Building an effective and inclusive stewardship workforce

A skilled and inclusive stewardship workforce is vital for effective conservation, especially in the context of climate change and biodiversity decline. We must recognize the ecological, economic, and cultural value of the stewardship sector and support a workforce capable of addressing today's environmental challenges. Failing to promote well‐paying, permanent stewardship jobs with opportunities for advancement weakens conservation efforts and reinforces economic inequality. Based on our experience, a horizon scan of stewardship training programs in California, and insights shared at an expert convening and in conversations with practitioners, we present perspectives on the importance of and pathways to building an effective and inclusive stewardship workforce. The importance of Indigenous knowledge and strategies to advance Indigenous stewardship is emphasized. We identify key barriers to workforce development and offer strategies and examples illustrating feasible steps toward fair compensation, durable training systems, inclusive workplaces, and stronger Indigenous‐led stewardship. Proposed solutions include standardized job codes, clearer career pathways, and stronger alignment between training and on‐the‐job skills. Investing in the people who steward our lands and waters is essential to achieving a resilient environmental future.