What are the responsibilities and job description for the Property Manager position at Monmouth Conservation Foundation?
Position Title: Part-Time Property Manager for Scudder Preserve
Location: Middletown Township, Monmouth County, NJ
Hours: Estimated 10 to 15 hours per week (with occasional weekend or evening work for events)
Compensation: Competitive pay depending on qualifications and experience
Reports to: Acting Co-Executive Director / Director of Acquisitions
About MCF:
Founded in 1977, Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF) is a nationally accredited land trust that works to acquire and preserve open space and farmland and conserve natural habitats throughout Monmouth County, New Jersey in support of outdoor recreation, agriculture, clean water, and wildlife for long-term sustainability. An independent nonprofit organization that works with Monmouth County and its 53 municipalities, MCF’s vision is to lead conservation and education efforts to preserve and protect our natural environment, so all individuals and communities have access to and can benefit from open space and nature for generations to come. For more information, please visit www.monmouthconservation.org.
About Scudder Preserve:
Scudder Preserve is a 90-acre woodland sanctuary in Middletown, New Jersey, featuring century-old forest, rolling meadows, wetlands, ponds, and habitat for a remarkable variety of plant and wildlife. Originally donated to New Jersey Audubon, the preserve was transferred to MCF in 2024, marking MCF's first landholding in its nearly 50-year history. MCF has completed baseline ecological assessments and adopted a management plan for the site to begin habitat restoration. Projects including trail maintenance, bioswales installation, and a deer management program are already underway. This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of a special place from the ground up
Position Summary:
We are seeking a skilled, self-directed individual to serve as Property Manager on a part-time, contracted basis to oversee day-to-day operations and conservation stewardship of Scudder Preserve. The role is estimated to take 10–15 hours per week during spring to fall months, with decreased hours during winter months. There is strong potential for this role to expand into a full-time position with added responsibility such as overseeing capital projects as the preserve develops and broader conservation easement monitoring.
Key Responsibilities:
-Conduct on-site grounds work or oversee paid contractors for trail maintenance, mowing, landscaping, tree work, and other tasks in accordance with easement guidelines
-Oversee habitat restoration, grounds projects, and gardening needs under the guidance of the Director of Acquisitions and contracted environmental consultants
-Monitor preserve perimeter and grounds for fallen trees, fire hazards, vandalism, and security concerns
-Install and maintain signage and amenities including kiosks, trail markers, interpretive signs, benches, trail cameras, wildlife cameras, and storage systems
-Serve as on-site liaison for MCF staff and all contractors
-Manage trash and recycling operations
-Identify landscaping and maintenance equipment needs for the site and assist with procurement and maintenance
-Conduct minimal-required buildings maintenance and minor urgent repairs
-Oversee the general maintenance of the interior and exterior of on-site structures, identifying and addressing issues proactively to preserve the integrity and appearance of all buildings and facilities
-Communicate regularly with the Director of Acquisitions and MCF staff on status of the preserve
-Serve as a liaison between neighbors of the property and MCF staff
-Respond to neighbor inquiries, concerns, and questions in a timely and professional manner
-Coordinate and oversee volunteer workdays and programs
-Field on-site, in-person inquiries from visitors to the preserve, when on site
-Build and maintain positive relationships with the surrounding community
Qualifications:
-At least three years of related work experience
-Knowledge of flora, fauna, and ecological communities of New Jersey
-Valid driver's license and ability to operate trucks and other vehicles
-Ability to conduct physically strenuous fieldwork in various weather conditions
-Knowledge of equipment operation including chainsaws, tractors, mowers, and similar machinery
-Basic knowledge of structure maintenance and ability to perform minor repairs
-Experience with use, safety, and basic maintenance of tools, machinery, and equipment
-Able to manage multiple tasks, stay organized, and meet deadlines
-Strong interpersonal and communication skills for community engagement
-Ability to work nights and weekends as needed
-Availability weekdays between 8 am – 5 pm timeframe for communication and coordination with staff
-Flexibility to be on call for preserve emergencies as they arise
-Has reliable transportation
Preferred
-Enrollment in or completion of an associate or bachelor's degree in ecology, environmental science, forestry, natural resources management, or related field — or equivalent hands-on experience in lieu of a degree
-Experience with conservation land management and stewardship
-Familiarity with native plant communities and habitat restoration
-Ownership of basic tools
How to Apply
Please send a brief description of your relevant experience and qualifications along with a cover letter to jcosimo@monmouthconservation.org. A formal resume is welcome but not required. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the role is filled.