SE Coastal Plain Land Steward

The Nature Conservancy•Wilmington, NC

2d•$57,000 - $63,000

About The Position

The Southeast Coastal Plain Land Steward develops, manages, and advances conservation programs, plans, and methods for small- to medium-scale geographic areas. The position provides technical leadership and support to a business unit and plans, directs, and assists preserve management programs and stewardship of The Nature Conservancy’s land interests in the coastal plain of North Carolina. The Land Steward takes part in land management and restoration projects on TNC lands and with partner organizations. Duties include managing projects; developing and administering habitat-management contracts; planning and implementing prescribed fire; planning restoration activities; assisting with, coordinating, and managing TNC interns, fire staff, and volunteers; monitoring conservation easements and fee lands; general preserve maintenance; and public outreach. The role performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context, while ensuring compliance with internal policies and external requirements. The work may involve variable weather, remote locations, difficult or hazardous terrain, and physically demanding circumstances. The position requires the ability to complete an arduous pack test and may involve long hours, especially during burn season, and dangerous work under adverse conditions. TNC describes its work environment as flexible.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of experience in natural resource management or a similar field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience in prescribed fire; FFT1 qualification or experience as a prescribed fire practitioner with demonstrated skill.
Ability to complete the arduous pack test: walk 3 miles carrying 45 pounds in 45 minutes or less.
Relationship-building experience working closely with partners such as media, government officials, and internal scientists.
Experience completing tasks independently within established timelines.
Experience communicating in English and other relevant languages through written, spoken, and graphical means.
Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, and web browsers.
Experience conducting training.
Valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program; employment is contingent on completing a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a motor vehicle record review.
Ability and willingness to work long hours, especially during burn season, and perform physically demanding and sometimes dangerous work, including under adverse conditions.

Nice To Haves

Multilingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience.
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills; effective leadership; ability to work in a team environment; and understanding of conflict.
3–5 years of experience in natural resource management or a similar field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Single Resource Boss qualification and willingness to work toward RxB2.
Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide resource-management activities.
Experience interpreting and analyzing ecological monitoring data.
Knowledge of ecological land-management principles and current conservation, land-management, and natural-resource-preservation trends and practices.
Experience working independently with strong problem-solving and organizational skills, coordinating multiple projects, setting realistic priorities and deadlines, and working productively without close supervision.
Ability to explain conservation science and practices to technical and non-technical audiences.
Experience developing, negotiating, and implementing contracts, agreements, and plans.
Experience using ArcGIS products, including mobile and desktop applications.
Familiarity with the plants, animals, and ecosystems of southeast North Carolina.

Responsibilities

Develop, manage, and advance conservation programs, plans, and methods for small- to medium-scale geographic areas.
Provide technical leadership and support to a business unit.
Plan, direct, and assist preserve management programs and stewardship of TNC land interests in the coastal plain of North Carolina.
Participate in land management and restoration projects on TNC lands and with partner organizations.
Manage projects and develop and administer habitat-management contracts.
Plan and implement prescribed fire and plan restoration activities.
Assist with, coordinate, and manage TNC interns, fire staff, and volunteers.
Monitor conservation easements and fee lands.
Perform general preserve maintenance and public outreach.
Complete tasks with minimal supervision and make independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
Ensure compliance with internal policies and external requirements.