This session will discuss the process for hiring qualified stewardship staff including job descriptions for stewardship staff levels, technical skill requirements, interview questions and testing components. We will discuss the Americorps Land Steward program implemented by Virginia Outdoors Foundation to help new college graduates start a land conservation career. Appropriate training course components for new staff will also be covered. Staff morale and retention components including cross training on other land protection skills (land management, easement drafting, baseline documentation reports) will be discussed as will several successful morale booster examples. The pros and cons of stewardship volunteers will also be covered.