Long Cane Forest Recovery Technician

The Nature Conservancy•GEO / Remote - South Carolina, SC

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Forest Recovery Technician supports implementation of a five-year Hurricane Helene recovery and forest restoration agreement between The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the U.S. Forest Service on the Sumter National Forest, primarily on the Long Cane Ranger District. As part of TNC’s South Carolina Forest Recovery Team, the Technician carries out field activities that reduce hazardous fuels, restore resilient forests, improve watershed health and biological diversity, and support community wildfire preparedness. Work may also take place on the Andrew Pickens Ranger District or other approved locations. Field work includes prescribed fire preparation and implementation, mechanical and manual fuels work, fire-control feature construction and rehabilitation, invasive species treatment, vegetation management, field assessment, fuels characterization, data collection, and restoration of disturbed areas with native vegetation. The Technician follows established plans, procedures, technical direction, and safety requirements, and works with TNC staff, Forest Service personnel, contractors, landowners, community members, and other partners. The role also supports equipment and vehicle readiness, logistics, documentation, and communication of field conditions, safety concerns, progress, and operational needs. The employee may serve in Incident Command System positions for which they are qualified or formally assigned as a trainee. This is a full-time term position based in the western Piedmont of South Carolina, within reasonable commuting distance of the Long Cane Ranger District. Field work is substantial, with limited remote or office work as assignments allow. The work involves variable weather, smoke, remote locations, difficult and hazardous terrain, and physically demanding conditions. Frequent travel to project sites and occasional overnight, evening, weekend, and extended operational assignments are required. The initial term is associated with the five-year recovery agreement and may be extended subject to funding and organizational need. The position reports to the South Carolina Forest Recovery Director or another designated TNC manager and does not supervise employees or direct federal personnel.

Requirements

Associate, technical, or vocational degree in a science-related field and one year of related experience in custodial and ecological land management or a similar field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience with natural systems.
Experience with ecological land management principles.
Experience operating and/or repairing various types of equipment and machinery.
Experience performing physically demanding outdoor work safely and working as part of a field-based team.
Ability to follow maps, work plans, safety requirements, and technical instructions; maintain accurate records; and communicate effectively with coworkers and partners.
Must obtain and maintain Wildland Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2), First Aid, CPR, AED, and any other qualifications or training required for assigned duties.
Valid driver’s license and ability to meet TNC vehicle-use requirements, travel frequently, and operate vehicles on unimproved roads.
Ability to work in variable weather, smoke, difficult terrain, and other field conditions, including long or irregular hours and multi-day assignments, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Completion of TNC’s background screening and applicable driving-related requirements, including a Vehicle Use Agreement and motor vehicle record review where applicable.
Compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program; employees considered high-risk drivers may not drive vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy.

Nice To Haves

Additional education or experience in forestry, natural resource management, fire ecology, ecological restoration, or a related field.
Experience with prescribed fire, wildland fire, fuels management, forest restoration, invasive species management, or related conservation practices.
Current NWCG qualifications or other relevant forestry, equipment, pesticide/herbicide application, or safety certifications.
Experience operating and maintaining field tools, vehicles, trailers, or mechanical equipment used in land management activities.
Experience recognizing common plant and animal species and knowledge of natural resource management practices relevant to the project area.
Experience collecting field data and using common mapping, mobile data collection, and office software applications.
Experience working with government agencies, conservation organizations, contractors, landowners, volunteers, or other partners.
Ability to complete assigned tasks independently, communicate clearly, meet established timelines, and contribute to a safe, accountable, and respectful team environment.
Multilingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience.

Responsibilities

Participate in field activities supporting forest recovery, prescribed fire, hazardous fuels reduction, ecological restoration, and related conservation objectives.
Complete assigned field tasks according to work plans, procedures, technical direction, priorities, and changing field conditions.
Support the preparation, implementation, monitoring, and follow-up of prescribed fire, vegetation management, invasive species treatment, and other restoration activities.
Operate and maintain authorized tools, vehicles, equipment, and project supplies in accordance with training and safety requirements.
Collect and maintain field data, treatment records, and other documentation used to track accomplishments and support project reporting.
Participate in briefings, hazard assessments, after-action reviews, and incident reporting; follow approved plans, policies, and environmental requirements.
Assist with field logistics and communicate progress, operational needs, field conditions, safety concerns, and project results to designated project leads.
Support equipment and supply inventories, purchasing, data entry, and other administrative needs as assigned.
Work collaboratively with TNC staff, agency personnel, contractors, landowners, community members, and other partners; support training and outreach when assigned.
Maintain readiness for field assignments, including inspecting and maintaining tools, vehicles, equipment, personal protective equipment, and supplies.
Complete assigned work accurately, safely, and on schedule, and communicate conditions that may affect project delivery.
Serve in Incident Command System positions when qualified or formally assigned as a trainee.