Land Conservation Steward

What We Can Achieve Together:
The Land Conservation Steward is a staff member of the Florida Stewardship and Field Programs Department, which is responsible for implementing and managing field conservation work (e.g., wildland fire management, invasive species management, and wetland restoration) across Florida and for stewardship of the Florida Chapter’s network of preserves, including the Tiger Creek Preserve, where this position is based. The Land Conservation Steward performs land management and restoration activities in uplands and wetlands, ensuring that all activities comply with TNC’s, local, state, and federal requirements. The Steward’s primary responsibility is to participate in prescribed fire management activities, control and monitor non-native plant species and 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, habitat improvement, fence maintenance or removal, wildlife monitoring, supporting preserve outreach events/tours, and hosting volunteer workdays. The Steward will be based out of Tiger Creek Preserve but will also work on several Nature Conservancy properties in the central Florida region, to include Venus Flatwoods, Disney Wilderness Preserve, and Saddle Blanket Scrub Preserve. They function as a part of the land management team to maintain, enhance and restore threatened and imperiled ecosystems in the central Florida landscape.
We’re Looking for You:
Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone who is passionate, motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today!
Responsibilities and Scope
Natural Resource Management
Participate in all aspects of prescribed and wildland fires on TNC’s preserves and/or partner lands. This will require use of ignition devices, hand tools, and operation of type-6 engines and other fire apparatus and equipment.
Participate in invasive non-native species control, monitoring and management on TNC’s preserves. Safely implement integrated pest management methods, including chemical (herbicide) and manual treatments, including field surveys, treatments, data entry, and reporting.
Assist with pre/post burn operations, including fireline prep, mop-up, patrols, and collection of pre/post burn monitoring data.
Supervise no staff, but may help plan and direct preserve work groups, including staff, interns or volunteers.
Exhibit strong interpersonal skills; foster teamwork and collaboration.
May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
Maintain excellent physical condition to conduct field work under considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
Have ability to work a 40-hour week. May require long hours and/or irregular work hours. This position will occasionally work on weekends or require travel on short notice.
Make day to day decisions as delegated by supervisor.
May work under infrequent supervision.
Preserve Operations and Administrative Tasks
Operate and maintain the following equipment, as qualified: 4-WD trucks, ATV’s, UTV’s, Type-6/7 fire engines, farm tractors with front and rear implements, trailers, portable pumps and sprayers, pump engines, backpack blowers, brush-cutters, chainsaws, hand tools, and GPS units.
Assist with maintenance of preserve facilities, public trails, preserve infrastructure, and shop compound.
Provide logistical support for outreach events and tours as needed.
Maintain accurate records and databases
Other duties as assigned
What You’ll Bring:
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 be able to obtain 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). See the Conservancy’s Fire Management Manual for a full explanation of qualification requirements: https://www.tncfiremanual.org/FIrefighter.htm
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.
Ability to obtain driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.
Desired Qualifications
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 or equivalent.
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
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 $19.00 – $22.00 an hour. 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. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. 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 from staff or visit Glassdoor.
One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our collea