The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, founded in 1920, is located in the heart of University Circle, five miles east of downtown Cleveland, Ohio. For more than a century, the Museum has inspired visitors to connect with the wonders of science and nature. Today, we continue that legacy—and remain committed to sharing our resources to promote a healthy future for both humans and the planet. 

As Ohio’s largest natural history museum, we use our vast collections and state-of-the-art facilities to contribute to scientific understanding worldwide. Our scientists conduct research across a variety of disciplines, making groundbreaking discoveries about early human ancestors, ancient Ohio, animal and plant life around the world, and more. We steward more than 12,500 acres of wild habitats through our Natural Areas Program, working to protect the environment of northern Ohio and the diverse species that call it home.

The Museum seeks a dedicated professional to join our Natural Areas team.

Job Summary:

The mission of the Natural Areas Division is to identify and protect the best remnants of native habitats present in the Lake Erie and Upper Ohio River drainage prior to settlement. As a seasonal Land Steward, you will be a part of a unique approach to stewardship and biodiversity management, and you will work on the Museum’s 12,400 acres of protected habitat, working with the Manager of Land Stewardship and Assistant Land Stewards on a wide variety of tasks. This position is based out of Mentor, Ohio and includes daily travel to nearby work sites. This is a temporary position working up to 40 hours per week; employment is expected to begin in May and last until August.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: (Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation):

• Support invasive plant management and eradication using various tools, while also aiding in the management of native plant communities
• Support the mapping of invasive plant population as well as rare plant species and communities
• Perform data collection and data entry
• Analyze GPS and aerial drone mapping surveys and incorporate into GIS maps to prioritize treatment of invasive plant populations
• Assist in plant identification using taxonomic field guides
• Assist with onsite coordination of contractors, local partners, and volunteers
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Education/Experience: 

High School Diploma or GED. Valid driver’s license required.  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Intellectual curiosity and a passion for science, nature, and conservation
• A familiarity with the local, native flora and fauna of Northeast Ohio
• A desire to learn a variety of invasive species management techniques
• Professional demeanor, tact, diplomacy, discretion, good judgment, strong insight and instinct, maturity and sophistication
• Ability to work with an interdisciplinary professional team, including high-level division and department directors
• Display effective time management and organizational skills
• Ability to work a flexible schedule that may include evenings and weekends
• Have reliable transportation to commute between work sites across Northeast Ohio

Working Conditions:

This position includes working outdoors in all weather conditions, including inclement weather, exposure to biting or stinging insects, and poisonous or prickly plants. Locations may be semi-remote and offer limited access to indoor facilities. Must be able to walk for prolonged periods, navigate physically challenging terrain, and perform strenuous, labor-intensive field work. Must be able to lift 50 lbs with or without reasonable accommodation.

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, ADA EMPLOYER, and a SUBSTANCE-FREE WORKPLACE