Land Stewardship Manager, Willowsford Conservancy

Position Overview

Application Deadline: June 30, 2026

Salary: $75,000 to $85,000 per year (annual bonus potential)

Education Required: BS in Natural Resources Management, Forestry, or related field (or equivalent)

Experience Required: At least 5 years; 3+ years professional in natural resource management with leadership experience

Description

Willowsford Conservancy seeks a Land Stewardship Manager in Aldie, Virginia, paying $75,000 to $85,000 per year, with applications open through June 30, 2026 and a start date after June 1, 2026.

Willowsford Conservancy stewards thousands of acres of open space in Loudoun County, balancing ecological health with quality outdoor education and recreation for residents. The Conservancy manages forest, meadow, and grassland systems, runs habitat restoration projects, oversees a Deer Management Program, and engages a deeply involved resident community.

The Land Stewardship Manager is a full-time, exempt position that reports to the Executive Director and helps supervise full-time field staff. The role spans forest, meadow, and grassland management; arboriculture; invasive and native species management; habitat restoration; wildlife management; and outreach and education.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain a land stewardship plan for conservation across Conservancy open space.
• Perform day-to-day land management activities focused on improving ecological health and resident outdoor experience.
• Organize and execute habitat restoration projects aligned with the land stewardship plan.
• Monitor and manage conservation threats including deer overgrazing, pests and diseases, open-space violations, dumping, and off-road vehicle use.
• Perform routine invasive species control through mechanical and chemical methods.
• Oversee the Deer Management Program; provide volunteer opportunities for hunters, enforce program regulations, and manage participating hunters.
• Conduct tree health assessments; remove downed and hazardous trees; trim trails; install and maintain kiosks, signage, fencing, and minor infrastructure.
• Work with the Field Operations Manager on department oversight, day-to-day scheduling, and planning.
• Manage the Assistant Land Stewardship Manager and Ranger including evaluations, time-off approvals, and professional development.
• Supervise contractors, volunteers, and interns.
• Develop and manage budgets related to land management and restoration.
• Pursue grant applications as warranted.
• Lead education and outreach programs for residents and visitors alongside engagement staff.
• Engage residents and volunteers in open space and wildlife conservation through programs and volunteer opportunities.
• Respond to resident questions and concerns regarding Conservancy open space management.
• Develop wayfinding and education tools including trail app updates, map production, and website additions.
• Represent the Conservancy to stakeholders and build partnerships with relevant agencies and organizations.

Requirements

• BS in Natural Resources Management, Forestry, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• At least 3 years of professional experience in natural resource management.
• Experience in operations management, crew leadership, and all aspects of land stewardship management.
• Experience supervising staff and volunteers.
• Current on sustainable forestry, meadow and grassland management, wetland and water resources, wildlife management, and outdoor recreation.
• Hands-on experience in land management, arboriculture, and native and invasive species management.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work with staff, community members, HOA staff, contractors, and volunteers.
• Proficiency with MS Office, data and records management, GIS/GPS software, and basic ArcGIS.
• Ability to manage schedules, projects, budgets, and contracts.
• Proficiency in safely operating chain saws, mowers, tractors, hand tools, and common forestry tools.
• Knowledge of NOVA flora and fauna, ecological communities, and processes; strong field ID skills for native and invasive species.
• VA Certified Pesticide Applicator’s license, or willingness to obtain one.
• Good driving record and valid Virginia driver’s license.
• Successful pre-employment driving record, background, and reference checks.
• First Aid and CPR certifications, or ability to obtain within 4 months of employment.
• Willingness to relocate to the area; legal authorization to work in the U.S.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Arborist and Forester credentials.

Additional Notes

• Full-time, exempt; 40 to 45 hours per week.
• Extensive physical activity over extended periods: walking rough terrain, standing, stooping, pushing, pulling, heavy lifting, operating equipment.
• Primarily outdoor work in variable weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, snow, dust, fumes, loud noises, and exposure to wildlife, insects, and plants.
• Safety and personal protective gear required.
• Some weekend and evening work required.
• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, 401(k) with employee contribution, phone stipend, parental leave, sick leave, paid vacation, and holidays.
• Willowsford Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

How to Apply

Email kschreiber@willowsfordconservancy.org with the subject line “ATTN: Land Stewardship Manager” by June 30, 2026.

Required application materials:

• Resume.
• Brief cover letter outlining interest in the position.
• Salary requirements.

Selected candidate will complete a pre-employment background check and provide references.