Altamaha Stewardship and Fire Assistant Manager

The Altamaha Stewardship and Fire Assistant Manager assists with leading and directing stewardship and fire operations on TNC preserves and partner lands in conjunction with state, federal, and non-profit partners. Work includes the direction, management, development and coordination of conservation programs with an emphasis on prescribed fire, including advanced fireline leadership, supervision of interns, and volunteers. Program assistance with data collection for administration of grants and staff qualifications.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Altamaha Stewardship and Fire Assistant Manager directs work teams comprised of both TNC and external partner employees to ensure the coordination, community support and implementation of management plans on protected lands. This position serves as a qualified fireline leadership moving towards a Burn Boss qualification, providing advanced fireline leadership and command on prescribed fires, and holds program administration responsibility, including budget oversight, contract management, and reporting for the Altamaha fire and stewardship program. The Altamaha Stewardship and Fire Assistant Manager may supervise seasonal interns and volunteers, with responsibility for hiring, training, performance management, and development. This position maintains and manages partner relationships, and preserve areas frequented by the visiting public, removes exotic species and/or monitors and researches species, maintains tools and equipment, operates heavy machinery, and opens and closes preserve to the visiting public. This position will also provide insight and assistance with timber management activities in the pursuit of ecological restoration.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
FIRE AND STEWARDSHIP
Assists with the management of TNC properties (and co-managed GADNR lands) in the Altamaha region of Georgia for biological diversity, resiliency, and ecosystem services. Lead implementation of annual and longer-term land management plans, including prioritizing tasks and developing cost estimates. Monitor preserve use including hunting leases, contractors and others engaged in activities on Conservancy property.
Write burn plans that meet or exceed TNC requirements and achieve ecological management objectives. Prepare units for prescribed burns. Serve in manner moving towards Burn Boss qualification and in other advanced fireline leadership roles on prescribed fires, holding NWCG SRB qualification. Direct and coordinate the activities of seasonal stewardship staff, crew members, and volunteers on the fireline.
Direct other aspects of stewardship on the Altamaha project landscape, including but not limited to timber management; planting/restoration of longleaf pine and other native species; management of exotic, invasive plants and animals.
Oversee ecological monitoring activities, both independently and in collaboration with other monitoring partners (e.g., GADNR).
Maintain and foster cooperative management relationships with managers of other natural areas, commercial timber lands and public lands.
Assist with meeting TNC 2030 goals as they relate to the Longleaf Pine Whole system objectives of restoring longleaf pine habitat across the range within Southeast Georgia.
Other land stewardship activities, as required.
SUPERVISION
Supervises seasonal interns and volunteers, with responsibility of assisting with recruiting, hiring, onboarding and training.
Builds and leads effective seasonal crews committed to program goals; provides regular feedback and coaching and holds volunteers accountable to safety standards and performance expectations.
Serves as a point of escalation for personnel and fireline safety issues involving supervised staff; ensures appropriate training and qualification standards are met before staff are assigned to fireline duties.
OUTREACH AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Work with private and public landowners to encourage sustainable and ecologically compatible stewardship practices in strategically important areas.
Represent TNC on local, state and national fire-related working groups. Lead media relations and community outreach within the project area, in consultation with the Altamaha Stewardship Manager.
Provide advanced technical expertise in fire management, land stewardship and forestry within the Altamaha/Fort Stewart Significant Geographic Area for planning purposes and to other Conservancy programs where needed and compatible with local responsibilities.
Design and coordinate training for current and potential partners and supervised staff to develop knowledge, skill, and ability that furthers shared conservation objectives in the Altamaha landscape (prescribed fire training, knowledge of forestry and restoration techniques, etc.).
Work with educational institutions in developing partnerships and building capacity.
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
Hold program administration responsibility for the Altamaha fire and stewardship program, including tracking and reporting, contract negotiation with vendors, and fundraising target support.
Direct maintenance of all TNC stewardship vehicles and equipment based in the Altamaha project area. Responsible for the readiness and transport of all fire equipment.
Maintain TNC facilities.
Oversee related administrative duties such as filing, credit card accounting, vehicle and equipment maintenance records, and supplies.
Leads and monitors work groups consisting of TNC staff, partner staff, interns, and volunteers covering a wide geographic area.
Networks with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the general public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy programs/preserves.
Works under minimal and/or distant supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
We’re Looking for You:
If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join our Chapter as the Altamaha Stewardship and Fire Assistant Manager! Not only will you fulfill conservation objectives in the beautiful state of Georgia, but you’ll also contribute to conservation goals through many networks. Come join TNC and apply today!
What You’ll Bring:
Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience in the management of natural systems, particularly longleaf pine.
FFT2 Qualification and ability to pass arduous pack test.
Experience managing staff or volunteers.
Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal scientists.
Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
Experience in training.
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.
Salary Information:
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $51,600 - $57,035 annually.
This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.
Who We Are:
The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories