Opportunities

VHCB AmeriCorps Lands and Trails Steward

Come serve with Stowe Land Trust! 

The Lands and Trails Steward position focuses on hands-on, people-centered stewardship of all of Stowe Land Trust’s growing portfolio of conserved lands, with an emphasis on the properties SLT owns and manages. The Lands and Trails Steward will care for SLT’s existing trails systems; enhance and expand trails to better meet the needs of a variety of users; improve land and trails access for all; increase volunteer capacity by coordinating adult and youth volunteer groups and long-term volunteer land stewards to support stewardship at an effective scale; efficiently control invasive species with volunteers using non-chemical methods; undertake special ecological restoration projects of need to care for conserved lands, and assist the Stewardship Director with easement monitoring, boundary marking, and other stewardship management activities. This position may also assist with stewardship-centered social media, public outreach, and land protection projects on a more limited basis to expand SLT’s audience and impact.

This position is being offered through the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board AmeriCorps (VHCB AmeriCorps). VHCB AmeriCorps is a national service program that places members with non-profit housing or land conservation organizations around the state. Serving on the front lines of community-based organizations, VHCB AmeriCorps members energize, engage, and empower residents to address unmet needs at the local level, collectively creating positive change and building a healthy future for Vermont. 

Essential Functions

• Assess, plan, conduct, and oversee trail work activities on SLT conserved properties: routine maintenance, trail rebuilds and reroutes, special projects, and infrastructure construction/repairs.
• Coordinate and lead individual and group adult and youth volunteers for stewardship projects.
• Assess and oversee non-chemical terrestrial invasive species removal projects.
• Participate in conserved land monitoring, boundary walking and marking, and other land management projects and activities.
• Support the Stewardship Director to maintain and update SLT's stewardship database.
• Plan and oversee ecological restoration projects (e.g., tree plantings) on SLT properties.  
• Participate in an Independent Service Project under the guidance of VHCB AmeriCorps.
• Participate in all VHCB AmeriCorps Program Initiatives & outreach activities to promote AmeriCorps.
• Engage in professional and personal development activities and networking opportunities.
• Submit bi-weekly timesheets.
• Complete all enrollment and exit requirements.

Secondary Functions

• Act as an SLT liaison to the community at SLT and partner events, trainings, and workshops.
• Assist with land-based outreach activities and communicate SLT’s mission through news stories, maps, social media, fliers, signage, and other publications.
• Assist the Stewardship Director and Director of Land Protection with land protection projects and complete special lands-related projects as time and interests allow.
• Participate in disaster response and recovery activities. AmeriCorps members may be asked on a volunteer basis or requested by SerVermont to assist in disaster response and recovery activities. This may involve virtual or in-person service opportunities. This may include service opportunities outside of standard service hours or in place of standard service duties. Disaster response activities must be approved and reported to SerVermont by the program.

Qualifications 

• Experience conducting trail maintenance and designing/building/rerouting trails using best practices and standard trail maintenance tools preferred.
• Construction experience relevant to building and/or repairing trail-related infrastructure (e.g., bridges, puncheon, kiosks, etc.); comfort and experience with relevant power tools preferred.
• Invasive species identification field skills and practice with manual control methods preferred.
• Tree, plant, and/or animal identification field skills.
• Teaching or other relevant experience supporting diverse adult volunteers and youth groups in a public setting.
• Experience using a map and compass preferred.
• Independent user of ESRI ArcGIS, GPS devices, and other field data collection devices.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification for managing volunteers preferred.
• Passionate about the goals and duties of the position.
• Be able to lift and carry at least 35 lbs. and should be able and willing to travel off-trail.
• Ability to safely use hand and power tools to fulfill service requirements (hand saws, skill saws, shovels, rock bars, hammers, screw guns, etc.). Basic training in tool use and safety can be provided as needed.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and teach and lead volunteers.
• Ability to serve independently and as a proactive, motivated team member to complete tasks and duties.
• Experience with basic computer programs: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Pass Vermont AHS Child Protection and Adult Abuse Registry Checks.
• Be committed to the VHCB AmeriCorps program’s ethic of service, appreciation of diversity, and personal and professional development of its participants.
• Have the ability and enthusiasm to drive to, attend, and participate in all required trainings and events, and be prepared to drive up to 2 – 3 hours each way.
• Available to regularly serve 40 hours per week.

Other Information

This full time position begins January 13, 2026 and ends December 11, 2026 and involves both field and office service. Stowe Land Trust has a small staff of 6 who work in a cozy, communal office space in Stowe Village, Vermont. We promote a semi-flexible service environment. Staff are remote an average of one day per week, with all staff expected in the office on staff meeting days. Core service hours occur between 10 am and 4 pm, with start and end times at an individual's discretion as long as all duties can be fulfilled. The ability to commute to Stowe and some evening and weekend service is required. We make time for staff professional development and try to schedule monthly staff outings during office hours to reconnect with the land and one another. Access to a reliable vehicle for travel within the SLT service area (Stowe, Waterbury, Morrisville, and Morristown) is required. Mileage reimbursement is available at the federal rate for field duties. Position serves outdoors in variable conditions: field service may require exposure to heat; cold; steep, frozen, or wet terrain; forest hazards such as old barbed wire fencing, down trees, and forest pests. 

Compensation and Benefits

• A living allowance of $30,500 (pre-tax)
• An education award of $7,395 (pre-tax) upon successful completion of term of service
• Healthcare coverage
• Childcare assistance (must meet qualifications)
• Loan forbearance for federally backed student loans, if qualified
• A $500 gear stipend from SLT to support needed items for service field work 

To Apply

Applicants must use the VHCB AmeriCorps portal to apply for this position. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis, with the position open until filled.

We are always looking for volunteers passionate about our mission and work. Our dedicated volunteers help steward conserved lands, participate in trail work days, lead events, serve on board committees, help around the office, and so much more! If you have a special skill you'd like to share with us, or just want to see how you can get involved, contact us! 

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