Land Conservation Steward

The Nature Conservancy • Bristol, FL

10h • $19 - $22 • Onsite

About The Position

The Land Conservation Steward performs and participates in preserve operations, maintenance and management on TNC’s preserves, located in Central Florida. 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 upland restoration) across Florida and for stewardship of the Florida Chapter’s network of preserves. TNC’s North Florida preserves are part of the statewide Center for Conservation Initiatives (CCI) and include the Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve (ABRP), Rock Hill, John S. Phipps, Spigelia, Ratcliffe, and Jeff Lewis Wilderness Preserves. 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 in support of SAF’s Field Program projects. They are responsible for ensuring that all stewardship related activities comply with TNC’s, local, state, and federal requirements. They are supervised by the Land Conservation Coordinator and housing will be provided at the Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve.
The Land Conservation Steward performs land management and restoration activities in uplands and wetlands both at TNC Preserves and on partner properties as a member of ARSA (Apalachicola Regional Stewardship Alliance) Ecosystem Restoration Team (ERT). Their primary responsibilities are to participate in prescribed fire management activities and habitat restoration work, to monitor and control non-native species, and to 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, fence and gate maintenance, wildlife and plant monitoring, supporting preserve outreach events/tours, and hosting volunteer workdays. The Steward will be based out of ABRP but will also work on the Nature Conservancy properties in the north Florida region listed above, as well as partner properties within the region as part of the ARSA ERT (e.g., lands managed by state/federal agencies). They function as a part of the land management team to maintain, enhance and restore threatened and imperiled ecosystems in the north 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.
• Since this position may involve operating company-owned/leased vehicles, you will be required to participate in the Conservancy's Auto Safety Program.
• This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program

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

Responsibilities

• Participate in prescribed fire management activities and habitat restoration work
• Monitor and control non-native species
• Assist with the fleet, facilities, tool and equipment maintenance
• Assist with other aspects of preserve management, monitoring efforts and general stewardship
• Road and trail maintenance
• Fence and gate maintenance
• Wildlife and plant 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
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees