Land Conservation Steward
About The Position
The Land Conservation Steward is a staff member of the Stewardship and Field Programs Department (SAF) of The Nature Conservancy’s Florida Chapter (TNC). SAF is responsible for implementing and managing field conservation work (e.g., wildland fire management, invasive species management, and wetland restoration) across Florida and for stewardship of the Florida Chapter’s network of preserves. TNC’s Central Florida preserves are part of the statewide Center for Conservation Initiatives (CCI) and include The Disney Wilderness Preserve (DWP), Tiger Creek (TCP), Saddle Blanket Scrub (SBSP) and Venus Flatwoods (VFP). The position is based out of The Disney Wilderness Preserve. These preserves and this position are integral to CCI and its mission. The Steward performs and participates in land management efforts with an emphasis on TNC preserves and with conservation partners in the surrounding landscape. They are responsible for ensuring that all stewardship related activities comply with TNC’s, local, state, and federal requirements. They serve as part of SAF’s Central Florida Program (CFL) team and are supervised by the CFL Land Conservation Coordinator. The Land Conservation Steward performs land management and restoration activities in uplands and wetlands. Their primary responsibilities are to control and monitor non-native plant species, participate in prescribed fire management activities, and assist with fleet, facilities, tool and equipment maintenance. They will also assist with other aspects of preserve management, monitoring efforts and general stewardship. These activities can include road and trail maintenance, Red Cockaded Woodpecker and Florida Scrub Jay habitat improvement, fence maintenance or removal, wildlife monitoring, supporting preserve outreach events/tours, and hosting volunteer workdays. The Steward will be based out of the Disney Wilderness Preserve but will also work on several Nature Conservancy properties in the central Florida region, to include Hatchineha Ranch, Tiger Creek Preserve, and Saddle Blanket Scrub Preserve. Housing and basic utilities, except for telephone/internet, may be provided in a Conservancy residence in Kissimmee, FL. This position functions as a part of the land management team to maintain, enhance, and restore threatened and imperiled ecosystems in the central Florida landscape.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED and 1 year’s training in science-related field or related experience in land management.
- Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
- 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).
- Must meet minimum TNC – National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) qualifications for Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2), including Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fire line (L-180), Introduction to Wild Land Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130).
- Must achieve minimum TNC training and health requirements for wildland fires at the arduous level
- Ability to walk 3 miles with a 45-pound pack vest with a time of 45 or minutes or less.
- This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.
- Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.
Nice To Haves
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Bachelor’s degree and 1 - 2 years’ experience in natural resource management or related field.
- National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) qualification for single resource boss.
- Completion of S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaws.
- Ability to follow instructions from colleagues, coworkers, and other team members.
- Experience using GPS hardware and ArcGIS applications to collect and manipulate spatial data.
- Ability to obtain a State of Florida Certified Pesticide Applicator license within 6 months of hire.
- Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
- Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field.
- Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s), frequently in the absence of supervision.
Responsibilities
- control and monitor non-native plant species
- participate in prescribed fire management activities
- assist with fleet, facilities, tool and equipment maintenance
- assist with other aspects of preserve management, monitoring efforts and general stewardship
- road and trail maintenance
- Red Cockaded Woodpecker and Florida Scrub Jay habitat improvement
- fence maintenance or removal
- wildlife monitoring
- supporting preserve outreach events/tours
- hosting volunteer workdays
Benefits
- health care benefits
- flexible spending accounts
- 401(k) plan including employer match
- parental leave
- accrued paid time off
- life insurance
- disability coverage
- employee assistance program
- other life and work wellbeing benefits
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
