Central Stewardship Technician

The Nature Conservancy•Charlottesville, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Nature Conservancy’s Central Stewardship Program is seeking a STEP intern to support land stewardship and community outreach across Virginia. The six-month role focuses on three areas: stewardship and prescribed fire, fee land and easement monitoring, and volunteer and community outreach. The intern will work with the Central Stewardship Program team, the broader Stewardship Team, and members of Landscape Programs, and will be supervised by the Prescribed Fire and Stewardship Specialist. The position is approximately two-thirds field work and one-third office work, conducted both collaboratively and independently. Field activities take place on preserves across the state and include prescribed burns, easement monitoring, and volunteer program support. Some overnight and weekend travel is expected. STEP hires receive orientation, professional development webinars, opportunities to visit TNC sites, and interactions with TNC staff and partners. At the end of the internship, the intern gives a short presentation to Virginia staff. The schedule is 35 hours per week for six months, at $22 per hour. The position is based in Charlottesville, Virginia. The preferred start date is January 18, with a start no later than January 29. Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Employment is contingent on completing a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the applicant’s motor vehicle record.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED and one year of training in a science-related field or related land management experience.
Demonstrated interest in working in conservation.
Experience working in remote outdoor settings in variable and sometimes physically challenging conditions, including inclement weather.
Meet the physical fitness standard set by the local Fire Program Manager and TNC Fire Manual: walk three miles in 45 minutes while carrying a 45-pound pack.
Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
Experience safely and efficiently operating equipment such as a lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, or two-way radio, or similar equipment.
Ability to obtain related licenses or certifications as required, such as First Aid, CPR, or herbicide or pesticide application credentials.
Valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.
Complete a Vehicle Use Agreement; the process may include a review of the prospective employee’s motor vehicle record.
Meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process.

Nice To Haves

Valid red card or completed NWCG coursework for Firefighter Type 2 (S-130, S-190, L-180, ICS-100, IS-700).
Knowledge, understanding, and demonstrated experience with Virginia’s forest and freshwater ecosystems.
Basic proficiency with ArcGIS mapping programs.
Basic proficiency in field data collection using a field iPad, GPS, ESRI Survey123, and/or Field Maps software.
Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel, Outlook, and Word.
Some experience with public outreach and volunteer engagement.
One or more seasons of wildland or prescribed fire experience.

Responsibilities

Participate in prescribed fire operations, including prescribed fire activities, preparation, mop-up, and monitoring.
Maintain fire and stewardship equipment and vehicles.
Mark and monitor fee ownership and easement boundaries in the field.
Map and assess the condition of preserve roads, trail systems, and other conservation-related features.
Monitor for invasive species and conduct other ecological inventories.
Assist with small-scale timber stand improvement treatments, primarily using hand tools.
Record field data using an iPad, GPS, and ESRI Survey123 or Field Maps software.
Operate, load, and unload a side-by-side all-terrain vehicle, truck, and trailer according to established safety protocols.
Assist with planning, implementing, and reporting volunteer land stewardship and community outreach activities.
Assist with conservation easement and TNC Preserve monitoring and reporting.
Assist with land protection record management and retention.
Provide support to other Central Stewardship Program staff as opportunities and needs arise.
Give a short presentation to Virginia staff at the end of the internship.