Volunteer Land Steward - Open Position

Conservation Commission Emblem

Town of Bolton

Volunteer Land Steward

 

General Function and Scope:

Directly monitors and manages town owned open space, conservation properties, restrictions, and easements related to public access trails.  The Land Steward functions as the primary caretaker for the public access trail network in Bolton.

 

Duties and Responsibilities:

Identifies property maintenance requirements and project costs.

Sources and procures building and trail maintenance materials.

Inventories materials stored in the Conservation storage container.

Coordinates construction and maintenance of man-made trail structures.

Active within the Bolton Trails Committee to volunteer, coordinate, and document activities.

Attends Conservation Commission meetings as needed.

Coordinates land stewardship efforts with the Bolton Conservation Trust.

Works in conjunction with Conservation administrator and private landowners to create and maintain public access trail segments and easements.

Assists Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts with approved projects.

Assists in developing and updating the Open Space Plan.

Installs new trails, markers, and signage as required.

Conducts and oversees tree, brush, and hazard removal as required.

Identifies invasive plant issues, recommends remediation options.

Notify the conservation department of resource buffer infringement on jurisdictional property.

Responsible to field survey, mark, and establish trails on new conservation properties.

 

Organizational:

Works directly with the Conservation Agent to manage conservation land activities.

Corresponds with Conservation Agent during all phases of project activities.

Major property infrastructure projects (bridges, kiosks, walkways) and consultant or vendor services (surveys, mowing, consulting) will be reviewed and pre-approved by the Conservation Administrator and/or Commission prior to material purchase, work start, or agreements made.

The LS may identify and manage “associate stewards” to support internships and TC volunteer participation.

 

Pre-Qualifications:  Must have a working knowledge of the Massachusetts wetlands protection act, Bolton town bylaws, conservation property specifics, active volunteer member of the Bolton Trails Committee, and resident of Bolton.

 

Qualifications:  Good organizational skills and communication, working knowledge of trail and land management best practices, ability to self-manage and work with others.

 

Physical Abilities Required: Able to walk and navigate properties over rough, steep terrain on and off trails in all seasonal conditions. Able to lift and carry 50 lbs., operate a chainsaw and other various hand tools, and capable of strenuous physical outdoor work. Outdoor safety awareness required.

 

Proficiencies: GIS, GPS, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and E-mail communication.

 

Appointment: Volunteer position recommended by the Conservation Agent, approved by the Town Administrator, and appointed by the Board of Selectman to a two year term. Applicant must comply with ethics requirements and be sworn into service by the Town Clerk.