Stewardship Coordinator

Job Title: Stewardship Coordinator 

Supervisor: Stewardship  Director

Compensation: $43,000 to $50,600  (depending on experience); generous benefits include fully paid health & dental insurance with Health Savings Account contributions, a matching Simple IRA retirement plan, 20 days of personal leave per year, 12 days of sick leave per year, 15 paid holidays, and flexibility in work schedules including a four-day work week.   

Classification: Full Time, Permanent, Non-exempt 

Work Location: Flathead Valley, MT 

About Wild Montana and Wild Montana Action Fund:

Wild Montana unites and mobilizes communities to keep Montana wild. We work across the state and beyond to secure a future where people and wildlife flourish because public lands and waters are wild and connected, and all communities can enjoy the quality of life these lands and waters provide. Our work safeguards wildlands, secures wildlife habitat and migration corridors, and keeps headwaters and streams running cold, clear, and connected. 

Wild Montana Action Fund (the Action Fund) builds the political power necessary to protect and conserve public lands and wild places across the state by elevating the voices of Montanans who cherish our outdoor way of life.

Summary of Position:

The stewardship coordinator serves the mission of Wild Montana and the Action Fund by coordinating the organization’s statewide trail stewardship program and assisting with the coordination of stewardship program activities.

The coordinator has a unique leadership role, which requires thoughtful collaboration with all Wild Montana departments and a wide variety of external partners and volunteers. The coordinator is a team builder who understands that trail stewardship brings people together. The coordinator is passionate about connecting people to their public lands and believes quality outdoor experiences lead people to become conservation advocates. 

The position is responsible for leading volunteer trail projects throughout the state of Montana. The coordinator will work in conjunction with the US Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and other partners to complete successful projects.

The position is also responsible for supporting Wild Montana’s organizing team in local engagement efforts and events.

Major Duties and Responsibilities 

• Provide hands-on leadership in the field on multiple overnight trail projects, supporting volunteers in backcountry and/or car-camping settings.
• Assist in the coordination of volunteer-led chapter stewardship activities and host volunteer training. 
• Maintain the tool cache, vehicles, and requisite trail project equipment for the safety and proficiency of the stewardship team.
• Build strong professional relationships with staff at land management agencies and coordinate trail project logistics and opportunities that benefit agency and organizational goals.
• Work within a range of administrative tracking and reporting systems and applications to manage trail crew and other stewardship projects.
• Assist the organizing team with in-person facilitation of community events in the trails off-season, including serving as the volunteer manager for events and attending local meetings.
• Closely track receipts, volunteer reimbursements, and other program finances on a monthly basis. 
• Tell engaging stories and produce content for articles, press releases, blogs, events, and other outreach efforts.
• Track and summarize project data and accomplishments and produce reports in a concise and professional manner. 
• Assist the stewardship team with other projects or events as needed.  

Qualifications/Abilities:

• Proven ability to perform the major duties and responsibilities above.
• Experience leading multi-day crew-based stewardship projects, including trail maintenance and a wide variety of trail construction projects in frontcountry and backcountry settings. 
• Experience in all aspects of trail project management: crew safety, group leadership/dynamics, wilderness orientation, backcountry living skills, stock use/safety, bear awareness/safety, and tool maintenance. 
• Ability to communicate complex information in an engaging and informative way.
• Ability to manage and coordinate volunteers.
• Attention to detail in project coordination and management. 
• Ability to lead and coordinate diverse groups, individuals, and personalities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with community partners.
• Ability to maintain an upbeat positive atmosphere during difficult times.
• Ability to communicate complex information in an engaging and informative way.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Current Wilderness First Responder certification or willingness to obtain.
• Current crosscut saw and chainsaw certification or willingness to obtain.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.

Requirements

• Ability to lift 30 to 50 pounds and carry a minimum of 100 yards. 
• Ability and willingness to travel as well as willingness to work evenings and weekends when needed. 
• Ability and willingness to work in the backcountry and in front country car camping scenarios. 
• Valid United States driver’s license, ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Records check, and ability to be insured.

Hiring Timeline:

Applications will be accepted through April 18, 2025, or until the position is filled. Interviews will be held in April/May with the goal of job placement in May 2025. 

How to apply:

Email a resume and cover letter to Wild Montana’s operations director, Laura Parr, at [email protected]. Call (406) 312-8740 with questions. Please include “Stewardship Coordinator” in the subject line of your email.  Cover letters should describe pertinent professional and personal experiences.

Wild Montana is an equal-opportunity employer.