CURRENT OPENINGS

Ecological Gardener and Restoration Steward

(1-2 Part-Time Seasonal Positions Open)

Waxwing EcoWorks is hiring 1 or 2 Ecological Stewards to assist with the professional implementation of ecological stewardship in Waxwing-designed native gardens as well as ecological restoration efforts in existing mid- to large-scale woodland and meadow restoration projects. Stewards will support a range of projects including: stewardship of native gardens, invasive species removal, native woodland and meadow restoration, and more. This is a part-time, seasonal position with significant growth potential within the Waxwing team. 

Stewards initially will work alongside Waxwing’s Stewarding Coordinator and other Waxwing Stewards; the position will become more autonomous over time. This role requires flexible scheduling, with most work occurring on Mondays and Wednesdays. Stewards must be available to work 15 to 25 hours per month — with ample room for growth and additional hours moving forward (contingent upon successful completion of the initial orientation period). 

Waxwing is based out of Lancaster, PA. Most work will occur in Lancaster County, with additional work opportunities in our growing service area including Lebanon, York, and Chester counties. 

Core Responsibilities

  • Under the guidance of Waxwing’s Stewarding Coordinator, assist with all tasks pertaining to the stewardship of native gardens, including weeding, spring cut-backs, plant health checks, native and invasive plant identification, path maintenance, etc. This work will constitute the bulk of the Steward’s duties 

  • Assist with tasks pertaining to ecological restoration projects, including non-toxic removal of invasive plants and the installation of native seeds and plants

  • While on site, serve as a representative of Waxwing and its culture, which emphasizes healthy relationships with land and plants, people, and wildlife

Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and other duties may be necessary in the completion of this work. 

Core Competencies

  • Demonstrable training in and experience with ecological gardening and/or ecological restoration, ideally in the form of certifications and work experience (including but not limited to ecological gardening, non-chemical invasive removal, native tree and shrub plantings, and non-native and native plant identification) 

  • Adequate ecological and regional knowledge to identify both non-native and native species so as to assist in the timely removal of undesirable (or invasive) plants and the preservation of desirable native plants and communities

  • Prompt, respectful, and professional communication with Waxwing coworkers and customers. The ability to maintain positive, good-natured energy even while working in adverse conditions. Demonstrable ability to serve as a professional representative of Waxwing while engaging with diverse audiences 

  • Alignment with Waxwing’s shared values and mission and enthusiasm to participate in Waxwing's culture

  • Capacity to function as an independent contractor, including: 

    • PA driver’s license and ability to drive oneself to and from work site locations

    • Maintaining independent liability insurance coverage

    • Background clearances (will be compensated by Waxwing)

    • Willingness to source and maintain professional, high-quality tools

    • Flexible scheduling and professional timeliness 

Physical Competencies 

  • A great deal of stamina and the ability to perform physical labor across uneven terrain, including walking, standing, bending, lifting up to 50 pounds, pulling, pushing a wheelbarrow, and squatting. Demonstrable experience in a physically demanding role

  • Endurance for working outdoors in all types of safe weather conditions (including heat, cold, and rain), with occasional exposure to poison ivy, biting or stinging insects, etc. 

  • Familiarity with and/or eagerness to learn the proper use and care of a range of ecological tools including: broadfork, sharpshooter shovel, hori hori, pruner, etc. 


Compensation 

Hourly compensation of $25 per hour, with an increase in pay for Stewards who successfully complete the orientation period. 

How to Apply

Please send a resume, cover letter, and 2 professional references to community@waxwingecoworks.com with the subject line “Ecological Steward: [your name]”.

Deadline to Apply 

Applications will be accepted until August 18. 

Waxwing EcoWorks is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strives to create an inclusive working environment. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.