The South Florida Land Conservation Steward (Steward) is part of the Stewardship and Field Programs Department of the Florida Chapter of The Nature Conservancy (TNC). The position works under the supervision of the South Florida Land Conservation Coordinator and is based at Blowing Rocks Preserve (BRP) on Jupiter Island, FL. The Steward performs and participates in operations, maintenance and management of BRP and TNC’s other South Florida preserves and landholdings as well as other conservation efforts in South Florida including the Florida Keys.
The Steward provides technical support to TNC by implementing stewardship work on TNC’s preserves and landholdings and on other conservation projects in South Florida and the Florida Keys. Responsibilities of the land steward include maintenance of natural resources by implementing invasive species management, native plant propagation and planting, applied conservation science and monitoring and upkeep of data and records. Additional stewardship responsibilities include sea turtle and wildlife rescue, trail maintenance, shoreline cleanup and prescribed burning. Preserve landscape maintenance duties include mowing, trimming, raking, weeding and care of landscaped areas and aesthetics. The Steward is also responsible for general upkeep and maintenance of stewardship tools, supplies and equipment. The Steward will also participate in relevant regional workdays and working groups.
The Steward will participate in some daily preserve operations, including opening and closing of the preserve, collecting and sorting trash/recycling, and public restroom upkeep. The steward will also assist with some facilities maintenance, visitor management and public education and outreach. Relevant activities may include working with volunteers, interns, school children and other groups on a variety of projects such as lagoon and beach cleanups, answering visitor questions, leading guided nature tours and assisting with other educational and interpretive programming as needed.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Apply various land management tools & techniques such as the use of herbicides, heavy equipment operation, and hand tools to achieve natural resource management objectives for TNC lands in the SFL region
- Will participate as a fire team crew member on prescribed burns conducted by the Conservancy and various partner agencies. May participate on wildfires if requested. Perform various prescribed fire and wildfire duties, if qualified, including ignition, holding, mop-up, engine operation, engine bossing, crew bossing, gather fire weather data.
- 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). Willingness to work outdoors in both hot and cold weather. Current Red Card and First aid training a plus.
- Operate fire equipment, if qualified, including ignition devices, 4 WD trucks, ATV’s, UTV’s, portable pumps, pump engines, port-a-tanks, tractors, backpack blowers, brush cutters, chain saws, hand tools, and GPS units.
- Must have familiarity with the safe operation of equipment, watercraft, and off-road vehicles and must follow recommended safety guidelines and precautions specified for said work.
- Will use Conservancy-owned vehicles and must be able to safely operate All-terrain vehicle (ATV) or Utility All-Terrain Vehicle (UTV) and comply with FL Chapter All-Terrain Vehicle Operating Guidelines.
- Controlling of invasive species through mechanical and chemical techniques.
- Maintain personal appearance in professional, presentable fashion, suitable to represent The Nature Conservancy to agencies and the public.
- Good interpersonal skills. Ability to maintain positive morale under adverse working conditions. Ability to get along in a group setting.
- Ability to complete tasks within assigned timeframes, frequently in the absence of supervision.
- PC familiarity and willingness to learn various databases for record maintenance.
- Maintain resource management equipment/tools and ensure they are in safe working condition.
- Familiarity with OSHA regulations and compliance.
- Supervises no staff, but may help plan and direct preserve work groups, including staff or volunteers.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
- May require long hours in isolated settings.
- Makes day to day decisions as delegated by supervisor.
- May work under infrequent supervision.
- 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).
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- College degree in natural resource management, ecology, biology, etc.
- 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.
- Knowledge and use of the application of herbicides
- Experience using ArcMap/GIS and GPS devices.
- Some basic carpentry, painting, plumbing and mechanical skills for performing light facilities and equipment maintenance as needed.
- Experience operating watercraft.
- Training and certification in prescribed burning and/or wildland firefighting, or willingness to obtain certification.
- Must hold a valid state driver’s license and have a safe driving record.
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.