Land Conservation Steward

The Nature Conservancy•Babson Park, FL

About The Position

The Land Conservation Steward is part of The Nature Conservancy’s Florida Stewardship and Field Programs Department and is based at Tiger Creek Preserve. The role carries out land management and restoration activities in upland and wetland habitats, following applicable TNC, local, state, and federal requirements. The Steward’s primary work includes prescribed fire, non-native plant control and monitoring, and maintaining the fleet, facilities, tools, and equipment. The position also supports preserve management, monitoring, habitat improvement, infrastructure upkeep, outreach, and volunteer activities across Tiger Creek Preserve and other central Florida properties, including Venus Flatwoods, Disney Wilderness Preserve, and Saddle Blanket Scrub Preserve. The Steward participates in prescribed and wildland fire operations, invasive species management, and pre- and post-burn work. They operate and maintain equipment as qualified, help maintain trails and preserve infrastructure, support events and tours, and keep accurate records and databases. The position involves fieldwork in variable weather, remote locations, difficult terrain, and physically demanding conditions. The Steward may work irregular or long hours, occasionally on weekends, and may travel on short notice. The role requires a 40-hour workweek and may involve working with limited supervision.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED and one year of training in a science-related field or related land-management experience.
Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
Experience safely and efficiently operating equipment such as lawn mowers, chainsaws, UTVs, ATVs or OHVs, and two-way radios, or similar equipment.
Experience working in a team environment.
Ability to obtain required licenses or certifications, such as First Aid, CPR, or herbicide/pesticide application credentials.
Ability to obtain TNC/National Wildfire Coordinating Group Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) qualifications, including I-100, L-180, S-190, and S-130.
Ability to meet TNC training and health requirements for arduous wildland fire duties, including walking three miles with a 45-pound pack vest in 45 minutes or less.
Ability to obtain a driver’s license and maintain a good driving record; must comply with TNC’s Auto Safety Program and complete a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a motor vehicle record review.
Ability to work a 40-hour week and, as needed, long or irregular hours, occasional weekends, and travel on short notice.
Ability to work in variable weather, remote locations, difficult or hazardous terrain, and physically demanding conditions; must maintain the physical condition needed for fieldwork.
Ability to work under infrequent supervision and make day-to-day decisions as delegated by a supervisor.

Nice To Haves

Multilingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience.
One to two years of experience in land management or a related field.
Experience with facilities maintenance.
Completion of S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaws or equivalent.
Experience using GPS hardware and ArcGIS applications to collect and manipulate spatial data.
Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
Familiarity with PCs or mobile devices, including databases.
Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and natural resource preservation or conservation.
Ability to complete tasks independently within timelines, often without supervision.
Ability to follow instructions from colleagues, coworkers, and team members.

Responsibilities

Participate in prescribed and wildland fire activities on TNC preserves and partner lands, including using ignition devices, hand tools, fire engines, and other fire equipment.
Control, monitor, and manage non-native invasive species using integrated pest management methods, including chemical and manual treatments, field surveys, data entry, and reporting.
Assist with pre- and post-burn operations, including fireline preparation, mop-up, patrols, and collection of monitoring data.
Help plan and direct preserve work groups that may include staff, interns, or volunteers; foster teamwork and collaboration.
Operate and maintain, as qualified, 4-WD trucks, ATVs, UTVs, fire engines, tractors and implements, trailers, pumps and sprayers, blowers, brush-cutters, chainsaws, hand tools, and GPS units.
Assist with maintenance of preserve facilities, public trails, infrastructure, and the shop compound.
Provide logistical support for outreach events and tours.
Maintain accurate records and databases.
Perform other duties as assigned.