Stewardship as a Career Path

Lowcountry Land Trust is proud to announce the acquisition of the 266-acre Knight Tract in Dorchester County. This project represents a significant step toward achieving a long-held conservation goal: connecting the 13,000+ acres of protected land at Norfolk Southern’s Brosnan Forest and the more than 12,300 contiguous protected acres within and surrounding Audubon South Carolina’s Beidler Forest. R ead more.

The Open Space Institute (OSI), in coordination with Francis Marion University (FMU), the South Carolina Office of Resilience (SCOR), South Carolina Conservation Bank (SCCB), Darla Moore Foundation, Florence County and a coalition of additional partners, has acquired nearly 8,500 acres in Florence and Darlington Counties. Read more.

In a transformative step for conservation and community, the Open Space Institute (OSI) and Open Land Trust (OLT) are proud to announce the permanent protection of more than 1,700 acres of ecologically vital land at the intersection of three counties and two rivers. This initiative—which will ultimately save nearly 3,000 acres—will create a new state forest in southwest South Carolina, safeguarding vital water resources and cultural heritage for generations to come. Read more.

Dorchester County Greenbelt Program and Lowcountry Land Trust are proud to announce the permanent protection of the Barry Tract, a 67-acre property along the historic Ashley River Road National Scenic Byway. The Land Trust has officially recorded a conservation easement and transferred ownership of the property to the County, ensuring its transformation into a passive public park that will provide residents and visitors with recreational access to the State Scenic Ashley River. Read more.

Application Instructions: Please email a cover letter, resume, and three (3) references in one PDF addressed to careers@lowcountrylandtrust.org by January 9, 2026. POSITION SUMMARY The Stewardship Associate II is a self-starter on the Conservation team, working to conserve and protect the Lowcountry of South Carolina. The work environment is dynamic and fast-paced, with a significant number of concurrent projects underway at all times. The Stewardship Associate II works in close partnership with the Stewardship Program Director and other Conservation staff to ensure all stewardship responsibilities on privately protected land and fee simple properties are met with the highest level of professionalism. RESPONSIBILITIES Monitor and steward a portfolio of protected land interests annually, developing landowner relationships, completing required annual monitoring reports thoroughly and timely, and providing prompt feedback to landowners and Stewardship staff. Property management and stewardship of fee simple properties, including two (2) current lessee-occupied working farms. Seasonal supervisor and mentor responsibilities for stewardship college intern(s). Respond to landowner and lessee inquiries and requests in a timely manner and in collaboration with the Stewardship Program Director. Assist the Stewardship Program Director and General Counsel in effectively and efficiently resolving emergent issues and potential or actual violations on protected properties, in accordance with accepted policies and procedures, and employing high sensitivity and professionalism. Oversee a subset of issues to resolution, including legal compliance, easement interpretations, and requests for amendments or discretionary consent. Maintain up-to-date records on activities occurring on protected lands, including documenting and detailing emails, meetings, phone calls, etc. Engage and educate landowners on stewardship and conservation opportunities, including land or resource management. Pursue continuing education and professional certifications as appropriate and/or as directed by the supervisor. Assist Conservation staff on special projects or project development as assigned by the supervisor. Work with staff on, and actively contribute to, achieving the strategic goals of the organization. Other Duties as Required: The above statements describe the general nature and level of work an employee assigned to this position performs. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. All staff members may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time. Onboarding is in-person, and employees meet in person at least once per month for a staff meeting and occasionally throughout the year for staff group events. QUALIFICATIONS Required: Bachelor’s degree with experience in environmental or land conservation, resource management, or similar fields. Minimum of two (2) years of work experience preferred. Property or land management experience, with agricultural or farm experience preferred. Physical ability to travel to remote and undeveloped properties, hike/walk or otherwise travel in a variety of environmental conditions, and be outdoors for considerable periods of time. Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and regular access to reliable transportation. Ability to interpret and comprehend legal and technical documents. Demonstrated organizational skills managing multiple projects with the ability to move quickly from one to another while maintaining thorough records. Detail and goal-oriented, with the ability to exercise independent judgment in completing tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to confront challenges with utmost sensitivity and professionalism.. Familiarity with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and other business software; experience with conservation databases such as Landscape and Lens a plus. Positive attitude and willingness to accept a challenge. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and partners. Physical ability to sit at a desk with a computer or in meetings for long periods. Lowcountry Land Trust is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity, and to comply with all federal, state, and local laws that apply to equal employment. It is our policy to recruit, hire, train, and promote individuals, as well as administer any and all personnel actions, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, civil union status, domestic partnership status, affectional or sexual orientation or identity, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, marital status, status as a disabled or Vietnam era veteran, service in the federal or state military, union affiliation, pregnancy or breastfeeding, medical or genetic information, atypical hereditary cellular blood trait, refusal to submit to a genetic test or make test results available to the Company, or status as a qualified individual with a disability, in accordance with applicable laws. The Land Trust also complies with the South Carolina Pregnancy Accommodation Act. Benefits Summary Insurance Health Insurance CoPay Plan with FSA (Flexible Spending Account) option Employee premium covered 90% by employer HDHP (High Deductible) Plans with HSA (Health Savings Account) option All medical costs are paid out of pocket until the deductible is met Employee premium covered 100% by employer Includes Employer HSA contribution Dental Insurance – Employee premium covered 100% by employer Group Life Insurance with AD&D ($25,000) – Employee premium covered 100% by employer Disability - Employee premium covered 100% by employer Optional benefits available – Paid by Employee: Health FSA & Dependent Care FSA HSA Accident Insurance Critical Illness Coverage Vision Care Voluntary Life Insurance Financial & Retirement 403(b) Eligibility: Age 21 and works at least 83 1/3 hours per month Immediate eligibility Up to 6% match after 6 months of employment Family & Parenting Family & Medical Leave Hybrid Work Environment (in-office/from home) Flexible Hours Paid Time Off Self-managed PTO 11 Paid Holidays Flexible Summer Schedule Read more.

Application Instructions: Please email a cover letter, resume, and three (3) references in one PDF addressed to careers@lowcountrylandtrust.org by January 9, 2026. POSITION SUMMARY The Stewardship Associate II is a self-starter on the Conservation team, working to conserve and protect the Lowcountry of South Carolina. The work environment is dynamic and fast-paced, with a significant number of concurrent projects underway at all times. The Stewardship Associate II works in close partnership with the Stewardship Program Director and other Conservation staff to ensure all stewardship responsibilities on privately protected land and fee simple properties are met with the highest level of professionalism. RESPONSIBILITIES Monitor and steward a portfolio of protected land interests annually, developing landowner relationships, completing required annual monitoring reports thoroughly and timely, and providing prompt feedback to landowners and Stewardship staff. Property management and stewardship of fee simple properties, including two (2) current lessee-occupied working farms. Seasonal supervisor and mentor responsibilities for stewardship college intern(s). Respond to landowner and lessee inquiries and requests in a timely manner and in collaboration with the Stewardship Program Director. Assist the Stewardship Program Director and General Counsel in effectively and efficiently resolving emergent issues and potential or actual violations on protected properties, in accordance with accepted policies and procedures, and employing high sensitivity and professionalism. Oversee a subset of issues to resolution, including legal compliance, easement interpretations, and requests for amendments or discretionary consent. Maintain up-to-date records on activities occurring on protected lands, including documenting and detailing emails, meetings, phone calls, etc. Engage and educate landowners on stewardship and conservation opportunities, including land or resource management. Pursue continuing education and professional certifications as appropriate and/or as directed by the supervisor. Assist Conservation staff on special projects or project development as assigned by the supervisor. Work with staff on, and actively contribute to, achieving the strategic goals of the organization. Other Duties as Required: The above statements describe the general nature and level of work an employee assigned to this position performs. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. All staff members may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time. Onboarding is in-person, and employees meet in person at least once per month for a staff meeting and occasionally throughout the year for staff group events. QUALIFICATIONS Required: Bachelor’s degree with experience in environmental or land conservation, resource management, or similar fields. Minimum of two (2) years of work experience preferred. Property or land management experience, with agricultural or farm experience preferred. Physical ability to travel to remote and undeveloped properties, hike/walk or otherwise travel in a variety of environmental conditions, and be outdoors for considerable periods of time. Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and regular access to reliable transportation. Ability to interpret and comprehend legal and technical documents. Demonstrated organizational skills managing multiple projects with the ability to move quickly from one to another while maintaining thorough records. Detail and goal-oriented, with the ability to exercise independent judgment in completing tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to confront challenges with utmost sensitivity and professionalism.. Familiarity with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and other business software; experience with conservation databases such as Landscape and Lens a plus. Positive attitude and willingness to accept a challenge. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and partners. Physical ability to sit at a desk with a computer or in meetings for long periods. Lowcountry Land Trust is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity, and to comply with all federal, state, and local laws that apply to equal employment. It is our policy to recruit, hire, train, and promote individuals, as well as administer any and all personnel actions, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, civil union status, domestic partnership status, affectional or sexual orientation or identity, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, marital status, status as a disabled or Vietnam era veteran, service in the federal or state military, union affiliation, pregnancy or breastfeeding, medical or genetic information, atypical hereditary cellular blood trait, refusal to submit to a genetic test or make test results available to the Company, or status as a qualified individual with a disability, in accordance with applicable laws. The Land Trust also complies with the South Carolina Pregnancy Accommodation Act. Benefits Summary Insurance Health Insurance CoPay Plan with FSA (Flexible Spending Account) option Employee premium covered 90% by employer HDHP (High Deductible) Plans with HSA (Health Savings Account) option All medical costs are paid out of pocket until the deductible is met Employee premium covered 100% by employer Includes Employer HSA contribution Dental Insurance – Employee premium covered 100% by employer Group Life Insurance with AD&D ($25,000) – Employee premium covered 100% by employer Disability - Employee premium covered 100% by employer Optional benefits available – Paid by Employee: Health FSA & Dependent Care FSA HSA Accident Insurance Critical Illness Coverage Vision Care Voluntary Life Insurance Financial & Retirement 403(b) Eligibility: Age 21 and works at least 83 1/3 hours per month Immediate eligibility Up to 6% match after 6 months of employment Family & Parenting Family & Medical Leave Hybrid Work Environment (in-office/from home) Flexible Hours Paid Time Off Self-managed PTO 11 Paid Holidays Flexible Summer Schedule

The Sam Carlton Room, a beautiful, light-filled gathering space at the heart of the Center for Conservation, honors the life and legacy of former Land Trust board member and dedicated forester, Sam Carlton. Known for his calm demeanor, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the Lowcountry, Sam was a beloved conservationist whose influence continues to inspire. Read more.

Lowcountry Land Trust welcomes Jack Alexander, GIS & Conservation Planning Manager, to our team. He plays a pivotal role in planning for, documenting, and reporting on land protected in perpetuity by the organization. Read more.

The Open Space Institute (OSI) and Berkeley County have completed a significant conservation feat: the acquisition of Blessing Plantation in Huger, South Carolina. Set in the heart of the Cooper River Historic District, the nearly 630-acre property will ultimately become a new county park— offering long-desired public access to fishing and kayaking, and offering a one-of-a-kind public recreation experience on a former colonial-era rice plantation. Read more.