This is a 1-year termed position with the potential for extension based on funding. The Southern Blue Ridge (SBR) Conservation Coordinator will perform in the development and coordination of conservation programs being implemented by multiple partners and stakeholders in the SBR landscape of Georgia and South Carolina. A heavy focus will be on the continued implementation of projects related to rare species management, forest health, and prescribed fire with the US Forest Service (USFS) and on TNC preserves while engaging other state agencies, NGO’s, and private conservation lands in additional related projects.
The SBR Conservation Coordinator will report to the Land Steward/Burn Crew Manager. They will be responsible for the continued collaboration between TNC and the USFS to complete project obligations of supporting prescribed fire operations for the Joint Chiefs Cherokee Foothills collaborative by direct support and/or working with seasonal fire teams to provide that assistance. This individual will also be expected to be the primary TNC field representative for the Sumac Creek Stewardship Agreement. They will provide input and oversight into ongoing and future timber harvests, as well as management projects proposed for forest health and restoration. They will serve as a primary TNC representative for the SBR Fire Learning Network and participate with the internal TNC multi-state collaborative focused on the SBR. They will represent TNC in the current Foothills Landscape Collaborative planning process initiated by the USFS.
Land stewardship of the relatively small TNC-owned preserves in the SBR landscape will become the primary responsibility of the SBR Conservation Coordinator, including annual monitoring and reporting. They will be responsible for outreach and volunteer engagement with other conservation organizations and efforts such as Georgia State Parks, Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance and the Bog Learning Network to assist with other on-going rare species conservation efforts.
The SBR Conservation Coordinator will be responsible for managing a short-term seasonal fire team(s) during the prescribed fire season. This may include direct supervision on some days and/or arranging for work to assist partners on other days. This position will assist with the training of new firefighters. As part of the Coordinator’s ongoing professional development, they will be responsible for keeping abreast of new burn techniques and equipment to enhance skills and maintain/grow professional fire certification credentials. In addition, they will work to build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local community where the Conservancy works. This may include participation in wild-land fire suppression activities in partnership with other non-profits, local fire departments, and local, state and federal agencies, either as a TNC employee, or as a volunteer or short-term employee of the partner entity (such as an “Administratively Determined,” short-term federal employee).
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Work and communicate with a positive, collaborative attitude; work productively with multiple agencies and NGO’s.
- Ability to review and draft contracts, review comments on USFS proposed projects, and scopes of work.
- Complete periodic written project status updates and reports.
- Function as both leader and member of a work team, in a high-stress team environment.
- Convey work instructions to Burn Crew members.
- Monitor the progress of Burn Crew Members toward achieving fire management goals.
- Perform other preserve management duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire.
- Ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- High school diploma and 1-year training in fire operations, science-related field or similar 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.
- Must achieve Arduous physical fitness standards as defined in the above-mentioned Manual.
- Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment.
- Experience supervising staff or volunteers.
- May be required to obtain related licenses and certifications such as CPR and herbicide application.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- National Wildfire Coordinating Group Engine Boss and Firing Boss qualified.
- ArcGIS competency and ability to produce basic functional maps.
- Experience in ecological land management principles, including those in a large landscape such as a National Forest.
- Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete preserve management activities and prescribed fire prescriptions.
- 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., Word, Excel, Outlook, ArcGIS, web browsers).