Job Type: On-site, full-time
Location: The Nature Conservancy - Bristol, Florida
Salary: $16-$19/hour
Application Due Date: October 30, 2025
Description:
The Restoration Steward performs and participates in land management and restoration activities on TNC preserve and partner lands.
The Restoration Steward is a staff member of the Stewardship and Field Department (SAF) of The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) Florida Business Unit. SAF is responsible for implementing and managing field conservation work (e.g. wildland fire management, invasive species management including herbicide application, and upland habitat restoration) across Florida and for stewardship of the Florida Chapter’s network of preserves. TNC’s North Florida preserves are part of the statewide Center for Conservation Initiatives (CCI) and include Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve (ABRP), Rock Hill (RH), John S. Phipps Preserve (JSSP), and several other satellite preserves. This is a collaborative position between TNC and public agency partners, including the US Forest Service, Florida Park Service, and Florida Forest Service. The Restoration Steward will work under the direction of the Field Projects Manager to implement restoration projects with an emphasis on ecological land management for TNC’s preserves and conservation partners across the Eastern Panhandle.
The Restoration Stewards works with staff, partners, and volunteers to ensure strategic plans are met and land management plans are implemented. They work at the Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve (ABRP) as well as partner lands across the Eastern Panhandle. Based out of ABRP, they will work with team members to implement preserve and partner land management and restoration goals, including the ongoing sandhill ecosystem restoration effort, and serve alongside TNC’s Ecosystem Restoration Team (ERT). They may also work independently on partner lands at the direction of their supervisor. Associated tasks vary by season and typically include groundcover restoration, tree planting, erosion control, biological monitoring, invasive plant control, wildland fire operations, and oversight of contractors completing restoration projects.
The Restoration Steward does not have supervisory responsibilities but may help plan and direct work groups including staff and volunteers. They will make day-to-day decisions as delegated by their supervisor. The Restoration Steward will exhibit strong interpersonal skills and have the ability to foster teamwork and collaboration. Functions include natural resource management, prescribed and wildland fire operations, invasive species control, equipment operation including farm tractors with front and rear implements, fleet maintenance, and contract oversight among supporting other functions.
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 at the Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve in Bristol, FL. This position is currently a term-limited position funded for 36 months, but there is potential for the term to be extended depending on the availability of additional funding.
The expected start date for this position is in January 2026.
Minimum Qualifications:
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).
Within 3 months of hire, must meet minimum 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 carrying 45 pounds with a time of 45 minutes or less.
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.
Desired Qualifications:
Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
Post-secondary coursework in forestry, wildlife, ecology, or other related field.
1 - 2 years’ experience in land management or related field.
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.
Willingness to work outdoors in both hot and cold weather.
Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land/natural resource management, or similar
Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s), frequently in the absence of supervision.
