The Southern Maine Land Steward/Burn Crew Member helps with all aspects of the Maine Chapter's southern Maine stewardship program and assists with work at Southern Maine preserves. Field work includes prescribed-fire preparation and implementation, trail construction and maintenance, equipment operation (chain saw, brush saw, UTV, ATV, tractor) and maintenance, boundary maintenance, biological monitoring, leading nature walks, interacting with preserve visitors and enforcing preserve policies. The Land Steward may be required to work occasional weekends and will be required to work outdoors in demanding conditions including poor weather.
This is a full-time or part-time, 21-week, temporary position that begins in July 2018 and ends in November 2018 (flexible). The position is based in the Conservancy’s Wells, Maine office with some travel to New Hampshire.
- Works with stewardship staff and volunteers to perform preserve maintenance tasks (maintain signs and map boxes, clear trails, mark boundaries, and maintain trails).
- Assists with grassland and Pine Barrens management and restoration (prescribed burning, mechanical treatments, fire effects monitoring, and equipment maintenance).
- During burn operations, the steward is a member of a squad (4-8 burn Crew Members comprised of staff, volunteers or partners), as directed by a Burn Boss, or other command position.
- Occasionally travels to other New England states to assist in fire management, as needed.
- Interacts with preserve visitors by providing information, answering questions, and enforcing preserve policies, leading field trips and work groups.
- Documents preserve violations which may include timber trespass, unauthorized vehicle use, camping, boundary encroachment, etc. and works with supervisor to address the violation.
- Assists with biological monitoring, as needed.
- Researches and acquires information pertinent to the management of southern Maine preserves and assist with updating site management plans and burn plans.
- Assists with deed research, GIS\GPS data collection, and GIS mapping.
- Works in a high stress team environment.
- Works under close supervision.
- Ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Experience with wildland fire operations preferred, but will train the right candidate. Includes qualification as a 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), and one training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2. See www.tncfiremanual.org/firefighter.htm
- Must achieve physical fitness standard as determined by local Fire Program Manager and the TNC Fire Manual.
- Experience operating various types of equipment.
- Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR).
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Experience driving pickup trucks and loaded trailers.
- Ability to evaluate inputs in a rapidly changing work environment and make decisions that affect firefighters within squad.
- Experience with organizational skills, attention to detail, working independently, multitasking, and interactions with a wide variety of people.
- Experience in communicating effectively in person and in writing; experience with MS Office, and ArcMap.
- Experience with topographic and survey maps, aerial photos, GPS, and compass in the field to orient oneself.
- Experience with chain saws and brush cutters.
- Experience with Northeast geography, culture and natural history.
- Willingness to work in extreme weather conditions, occasional evenings including camping in the field, and occasional weekends.
- Ability and willingness to follow instructions from colleagues.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.