Central Stewardship Technician

The Nature Conservancy•Charlottesville, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Nature Conservancy’s Virginia STEP Program is recruiting an early-career intern for a six-month role supporting the Central Stewardship Program’s land stewardship and community outreach work. The position is based in Charlottesville, Virginia, and is scheduled for 35 hours per week. The preferred start date is January 18, with a latest start date of January 29. Pay is $22 per hour. The intern will work with the Central Stewardship Program team and other Stewardship and Landscape Programs staff, under the supervision of the Prescribed Fire and Stewardship Specialist. The role focuses on field-based stewardship at preserves across Virginia, including prescribed fire, fee land and conservation easement monitoring, and volunteer programs. Approximately two-thirds of the time will be spent in the field and one-third in the office, working with the team and independently. Some overnight and weekend travel is expected. STEP hires receive an orientation, professional development webinars, opportunities to visit TNC sites, and opportunities to interact with TNC staff and partners. At the end of the internship, the intern will give a short presentation to Virginia staff. This role also supports stewardship equipment and vehicle maintenance, ecological inventories, field mapping and data collection, land protection records, and community outreach activities.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED and one year of training in a science-related field, or related experience in land management.
Demonstrated interest in working in the conservation field.
Experience working in remote outdoor settings with variable and sometimes physically challenging conditions, including inclement weather.
Meet physical fitness standards 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.
Ability to obtain related licenses or certifications as required, such as First Aid, CPR, or herbicide or pesticide application certifications.
Valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.
Complete a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee’s motor vehicle record.

Nice To Haves

Valid red card or completed NWCG coursework for Firefighter Type 2, including S-130, S-190, L-180, ICS-100, and IS-700.
Knowledge, understanding, and demonstrated experience with Virginia forest and freshwater ecosystems.
Basic proficiency with ArcGIS mapping programs.
Basic proficiency in field data collection using an iPad, GPS, ESRI Survey123, 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 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, trails, and other conservation 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, ESRI Survey123, or Field Maps software.
Operate, load, and unload a side-by-side all-terrain vehicle, truck, and trailer in accordance with 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.