How to Become a Land Steward
If a job where you work outside preserving the natural world sounds like fun, you may have what it takes to become a land steward. Land stewards perform a variety of functions, mainly for nonprofit conservation organizations. Their responsibilities often include managing resources, promoting the growth of native plants and removing litter, among other duties. Although opportunities to become a land steward are limited, the skills you will acquire in preparing for this job will also transfer easily to other careers in conservation, forestry or resource management.
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Instructions
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Volunteer with a conservation organization near you. Most nonprofits are always in need of volunteers and will be more than happy to have your help. Ask to work in the field, if possible, since field work will be most similar to the work you'll be doing as a land steward. Some nonprofits even have volunteer land steward programs, although these programs often require you to live very close to the area you'll be tending.
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Enroll in an educational program with a focus on conservation, resource management, forestry or a similar field. Many universities offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in these areas. If you aren't able to enroll full-time, consider at least taking a few classes through the nearest university's continuing education program. These courses can often be taken online, so you'll be able to pursue your education while continuing in your current job. If possible, continue doing volunteer work with a local conservation organization.
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Look for a job with the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management or similar government organization. These agencies often have entry level positions available for United States citizens with experience and/or degrees in resource management. Working for one of them will also give you valuable experience when competing for a limited number of private land steward jobs. Alternatively, check with the organization for which you've been volunteering. Nonprofits sometimes hire volunteers who show skill and dedication.
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Send your resume to nonprofit conservation organizations in the region you want to live in. Include a cover letter outlining your academic and work preparation for being a land steward, as well as the reasons you want to work in this particular region.
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Continue your volunteer work or government conservation work even if you can't find a job immediately as a land steward. As you gain more work experience in the field, you'll become more valuable to nonprofit organizations if they start looking for a land steward in the future.
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Tips & Warnings
Government jobs with the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management and USDA Forest Service are more plentiful in the western half of the United States, simply because there are more public lands to take care of in this region.
In some cases, land stewardship involves leasing a residence for life from a private nonprofit and maintaining the land. These opportunities are limited, but can be a great option if you aren't able to go back to school and just have volunteer experience taking care of the land.
