The Southern Maine Land Steward/Burn Crew Leader 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, 26 week, temporary position that begins in April 2019 and ends in October 2019 (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).
- Oversees a squad (4-8 burn Crew Members comprised of staff, volunteers or partners) during fire operations, 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
- 1 year training in fire operations or other science-related field or related experience in land management.
- Qualified Fire Fighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) and successful completion of FFT1 task book. (Requirements for FFT1 can be found in the Conservancy Fire Management Manual at: http://www.tncfiremanual.org/SquadBoss.htm)
- Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment such as chain saw, ATV, fire pumper, portable pumps, tractors.
- Experience supervising staff
- Ability to obtain related licenses and certifications such as CPR and herbicide application.
- Experience performing physical work. Must achieve physical fitness standards as set by local Fire Manager.
- Valid driver’s license.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross cultural experience.
- NWCG S130-190 trained and FFT1/FFT2 certified or FFT1 task book open. Applicants that are FFT2 qualified with a strong desired to pursue a leadership position are encouraged to apply
- First Aid and CPR certified.
- Experience driving pickup trucks and loaded trailers.
- Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
- Ability and willingness to follow instructions from colleagues.
- 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.
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.