Andrew Pickens 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 Andrew Pickens Ranger District. As part of TNC’s South Carolina Forest Recovery Team, the Technician carries out field work that reduces hazardous fuels, restores resilient forests, improves watershed health and biological diversity, and supports community wildfire preparedness across the Southern Blue Ridge region. Work may include prescribed fire preparation and implementation, mechanical and manual fuels work, construction and rehabilitation of fire control features, invasive species treatment, vegetation management, field assessment, fuels characterization, data collection, and restoration of disturbed areas with native vegetation. The Technician also helps maintain field readiness by inspecting and maintaining tools, vehicles, equipment, personal protective equipment, and supplies; supporting logistics and mobilization; documenting accomplishments; and communicating field conditions, safety concerns, and operational needs to project leads. The employee may serve in Incident Command System positions for which qualified or formally assigned as a trainee. This is a full-time, term position based in the Upstate of South Carolina within reasonable commuting distance of the Andrew Pickens Ranger District. Work is primarily field-based, with limited remote or office work as necessary, and may occasionally occur on the Long Cane Ranger District or other approved locations. The role involves variable weather, smoke, remote locations, steep and rugged mountain 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.

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 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, steep and difficult mountain terrain, and other field conditions, including long or irregular hours and multi-day assignments, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Must complete TNC background screening and applicable driving-related requirements, including a Vehicle Use Agreement.
Ability to work occasional overnight, evening, weekend, and extended operational assignments.

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 application, or safety certifications.
Experience operating and maintaining field tools, vehicles, trailers, or mechanical equipment used in land management activities.
Knowledge of common plant and animal species, Southern Appalachian forests and Southern Blue Ridge ecosystems, and 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 in accordance with work plans, established procedures, technical direction, and changing field conditions.
Support preparation, implementation, monitoring, and follow-up of prescribed fire, vegetation management, invasive species treatment, and other forest restoration activities.
Operate and maintain tools, vehicles, equipment, and project supplies in accordance with training, authorization, and safety requirements.
Collect and maintain field data, treatment records, and other documentation used to track accomplishments and support project reporting.
Promote safe and compliant operations by participating in briefings, hazard assessments, after-action reviews, and incident reporting, and by following approved plans, policies, and environmental requirements.
Assist with field logistics and communicate operational needs, progress, safety concerns, and project results to designated project leads.
Collaborate with TNC staff, agency personnel, contractors, landowners, community members, and other partners; support training and outreach activities when assigned.
Complete assigned work accurately, safely, and on schedule, and communicate conditions that may affect project delivery.
Assist with project logistics, equipment and supply inventories, purchasing, data entry, and other administrative needs as assigned.
Maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, partners, and the public; support daily field operations and assigned project activities.
Obtain and maintain Wildland Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2), First Aid, CPR, AED, and other qualifications or training required for assigned duties.
Travel frequently to project sites and operate vehicles on unimproved roads in compliance with TNC vehicle-use requirements.