Volunteer Position Description
The Preserve Steward will perform general monitoring and basic trail maintenance at SVT's Smith Conservation Land in Littleton.
Responsibilities:
- Walk trails and look for and note problems with trail passage, vandalism, illegal uses, etc. (For properties without trails, walk roadside and property perimeter.)
- Inform staff through visitation reports when trail mowing is needed.
- Perform basic trail maintenance such as cutting back brush and tree limbs.
- Look for indications of any informal trails that are developing or in use, and attempt to cover them over so they aren't apparent to new visitors.
- Remove trash and debris from parking area, trails, and roadside.
- Maintain trail signage. (Staff assistance provided as needed.)
- Monitor the condition of the postings in the kiosk and refresh when needed. (Staff assistance provided as needed.)
- Keep map brochures stocked in the kiosk map box.
- Monitor property boundaries annually during spring and fall. Check for encroachments.
- Submit visitation reports on the SVT website’s stewardship volunteer log.
Optional Responsibilities:
- Communicate with visitors about rules, especially regarding dog walking.
- Assist staff with field work, which may include invasive species control, property surveys, boundary signage, trail maintenance, inventories, etc.
- Observe wildlife and changes in plant communities.
- Document plant and animal sightings.
Volunteer Qualifications:
- Willing to “adopt” the property and gain a thorough knowledge and appreciation of it.
- Able to visit property bi-weekly throughout the year.
- Able to trim vegetation along the trails regularly in the growing season.
- Enjoyment of the outdoors and commitment to conservation.
Training/Orientation Provided:
An individual orientation and training session will be provided to introduce the volunteer to the property and its associated responsibilities.
Time commitment (hours, dates, duration):
Variable (2 – 10 hours/month). Can be flexible to your schedule.
Posted November 2025