Job Type: Full-time, on-site, seasonal
Location: Bristol, Florida
Salary: $17.50-$21/hour
Description:
The Seasonal Land Conservation Steward performs and participates in land management efforts maintaining preserve areas frequented by the visiting public, performing land management activities, such as removing exotic species, conducting species monitoring, participating on the wildland fire team crew on prescribed burns and other restoration efforts. The Steward is a member of the Stewardship and Field Programs Department (SAF) of The Nature Conservancy’s Florida Chapter (TNC). SAF 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. This position is based at Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve (ABRP) in Bristol, FL. ABRP is one of four statewide campus preserves included in TNC Florida’s Center for Conservation Initiatives (CCI) and is integral to CCI’s Stewardship and Education/Training initiatives.
The Seasonal Land Conservation Steward performs land management and restoration activities, including the ongoing sandhill ecosystem restoration effort. Associated tasks vary by season and typically include groundcover restoration, tree planting, erosion control, biological monitoring, as well as cutting/girdling and chemically treating overabundant hardwoods. The incumbent will participate as a wildland fire team crew member on prescribed burns conducted by the Conservancy and various partner agencies, operating fire equipment, performing fire preparations, and participating in various preserve maintenance activities. The position does not have any supervisory responsibilities, but may help plan and direct preserve work groups, including staff or volunteers.
The incumbent may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. This position requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain. Housing and basic utilities, except for telephone/internet, will be provided in a Conservancy residence in Bristol, FL. This seasonal position is estimated to be 6-months in duration, based upon funding and business needs.
Minimum Qualifications:
High school diploma or GED and 1 year’s training in science-related field or related experience in land management.
Must meet minimum TNC - NWCG training and health requirements for wildland fires at the arduous level. For Florida: 3 mile walk with a 45-pound pack vest with a time of 45 minutes or less.
Must meet NWCG 310-1 training requirements for Basic Wildland Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2). See TNC Fire Management Manual.
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 recognizing plant and animal species.
Experience working in a team environment.
Willingness to work outdoors in both hot and cold weather is necessary.
TNC’s Auto Safety Program. 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 https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section. 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.
Desired Qualifications:
Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
1 - 2 years’ experience in land management or related field.
Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
Current National Wildland Fire Coordinating Group Fire Fighter Type 2 (NWCG FFT2) qualifications.
Current First Aid/CPR certification.
Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding
