporting for the District and its partners.
• Develop maps, wayfinding, and interpretive signage using tools such as ArcPro and Canva.

Requirements

• Maintain a valid driver’s licence.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Able to work flexible hours.
• Able and willing to work efficiently outdoors in varying weather conditions and terrain throughout the year.

Preferred Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in ecology, biology, conservation, natural resources, wildlife, forestry, environmental sciences, fisheries, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years of professional natural resources management experience, including field or trail work.
• Knowledge of local trees, shrubs, and forbs of northern Michigan and the region’s ecosystem processes.
• Experience with trail maintenance and construction; invasive species identification, treatment, or removal; streambank erosion mitigation; forest and native flora restoration.
• Strong written and verbal communication, including public speaking, written reporting, and leading meetings.
• Grant writing and grant management experience at any level.
• Experience with motor-powered tools (mowers, chainsaws, blowers), hand tools, and construction equipment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
• Experience using ArcPro, GIS Online, GPS, or other mapping software.
• Experience hauling a trailer.

Additional Notes

• Based at the Boardman River Nature Center in Traverse City, Michigan; primarily field-based spring through fall, with some winter field work.
• Regular work in the field on uneven, boggy, rocky, and submerged terrain; ability to lift up to 80 pounds.
• Frequent use of power tools and equipment requiring proper PPE.
• Benefits include 18 days paid time off plus holidays, retirement plan, HSA contributions, and comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance.
• Preferred start date: 20 July 2026.

How to Apply

Email completed resume and cover letter in PDF format to Sara Vaughan, Director of Conservation, at svaughan@gtcd.org. No calls please. Applications submitted through an online portal will not be reviewed. The application form is available at https://natureiscalling.org/employment.