SE Coastal Plain Land Steward

The Nature Conservancy•Wilmington, NC

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 contributes to land management and restoration projects on TNC lands and with partner organizations. The role includes 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; maintaining preserves; and conducting public outreach. The position works with minimal supervision, makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context, and ensures compliance with internal policies and external requirements. Work may take place in variable weather, remote locations, difficult or hazardous terrain, and physically demanding circumstances. Long hours, particularly during burn season, and work under adverse conditions may be required. The position is with The Nature Conservancy, whose mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. The organization describes its work as science-based and emphasizes an inclusive work environment and flexible work environment.

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 and experience.
Ability to complete the arduous pack test: walk 3 miles carrying 45 pounds in 45 minutes or less.
Relationship-building experience working closely with a variety of partners, such as media, government officials, and internal scientists.
Experience completing tasks independently and meeting timelines.
Experience communicating in written, spoken, and graphical forms in English and other relevant languages.
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 to perform physically demanding and sometimes dangerous work, including under adverse conditions.
Successful completion of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process.

Nice To Haves

Multilingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with staff, colleagues, partners, and the public; effective leadership skills; ability to work in a team environment; and an understanding of conflict.
Three to five years of experience in natural resource management, 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.
Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and natural-resource preservation.
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 clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
Experience developing, negotiating, and implementing contracts, agreements, and plans.
Experience using ArcGIS products, mobile and desktop.
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 coastal plain North Carolina.
Participate in land management and restoration projects on TNC lands and with partner organizations.
Manage projects.
Develop and administer habitat-management contracts.
Plan and implement prescribed fire.
Plan restoration activities.
Assist with, coordinate, and manage TNC interns, fire staff, and volunteers.
Monitor conservation easements and fee lands.
Perform general preserve maintenance.
Conduct public outreach.
Make independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context while working with minimal supervision.
Ensure program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.