Land Conservation Steward

The Nature Conservancy • Babson Park, FL

4d • $19 - $22

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 Tiger Creek 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 are supervised by the CFL Land Conservation Specialist.
The Land Conservation Steward performs land management and restoration activities in uplands and wetlands. Their primary responsibilities are to participate in prescribed fire management activities, control and monitor non-native plant species and assist with the 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, 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 Tiger Creek Preserve but will also work on several Nature Conservancy properties in the central Florida region, to include Venus Flatwoods, Disney Wilderness Preserve, and Saddle Blanket Scrub Preserve. They function 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). See the Conservancy’s Fire Management Manual for a full explanation of qualification requirements: https://www.tncfiremanual.org/FIrefighter.htm
• 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.
• Since this position may involve operating company-owned/leased vehicles, you will be required to participate in the Conservancy's Auto Safety Program. As such, you will be required to provide your driver's license information, which may be used to review your Motor Vehicle Record.

Nice To Haves

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• 1 - 2 years’ experience in land management or related field.
• Experience with facilities maintenance.
• 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.
• Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
• PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding.
• 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
• This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.

Responsibilities

• participate in prescribed fire management activities
• control and monitor non-native plant species
• assist with the fleet, facilities, tool and equipment maintenance
• road and trail maintenance
• Florida Scrub Jay habitat improvement
• fence maintenance or removal
• wildlife monitoring
• supporting preserve outreach events/tours
• hosting volunteer workdays

Benefits

• TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED