CFL Land Steward coordinates and communicates with CFL Stewardship Manager and other staff to provide technical leadership and overall programmatic support for Georgia Fire Management Program. Works with other Georgia program staff and partner land managers on planning and implementing prescribed burns on both Conservancy and partner-owned land. The CFL Land Steward performs and participates in preserve stewardship including fire management operations (including ignition, control, mop-up, suppression and monitoring) tree/brush removal, invasive species control (flora and fauna), fencing (installation and removal), firebreak installation and other tasks as assigned. Will also assist with the maintenance, management, development and coordination of conservation programs and partnerships. Serves as primary point of contact with 6 month seasonal fire management team of 4 personnel. Functions in a leadership role on prescribed fire operations and is responsible for the readiness of fire equipment and prescribed fire units. Ensures that the CFL Program’s equipment is properly maintained and is responsible for providing technical expertise and direction on the operation and maintenance of equipment to less experienced personnel. Provides motivation, leadership, and technical guidance before, during and after prescribed fire/stewardship operations. This position works from the office in Box Springs, Georgia.
The CFL Land Steward leads work teams to ensure the coordination, community support and implementation of preserve management plans. The Land Steward maintains preserve areas frequented by the visiting public, removes exotic species and/or monitors and researches species, maintains tools and equipment, operates heavy machinery, and provides leadership to seasonal fire management team.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
- May lead or monitor work groups consisting of staff, interns, and volunteers covering a wide geographic area.
- Financial responsibility may include working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development and fundraising targets.
- Networks with diverse groups, including land owners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the general public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy programs/preserves.
- May work under minimal and/or distant supervision; may make some independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Must be qualified as a Fire Fighter Type 1 (FFT1). See http://www.tncfiremanual.org/firefighter.htm
- Experience with natural systems.
- Experience in ecological land management principles.
- Experience operating and or repairing various types of equipment and machinery.
- Must have a valid driver's license.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- 1 – 2 years related experience in ecological land management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience in designing and implementing ecological timber harvesting models.
- Some experience managing volunteers or entry level staff.
- Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete preserve management activities.
- Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field.
- Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
- Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; ArcGIS, Word, Excel, Web browsers).
- Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
- Qualified as a Single Resource Boss (FirB, EngB, HeqB, FelB, CrwB) and ICT4(t). See http://www.tncfiremanual.org/firefighter.htm
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.