Job Opportunities
Assistant Sanctuary Steward
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (HMS) is seeking a responsible and motivated individual to join our team as an Assistant Sanctuary Steward.
The mission of Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is to conserve birds of prey worldwide by providing leadership in raptor conservation science and education, and by maintaining Hawk Mountain Sanctuary as a model observation, research and education facility.
HMS is a private, non-profit conservation organization located in Eastern Pennsylvania, nestled along the ridges of the central Appalachian Mountains. Established in 1934 as the world’s first refuge for birds of prey, HMS hosts over 75,000 visitors annually and consists of over 2,550 acres of forested habitat including 8 miles of hiking trails of varying difficulty as well as several educational and research-based facilities that remain in operation seven days a week for the full calendar year.
Position Title: Assistant Sanctuary Steward
Compensation: $12.00/Hour
Schedule: Weekends (8:00AM – 4:30PM)
Position Summary:
The Assistant Sanctuary Steward is a key member of the HMS Stewardship Department and will report to full-time Stewardship Staff. The Assistant Sanctuary Steward is responsible for ALL operational needs of the organization during work hours including but not limited to general land and facility maintenance, custodial duties, visitor & parking logistics and invasive species management.
Essential Functions:
- Assists in maintaining sanctuary infrastructure and grounds including but not limited to hiking trails and signage, educational and research facilities, roads, and outdoor privies in line with the HMS mission
- Performs and documents diverse land and resource management initiatives including but not limited to non-native invasive species control, trail construction, and ecological restorations in a forested landscape.
- Supervises, conducts, and/or assists full and part-time staff, volunteers, interns, outside contractors and service-learning students on various sanctuary projects and initiatives
- Responds to medical, security, and environmental or weather emergencies on sanctuary grounds in a timely and professional manner in line with HMS policy
- Performs various work in support of ALL initiatives and priorities of the HMS Stewardship Department in support of the HMS mission
Required Qualifications:
- Must be 18 years of age
- Must possess a valid driver’s license
- Must be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
- Must be able to perform the physical labor required for all aspects of the position including the ability to carry a 50 lb. backpack in adverse conditions for 5 miles and the ability/willingness to perform various job functions in inclement weather
- Must be able to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic team environment of changing workloads and priorities
- Proficiency in the operation of hand & power tools, mowers, string trimmers, and 4x4 trucks
- A basic knowledge of Northeast flora and fauna
- A willingness to perform invasive plant management in accordance with best management practices (BMP) through an integrated pest management approach (IPM) including using manual, mechanical, and chemical methods of treatment
Desired / Preferred Skills:
- Degree or degree track in Resource or Facility Management, Parks and Recreation, or related field with experience in park and/or land & facilities management
- Red Cross First Aid & CPR certification and/or other formal emergency medical training
- Formal training or relevant field experience relating to invasive plant management
- General maintenance experience including a working knowledge of carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and masonry principles
- Experience in conducting trail construction / maintenance projects and/or native habitat restoration efforts in a forested landscape
How to Apply:
If interested, please email cover letter and resume/CV to Stephen H. Wade, Sanctuary Steward via wad[email protected].
Seasonal Sanctuary Steward
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (HMS) is seeking a responsible and motivated individual to join our team as a Seasonal Sanctuary Steward.
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is a private non-profit conservation organization in Eastern Pennsylvania located along the central Appalachian Mountains. It was established in 1934 as the first refuge for birds of prey in the world and hosts over 75,000 visitors annually with peak visitation during the fall season. It consists of 2550 acres of forest with 8 miles of hiking trails and several public and private facilities that are in operation seven days a week for a full calendar year.
Position Title: Seasonal Sanctuary Steward/Invasive Specialist
Compensation: $12.00 (Hourly wage) - (Up to 40 hours a week)
Schedule: Mid-May to Mid-August
There are currently two positions available which combined with full-time staff will serve as a team prioritizing control of invasive species and native restoration.
Position Summary:
This Stewardship position is chiefly responsible for conducting invasive species control on the sanctuary utilizing manual, mechanical, and chemical methods. Other principal responsibilities will be utilizing GPS to aid in mapping invasive species, conducting restoration efforts through seeding and planting, and a variety of media production to share and educate public. Other duties when required are: Facilities and trail maintenance, responding to medical and weather emergencies; minimal custodial duties, and anything else that is deemed a priority throughout season.
Position Breakdown:
65% - conducting removal and eradication of invasive species
20% - time conducting restoration efforts utilizing native sources
10% - mapping invasive species/producing media for educating public
5% - miscellaneous duties
Qualifications:
- Preferred degree tract or degree in Environmental Science, Resource Management, Parks and Recreation, or related field
- Experience with invasive species control such as pulling, mowing, cutting, or spraying
- Must be 18 years of age or older and possess a valid driver’s license
- Must be able to perform the physical labor required for all aspects of the position including the ability to carry a 50 lb. backpack in adverse conditions for 5 miles and be able to perform various job responsibilities in inclement weather.
- Preferred experience in conducting restoration utilizing native species
- Proficient in the operation of hand and power tools, mowers, string trimmers, hand saws, and 4X4 trucks and tractors
- A willingness to perform Best Management Practices (BMP) related to invasive species control
- Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and written
- Preferred first aid/CPR certifications or at minimum willingness to respond to medical emergencies
- Possess skills to effectively interact and educate the public on Sanctuary mission
- A basic knowledge of Northeast flora and fauna
- Must be able to work and collaborate in a team environment
- The ability to perform in an environment of changing workloads and priorities
How to Apply:
If interested, email cover letter and resume/CV to Todd Bauman, Director of Sanctuary Stewardship at [email protected].