Earlham Nature Reserve System Property Manager at Earlham College Inc – Richmond, Indiana

Earlham College is a Top 100 National Liberal Arts College located in Richmond, IN, a small city that's just a short drive away from several major metropolitan areas including Dayton, Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Chicago.

Richmond and Earlham have a symbiotic relationship. Through research, studies, internships and volunteering, Earlhamites offer Richmond expertise and service as Richmond offers our students the chance to gain valuable, real-world experience. Our community assumes no religious affiliation but follows Quaker principles and practices, which include respect for persons, integrity, a commitment to peace and justice, simplicity, and consensus-based community decision-making. Earlham is committed to and proud of being a diverse and inclusive place most clearly visible in our student body: 20% of our student body are international, coming from 60+ nations in 2022, and 24% are domestic students of color. Faculty and staff also bring tremendous diversity to the College; many have lived and worked outside the United States, and they make a point of drawing on those experiences in their interactions with students. Additionally, Earlham makes it a priority to serve as a safe and welcoming place for LGBTQ+ communities and has a four-star rating on the Campus Pride Index. Our community is characterized by respect for every person and a commitment to social justice. Equity and inclusion are central to Earlham's institutional priorities and our leadership is committed to widening the path to an Earlham education.

The Biology Department seeks a full-time Earlham Nature Reserve Property Manager. This 12 month administrative faculty position is essential to the stewardship, academic mission, and community engagement goals of Earlham. The ENRS Property Manager is indispensable to maintaining safety at our public preserves, managing over 10 miles of trails and 400+ acres. In addition to property management duties, the long-running course Trail Building and Invasive Species Removal— taught by ENRS property managers since 2004—provides students with hands-on experience in ecological restoration and land stewardship. The ENRS Property Manager is primarily a field-oriented position, with office-based management responsibilities fluctuating according to seasonal conditions.

• Trail Management (50% of time; approximately 20 hours per week)
  • Trim vegetation back from trails regularly during growing season
  • Clear trails of deadfall with chainsaw, remove hazardous dead-standing trees along trails
  • Limit trail erosion with check dams, cutouts to divert water, mulch heavy use trails, etc.
  • Maintain accessibility of off-campus parking areas
  • Build, repair, and replace trail infrastructure (bridges, staircases, boardwalks, etc) as needed
  • Preventative maintenance on trail infrastructure, including checking structures for deterioration, sealing wooden structures regularly, etc.
• Teaching AWPE 210, Guest Lecturing for ENSU and BIO Courses (25% of time, approximately 10 hours per week)
  • Engage students in field work, with clear educational goals on natural resource management
  • Prepare and update syllabus
  • Reserve fleet vehicles and attain 12 passenger van certification
  • Provide students with PPE
• Other Duties (25%, approximately 10 hours per week)
  • Manage terrestrial invasive species in forests, prairies, and wetlands according to ENRS strategic plan
  • Update invasive species management progress and priority documentation
  • Maintain compliance with conservation easement agreements
  • Maintain equipment, including small engines, hand tools, herbicide applicators, etc.
  • Grant writing and implementation
  • Complete paperwork including credit card reports, mileage reimbursement reports, etc.
  • Maintain tree plantings including tree protectors, pruning, and weed control
  • Collect and maintain trail counter data
  • Participate in outreach activities including volunteer events and educational programming
  • Communicate and coordinate activities with off-campus neighbors, facilities, and athletics as needed

The percentages provided reflect an approximate breakdown on an annual basis but will vary.

• Undergraduate degree, required. Degree focus in an environmental discipline, preferred.
• Applied knowledge of Ohio River valley/Great Lakes region native and invasive species, plant identification, natural areas, and ecology.
• Excellent verbal, written, and facilitation skills
• Self-starting and ability to work independently
• Experience and comfort with digital tools and technology
• 1-2 years of experience in natural areas management techniques including herbicide applications, cutting / mowing, controlled burning, and native planting
• Positive, safety-first attitude
• Demonstrated experience with crew leadership, mentorship, and effective team communication
• Ability to read and interpret herbicide labels and Safety Data Sheets and apply herbicides following label instructions and safety procedures
• Ability to walk 4-6 miles per day over rough terrain and lift up to 50 lbs
• A good driving record and valid state driver's license
• Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather conditions
• Ability to travel regularly to off-campus properties

• Knowledge of or experience in liberal-arts settings in higher education
• Ability to operate and conduct routine preventative maintenance on a variety of equipment and tools that includes chainsaws / brush saws, backpack herbicide sprayers, and hand tools
• Chainsaw safety training
• Experience understanding and tracking project budgets
• Basic carpentry skills
• Experience with grant writing and grant management

Please submit the following materials with your application:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• List of Three References with Contact Information 

Application materials will be accepted until March 23, 2026. Review of materials will begin on March 24, 2026.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance*
• Company paid Long-Term Disability after 1 year of full-time service*
• Basic and Voluntary Life insurance*
• Employee Assistance Program*
• Campus Store Discount
• Free ticket vouchers for Richmond Symphony Orchestra
• Wellness Center Free Membership or Discount for eligible employees
• Athletic Games-Free entry to all home games
• Free entry into most Theatre/Music shows
• Tuition Benefits for Immediate Family for eligible employees*
• 403(b) Retirement* – For eligible employees, Earlham will contribute a non-elective contribution equal to 5% of gross pay after 2 years of service. After 3 years of service, this non-elective contribution increases to 8%. Vesting credit is available for new employees with previous service in the education sector with required documentation.
• Many Wayne County Chamber of Commerce member businesses offer discounts to anyone with an Earlham ID

*All employee benefit offerings are subject to employee eligibility per plan documents.

Earlham College is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination against any individual based on race, color, national origin, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, religion, or other protected classifications under applicable laws. The College is committed to building a diverse community that reflects the makeup of society and particularly welcomes and supports individuals from historically marginalized groups. As an institution with a Quaker identity, Earlham also encourages applications from members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers).

Earlham College complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state law. If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of the position, or to participate in the hiring process, please contact the Earlham College Office of Human Resources.

Earlham's Work Authorization Policy

Earlham utilizes E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility for all newly hired employees within the United States.