Position Seasonal Land Steward (Seasonal Full-Time)

Site Ashland Nature Center, Hockessin DE

Schedule Monday – Friday, 8 am – 4:00 pm, varied at times. Includes a 30-minute unpaid lunch break. This

is a seasonal position that runs from June-August.

Date February 9, 2026

Mission

Founded in 1964, the Delaware Nature Society (DelNature) is a state-wide, non-profit organization that aspires to be inclusive and multicultural, celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity in nature and people. Our mission is to connect people and nature to create a healthy environment for all, through education, conservation, and advocacy. DelNature delivers hands-on environmental education and conservation programs at four sites: Ashland Nature Center (HQ), in Hockessin, DE; DuPont Environmental Education Center, in Wilmington, DE; Coverdale Farm Preserve, in Greenville, DE; and Abbott’s Mill Nature Center, in Milford, DE. At these and other sites, we also manage over 2,000 acres of land, including four nature preserves. DelNature is a state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. We envision Delaware as a place where people view themselves as part of nature and understand that nature is essential for life; recognize the immediacy of addressing environmental issues; and take pride and joy in caring for the natural world.

Position Summary

Hourly seasonal position located at Delaware Nature Society’s Ashland Nature Center supports the Land and Biodiversity Team in the overall care and maintenance of lands.

Responsibilities

• Assists with the care of all tree reforestation and meadow restoration sites, controlling non-native invasive plants through both mechanical and chemical means.
• Assists in maintaining trails, lawns, fence lines, and teaching areas through mowing, string trimming, and pruning.
• Assists in maintaining woody and herbaceous plantings through watering, planting, weeding, pruning, and mulching.
• Assists in maintaining trail signage, bridges, boardwalks, accessible paths, and wood chipped paths.

Supervisor and Sources of Collaboration

Reports to Director of Land Stewardship.

Qualifications and Experience

• Current student enrolled in college/trade program pursuing a degree in environmental science, wildlife studies, recreation, conservation, engineering, or related field.
• Prior experience with safely operating and maintain a wide range of hand tools, power tools, vehicles, and small/large engine equipment (preferred).
• Ability to work effectively and productively as a part of a team, indoors and outdoors under variable weather conditions – rain or shine.
• Self-motivated, organized, attentive to details, and has effective time management skills.
• Valid Driver’s License required.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, and reach, and must be able to move around the work environment.
• Position at times requires strenuous physical work - frequent standing, bending, twisting, stooping, climbing, and lifting, pushing or pulling objects over 50 lbs.
• Specific vision abilities required for this job include close, vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
• The noise level in the work environment can be loud while operating machinery and equipment. Proper ear protection will be provided and required to be worn at these times.
• Ability to work in a variety of indoor and/or outdoor settings, weather, and terrains.

Salary and Compensation

This is a full time/hourly seasonal position, working 40 hours/week from June 1 – August 31, 2026, with an hourly rate of $16/hr, divided into twice-monthly payments with all required federal and state taxes withheld.

Equal Opportunity

DelNature considers candidates for all positions based on qualifications and without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, genetic information, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran or other protect classification and in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

DelNature reserves the right to change this job description as conditions change.