“Bogs, Fire, and Forests” – the conservation priorities for North Carolina’s Southern Blue Ridge Program. We oversee a diverse mountain preserve system and we work in regional partnerships to support strategies that conserve the natural communities and processes that are part of our region’s tremendous biodiversity. The Stewardship Technician’s role is that of our boots on the ground, furthering existing preserve management projects and works with our many partners to maximize effectiveness of southern Appalachian bog conservation, forest management and prescribed fire programs.
The primary role of the Stewardship Technician is in preserve operations and management. This can include native and non-native vegetation management (herbicide applications, brush removal, tree removal, mowing, biological control, etc.), equipment maintenance and organization, boundary marking and communication with preserve neighbors, rare plant monitoring, wildlife surveys, firebreak installation, implementation of prescribed burning, and other duties as needed. The technician may engage volunteers and help manage contractors to support preserve management efforts when needed. Two to three day overnight travel is often required as priority preserves are over 2-hour drives from our Asheville office.
The Stewardship Technician also assists with Grandfather Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration projects and restoration efforts and participates in prescribed burning on partner lands. S/he may work up to 40% time on National Forest lands via TNC-US Forest Service cost-share agreement. Past work has included hemlock wooly adelgid treatment, ArcGIS mapping projects, forest mensuration, leading or assisting on work crews, prescribed burning, and non-native invasive species treatment. No expectation of annual renewal of the term position is given or implied. This is a full-time, one-year term position with a target start date of July 9. This position has been renewed annually since 2015, but renewal is determined by funding and interest by both parties.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Field work characterized by variable weather conditions, remote locations, long days, difficult and hazardous terrain, physically-demanding.
- Supervises no staff, but may help plan and direct preserve work groups including staff or volunteers
- Daily decisions as delegated by supervisor.
- May work under infrequent supervision.
- Maintains project records.
- Will purchase equipment and supplies as provided for in budget.
- Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g., chainsaw, brushcutter, two-way radio, Type 6 engine)
- Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g., First Aid, CPR, herbicide application, and driver’s license).
- Experience working in a team environment.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 2-3 years’ experience in land management.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, Ecology, Botany, or related field.
- Master’s Degree in Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, Ecology, Botany, or related field.
- Experience with prescribed fire; able to meet Fire Fighter Type 2 minimum qualification.
- Must be able to achieve arduous physical fitness standard for prescribed fire (walk 3 miles with 45 pounds in under 45 minutes).
- Working knowledge of ArcGIS.
- Experience with land management contracts and working with contractors.
- Experience with herbicide application and a NC State Pesticide Applicator License.
- Experience with forest inventory.
- Knowledge of southern Appalachian flora and experience with plant identification.
- Ability to work independently and exercise independent judgment.
- Time management.
- Ability to follow safety protocols for using small machinery, hand tools, and power tools in field and lab/shop environment.
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.