Technician, Land Stewardship

National Audubon Society•Naples, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Land Stewardship Technician will report to the Land Stewardship Manager and will help carry out land stewardship activities to support conservation of the Sanctuary and surrounding Western Everglades. This will involve assisting with implementation of a science-based land management plan through field work to remove invasive exotic and native nuisance plants and prescribed fire. The Land Stewardship Technician will coordinate with conservation and facilities staff, contractors, and volunteers to assist with these primary tasks. This full-time 40-hour per week position is classified as on-site based out of Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary (Naples, FL).

Requirements

High School Diploma, GED, or Vocational training required.
1+ years’ experience in land stewardship or other environmental field work required.
An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
Strong sense of direction and excellent navigation and geolocation skills are required.
Ability to learn protocols and plant and animal identification is required.
Demonstrated commitment to safety through strict adherence to health and safety requirements, exercising sound judgement, and acting quickly in emergencies.
Must have (or be able to independently obtain within stated timeframe after hire) the following certifications: First Aid and CPR Training (within 3 months), National Wildfire Coordinating Group S130 (Firefighter Training) and S190 (Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (within 6 months), Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Pesticide Applicator License (within 12 months).
Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills are required.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
Must have a vehicle for transportation to/from the job site and a smartphone that can be used across Collier & Lee Counties to communicate with other staff during working hours.
Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

Nice To Haves

Experience with handheld GPS, GoogleEarth, Survey123, or FieldMaps is a plus.
Knowledge of South Florida ecosystems and experience with herbicide application is preferred.
The successful candidate must demonstrate an ability to pivot and adapt to changing circumstances and work conditions, and an ability to improvise and problem solve in the field.
experience leading field crews (including volunteers) is desired.
Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

Responsibilities

Remove invasive and native nuisance plants within the Sanctuary using boom sprayers, backpack sprayers, ATV/UTV-mounted sprayers, machetes, chainsaws, and other equipment, as needed.
Serve as a member of the Sanctuary prescribed fire team, assisting with preparation, team coordination, ignition, suppression, and post-fire mop up.
Responsible for maintaining accurate, detailed records of land stewardship activities, particularly herbicide inventories, treatment tracks, and other application information.
Assist with invasive animal monitoring, reporting, and removal (may include snails, insects, fish, lizards, snakes, etc.).
Safely operate multiple off-road vehicles (4WD trucks, ATVs, UTVs, swamp buggies, and airboats) and maintain field equipment.
Maintain fire breaks and trails using chainsaws, weed eaters, tractors, discs, mowers and other power equipment.
Responsible for daily upkeep, trouble-shooting, and basic maintenance of vehicles and equipment.
Implement, recommend, and consistently follow safe work habits and procedures.
Effectively train, communicate with, and oversee (as crew leader) volunteers assisting with land stewardship activities.
Maintain consistently clear and professional communication with staff, Sanctuary visitors, donors, visiting colleagues, and others.
Provide written and verbal progress reports.
Maintain and foster culture of safety.
Other job-related duties as assigned.