Natural Areas Steward - 502415

SUMMARY:

The University of Richmond is seeking a steward to oversee the design, care and management of the Eco-Corridor and nearby natural areas, while supporting critical education, engagement, well-being, and conservation goals on campus. This position will report to the Director of Sustainability and will work closely with the Associate Director of Landscape Services & Horticulture and the Eco-Corridor Working Group.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Eco-Corridor Site Management and Improvement

• Site Planning: Independently creates and implements expert-informed tactical plans to control invasive species, increase biodiversity, manage stormwater, and reduce nutrient flow into the James River watershed. Assists in developing and implementing the 3-5-year plan for the management of the Eco-Corridor.
• Trails and Access: Oversees the design, safety, aesthetics, and quality of the main corridor; ensures the maintenance of mulched paths to provide access to Little Westham Creek and ensures a safe and stable walking area free from erosion and stormwater runoff; creates new paths to increase recreation and improve access to wetland areas.
• Stormwater: Manages the maintenance of the rain garden, step pools, and wetland areas to control stormwater and reduce erosion.
• Landscaping: Oversees the routine maintenance of the Eco-Corridor's main activity areas, including mowing, weeding, pruning, planting, trimming, and watering.
• Abby's Garden: Manages the University's community garden program, including recruitment, membership management, workshops, tool maintenance, and events.

Education and Research

• Experiential Education & Living Lab: Supports the ability of faculty and students to utilize the Eco-Corridor as a site for project-based problem solving, applied research, direct experience, and focused reflection across academic disciplines.
• Faculty Development: Works closely with partners in the Center for Civic Engagement by providing resources, training, and on-site support to faculty who seek to use the Eco-Corridor as a site for scholarship.
• Collaborative Database: Works with faculty across the University who use the Eco-Corridor as a place for research and learning, construct and maintain a database to record, coordinate, and provide access to project data, including motion-activated cameras, water monitoring, biodiversity sampling, historical assessments, writing workshops, archaeological records, and more.
• Outdoor Education Facilities: Maintain, schedule, and promote the usage of the Eco-Corridor's physical spaces as sites for teaching and co-curricular learning.

Well-Being & Engagement

• Outdoor Recreation: Improve opportunities for kayaking, biking, and nature connection, as well as mindfulness and meditation activities in the Eco-Corridor and undeveloped campus areas.
• Communication: Work with campus partners to manage information and communications of the Eco-Corridor, including the website, physical kiosks, and updates.
• Engagement: Promote awareness of the space, including tours, developing community events open to campus and neighbors to promote a sense of place and belonging, and development of partnerships with local schools and businesses
• Installations and Signage: Plan and expand informal education structures, including developing signage about the site's historical use and archeological information; respond to and manage installation requests

Conservation & Biodiversity

• Water Quality: Conduct regular water quality sampling, monitor the stream channel and tributaries, and maintain stream banks and floodplains to maximize water quality of Little Westham Creek and the larger watershed.
• Pollinators and Pollinator Meadows: Alongside partners in Biology, maintain beehives, pollinator meadows, and open fields, to support bee populations and pollinator species, as well as to reduce the presence of invasive species.
• Biodiversity Assessments: Conduct a comprehensive biodiversity assessment to establish a baseline of current activity and identify needs to support and promote biodiversity going forward, including terrestrial, amphibian, and aquatic animal assessments, as well as flora in the area.
• Tree Inventory: Working alongside partners in the Spatial Analysis Lab, support the ongoing establishment of a campus tree inventory, including tree tagging, tree identification, and information displays to promote education and research.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:

• Requires the employee to work both inside and outside in all four seasons.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in a field such as horticulture, botany, geography, environmental studies, environmental education, natural resource management, conservation, recreation & park management, environmental planning, or related.

WORK HOURS:

• Full-time, exempt position; flexible schedule (10,11 or 12-months)
• Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; 7.75 hrs./day; 38.75 hrs./week

SALARY STRUCTURE:

Pay Grade 6 (Hiring Range $46,114.00 to $61,110.00 annually)

ABOUT UR:

UR is committed to developing a diverse faculty, staff and student body, and to modeling an inclusive campus community which values the expression of differences in ways that promote excellence in teaching, learning, personal development and institutional success. In keeping with this commitment, our academic community welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds and candidates who support diversity. EOE