Preserve Steward

The Preserve Steward is responsible for implementation of general preserve habitat management and maintenance at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve.  Preserve management responsibilities include mechanical and chemical invasive species control, ecological restoration, trail maintenance and erosion control, native seed collection and planting, facility and equipment maintenance, boundary posting and monitoring, prescribed burning, volunteer and seasonal staff management and supervision and working with the general public.

The Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission (APBPC) is a public-private partnership created by the NYS Legislature in 1988 to protect and manage the Albany Pine Bush Preserve (APBP) and provide the public with educational and recreational opportunities. The Management Plan for the Albany Pine Bush Preserve guides all aspects of creating and managing the preserve.

The 3,400+/- acre APBP, located in New York’s Capital District, protects one of the best remaining inland pitch-pine scrub oak barrens in the world. This extraordinary fire-dependent ecosystem provides habitat for many plants and animals, including more than 20 percent of New York State’s wildlife Species of Greatest Conservation Need, such as the endangered Karner blue butterfly. The APBP is a National Natural Landmark, Maurice D. Hinchey Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area Site, National Recreation Trail Site, a New York State Unique Area, Birding Trail Site and Bird Conservation Area, and a National Audubon Society Important Bird Area. Characterized by rolling sand dunes and over 20 miles of trails, the APBP offers visitors with a variety of interests many recreational opportunities including hiking, bird watching, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, mountain biking, hunting, fishing and canoeing.

As the gateway to the Pine Bush, the Discovery Center at 195 New Karner Road, Albany, is a “green” certified interpretive center where visitors come to understand why the Pine Bush is rare and special. This unique destination provides for exciting exploration where learning comes naturally through interactive exhibits, an outdoor Discovery Trail, and numerous programs on the ecology, natural history, cultural history and management of the Pine Bush.
 

Duties:

1. Participate as part of the Conservation and Stewardship teams to contribute to the short and long-term planning for preserve restoration and management. Specifically, work with the Stewardship Director in coordination with other APBP staff to plan, coordinate, facilitate and oversee the completion of general preserve stewardship and habitat restoration tasks including, but not limited to: trail maintenance, restoration planting, invasive plant treatment and removal, boundary posting, and equipment maintenance.  Hire and supervise seasonal staff and supervise volunteers to accomplish goals. (~65%)
2. Coordinate all native seed collection and processing with staff, volunteers and contractors at the preserve and other sites to ensure that adequate seed is available for habitat restoration on an annual basis. (~15%)
3. Support the Fire Management Program by serving as a prescribed fire crew member on APB conducted prescribed burns. (~5%)
4. Supervise Certified Seed Collector and Preserve Steward volunteers. Schedule and coordinate group conservation days and other volunteer stewardship opportunities. Identify projects and prepare equipment for volunteer projects. Lead conservation days as needed. (~10%)
5. Coordinate and maintain all aspects of our seasonal housing, outbuildings and grounds at the field operations complex including repairs, and contractor coordination. (~5%)
6. Collaborate with the Education and Communications Departments to assist with programs, content and special events. Other projects and administrative support as assigned. (minimal, as needed)

Preferred requirements:

• BA/BS degree in biology, ecology, natural resource management or other science-related field and one to two years related experience in ecological and natural resource management, and land stewardship. Equivalent combination of education and experience considered.
• Basic prescribed fire certification and experience preferred, or willingness to begin appropriate training within first year of hire. Ability to achieve Moderate Work Capacity Test, i.e. 2-mile hike with 25-pound pack in 30 minutes or less.
• Ability to obtain other related licenses or certifications such as first aid/CPR, herbicide applicator and chainsaws.
• Safe use of machinery and tools; including hand tools, power tools, trucks, tractors, and lawn mowers.  General construction skills such as carpentry preferred.
• Experience working with or knowledge of natural habitats. Ability to recognize and identify common plant and animal species in the preserve as required to complete management activities.
• Possesses and applies diversified knowledge of scientific ecological principles and practices to perform field work within the inland pitch pine scrub oak barrens and related natural systems of the preserve.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, invasive species management, land management, and natural resource preservation.
• Working knowledge of common software applications (MS Office Suite). Knowledge or familiarity with  ArcGIS and field GPS units. Ability to orient oneself in the field and to read and interpret topographic maps.
• Communicates clearly in writing, in person and via electronic platforms.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize assigned tasks. Experience developing, directing, coordinating, and managing multiple projects with several variables and timelines.
• Performs under minimal supervision, consulting with supervisor on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Make independent decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment. Willingness and ability to work extended hours, evenings and weekends on occasion and as needed.
• Experience and competence managing expenses within an established budget to complete projects, negotiate and contract with vendors, and assist with the development of annual departmental budgets.

Job Title: Preserve Steward
Department:  Stewardship
Supervisor:  Stewardship Director
Location:  Albany, NY  
FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt
Classification of Position:  Regular Full-time 37.5 hours/week
Hiring Rate:  $53,478/annual
Date Prepared:  September 2025

APBPC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

APBPC does not discriminate in its employment opportunities or practices on the basis of an individual’s actual or perceived race, color, sex, national origin, ethnicity, hairstyle and hair texture, military or veteran status, mental or physical disability, marital status, sexual orientation, sexual and reproductive health decisions, gender identity, transgender status, genetic information/predisposition or carrier status, age, religion, creed, domestic violence victim status, and any other classification protected by federal, state or local law.

APBPC is an at-will employer.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of APBPC for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
 

Date Posted: 10-03-2025

Expire Date: 10-31-2025

Contact Name: Joel Hecht

Contact Email: jhecht@albanypinebush.org

Additional Instructions:

APPLICATION PROCEDURE AND DEADLINE
Deadline: 10/31/2025
Please e-mail cover letter, résumé, and 3 references to:
jhecht@albanypinebush.org
Please put Preserve Steward in the subject line
No phone calls please

Documents:  Job Description  |