ABRP Land Conservation Seasonal Steward

The Nature Conservancy•Bristol, FL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve (ABRP) Land Conservation Seasonal Steward is a temporary member of the Florida Chapter of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) within the Stewardship & Field Programs Department. The position works under the supervision of the Land Conservation Coordinator and is based at the Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve in Bristol, FL. The Seasonal Steward participates in land management activities on ABRP, other preserves, and projects on public conservation lands. This seasonal position is 8 months in duration (October 6, 2026, to June 6, 2026) based upon funding and needs. The ABRP Land Conservation Seasonal Steward maintains preserve areas and performs land management activities both at the preserve and on partner properties. These activities include assisting in prescribed burns; maintaining related fleet, tools, and equipment; operating tractors for native seed collection and planting, participating in non-native invasive species eradication projects; and conducting routine maintenance of facilities and grounds, e.g., fence repair, mowing. The Seasonal Steward maintains preserve records using a computer and mobile devices. This full-time, temporary position has currently identified financial support for 8 months as described above. However, The Nature Conservancy is an at will employer and the employment relationship may end at any time. This position provides co-ed, shared housing and basic utilities, except for telephone, at ABRP. The position supervises no staff, but may help plan and direct preserve work groups, including staff or volunteers. Participate in ongoing sandhill ecosystem restoration effort. Associated tasks vary by season and typically include groundcover restoration, tree planting, erosion control, biological monitoring, as well as cutting/girdling and chemically treating overabundant hardwoods. Will participate as a wildland fire team crew member as an NWCG FFT2 on prescribed burns conducted by the Conservancy and various partner agencies. May participate in wildfire suppression if requested. Training will be provided to assist with performing various prescribed fire and wildfire duties, if qualified, including ignition, holding, mop-up, engine operation, gathering fire weather data and fire training. Operate fire equipment, if qualified, including ignition devices, 4-WD trucks, ATVs, UTVs, portable pumps, pump engines, port-a-tanks, tractors, backpack blowers, brush cutters, chain saws, hand tools, and GPS units. Perform fire preparations, including tractor mowing, tree cutting, chain saw work, raking, boundary delineation, etc. Must have familiarity with the safe operation of equipment and off-road vehicles and must follow recommended safety guidelines and precautions specified for said work. Will participate in various preserve maintenance activities (e.g., facility upkeep, fence construction/repair, trail maintenance, and invasive/exotic species control using herbicides). Safely implement integrated pest management methods for control of non-native invasive species and other nuisance plants, including both chemical (herbicide) and manual treatments. Will use Conservancy-owned vehicles and must be able to safely operate All-terrain vehicle (ATV) or Utility All-Terrain Vehicle (UTV) and always comply with FL Chapter All-Terrain Vehicle Operating Guidelines. Maintain equipment and fire gear in fire-ready status; ensure vehicle is clean and well-organized at all times; ensure work areas are kept in order and well supplied. Communicate professionally with members of the public, agency partners, etc. in casual and formal settings including meetings, outreach events, and educational/training programs hosted or attended by TNC staff. Document completed work using various software/platforms by assigned deadlines; use mobile data collection devices in the field.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
1 year’s training in a science-related field or related experience in land management.
Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
Valid Driver’s License and experience safely operating automobiles.
Willingness to work outdoors in both hot and cold weather.
Ability to meet TNC - NWCG training and health requirements for wildland firefighters at the arduous level (including a 3-mile walk with a 45-pound pack vest in 45 minutes or less for Florida).
Ability to meet NWCG 310-1 training requirements for Basic Wildland Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2).
Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g., lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).
Experience working in a team environment.
Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required (e.g., First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application).
Experience using a PC and/or mobile device, including experience using a database.
Must have familiarity with the safe operation of equipment and off-road vehicles and must follow recommended safety guidelines and precautions.
Must be able to obtain a driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.
Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required.

Nice To Haves

Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience.
1 - 2 years’ experience in land management or related field.
Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
Current National Wildland Fire Coordinating Group Fire Fighter Type 2 (NWCG FFT2) qualifications.

Responsibilities

Maintain preserve areas and perform land management activities.
Assist in prescribed burns.
Maintain related fleet, tools, and equipment.
Operate tractors for native seed collection and planting.
Participate in non-native invasive species eradication projects.
Conduct routine maintenance of facilities and grounds, including fence repair and mowing.
Maintain preserve records using a computer and mobile devices.
Participate in ongoing sandhill ecosystem restoration efforts, including groundcover restoration, tree planting, erosion control, biological monitoring, and chemical treatment of overabundant hardwoods.
Participate as a wildland fire team crew member (NWCG FFT2) on prescribed burns and potentially wildfire suppression.
Operate fire equipment such as ignition devices, 4-WD trucks, ATVs, UTVs, portable pumps, tractors, chainsaws, and GPS units.
Perform fire preparations including tractor mowing, tree cutting, and boundary delineation.
Participate in preserve maintenance activities such as facility upkeep, fence construction/repair, trail maintenance, and invasive/exotic species control using herbicides.
Safely implement integrated pest management methods for control of non-native invasive species.
Operate Conservancy-owned vehicles, including ATVs or UTVs, in compliance with guidelines.
Maintain equipment and fire gear in fire-ready status.
Communicate professionally with the public and agency partners.
Document completed work using various software/platforms and mobile data collection devices.