CFL Land Conservation Specialist

The Land Conservation Specialist works with staff, volunteers, and leads work teams to ensure objectives of a preserve’s strategic plan and land management plan are implemented. They work primarily at the Disney Wilderness Preserve, but also provide support to Tiger Creek Preserve as well as TNC’s secondary preserves in central Florida. They serve in a wildland fire leadership role on prescribed burns and wildfire incidences. This position is required to meet NWCG qualifications of a RXB2 burn boss within 2 years of employment; Inability to meet this requirement may be grounds for dismissal. They support the maintenance of preserve areas frequented by the visiting public, removes exotic species, supports resource monitoring, maintains tools and equipment, operates heavy machinery, and opens and closes preserve to the visiting public. They are required to live onsite at the Disney Wilderness Preserve in Poinciana, Fl. and respond to after-hour security and emergency needs.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE 

Natural Resource Management (55%)

• Works on a natural resource management team to perform all aspects of land management under the direction of CFL Land Conservation Manager including prescribed fire operations and wildfire response, invasive species control, fence, road, and trail repairs and maintenance.
• Wildland fire management: Serves in a leadership role (NWCG Single Resource Boss - SRB) on prescribed burns and wildfire incidences, and will be required to achieve NWCG RXB2 burn boss status within 2 years of employment;
  • They ensure that fire-line prep is completed
  • Conducts mapping for Rx maps and post fire effects
  • Maintains NWCG fire qualifications and annual NWCG arduous pack test (carry/walk 45lb pack for 3 mi in 45 min)
  • Achieves qualification of an NWCG Intermediate Faller within 2 years
  • May serve as a cadre member in training courses
  • May travel to other TNC preserve’s outside of the central Florida region to provide fire support as needed.
• Operates and is proficient in the use of various land management tools such as chainsaws, tractors, ATVs,/UTVs, graders, mowers, hand tools, etc
• Works under minimal and distant supervision; must make independent decisions based on experience and judgments. 
• Must have the ability to work independently and as a team member on projects
• May lead or monitor work groups consisting of staff, interns, and volunteers covering a wide geographic area
• Leads control of feral hogs on TNC lands in central Florida.
• Financial responsibility may include working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, and assisting with budget development. 
• In coordination with supervisor, engages with diverse groups such as land owners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, and the public to recruit support for the Conservancy. 
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
• They are required to live onsite at the Disney Wilderness Preserve in Poinciana, Fl. and respond to after-hour security and emergency needs.

Equipment and Fleet Maintenance (30%)

• Manages fleet of vehicles and equipment- including 4-wheel drive trucks, UTVs and ATVs, swamp buggys, tractors and heavy equipment, chainsaws and other small equipment- including purchasing, repairs and maintenance and providing training to insure safe operation.
• Works with equipment service venders on purchase and repair of equipment and fleet vehicles when needed. 

Miscellanious support (10%)

• Provides logistical support for outreach events and tours as needed
• Provides talks and presentations in support of events and tours as needed

Other duites as needed (5%)