The North Alabama Land Management Technician performs a variety of land management tasks on TNC and partner lands and interacts with conservation partners and private landowners to advance the restoration and management of natural systems and fire-dependent habitats in Central and North Alabama. During the prescribed fire season this position is focused primarily on leading a crew of seasonal prescribed fire crew members to assist the US Forest Service and other partners in the Talladega Mountain Longleaf Pine Conservation Partnership area in central and northeast Alabama and northwest Georgia. This position is currently funded for 2 years.
The North Alabama Land Management Technician (NALMT) works independently or supervises seasonal or volunteer teams to ensure the coordination, community support and implementation of land management plans. The NALMT assists in ecological restoration activities on TNC and partner lands, maintains preserve areas frequented by the visiting public, removes exotic species, monitors and researches species, and operates and maintains tools and equipment.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Work under minimal supervision; must make independent decisions based on experience and judgments.
- Willingness to work long hours and travel extensively throughout Alabama.
- Function as both a leader and a member of a team, in a high stress team environment.
- Experience performing heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, under physically demanding circumstances.
- Supervise seasonal burn crew positions with responsibility for performance management, training and development.
- Interact with U.S. Forest Service staff on management of endangered species populations on Forest Service properties.
- Make decisions on the fire line based upon evaluation of fire behavior, available resources and judgment.
- Leads work groups consisting of staff, interns, and volunteers covering a wide geographic area.
- Financial responsibilities may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, and assisting with budget development.
- Network with diverse groups including: private landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the general public to recruit support for the Conservancy.
- 1 year related experience in natural resource management and/or fire management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Qualified National Wildfire Coordinating Group Fire Fighter Type 1 (Squad Boss), with completed FFT1 position task book preferred, and Squad Boss experience during wildland fire operations. Some exceptions can be made for applicants with an open FFT1 task book that meet the other minimum qualifications.
- Experience working in a team environment.
- Experience with common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, web browsers).
- Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment and machinery.
- Must have a valid driver's license.
- Must achieve and maintain Arduous physical fitness level annually (pack test).
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 2 years related experience in land management, fire management, or other science-related field.
- Coursework/training and/or experience working in natural systems of the Southeastern U.S.
- Coursework/training and/or experience in current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.
- Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timelines.
- Experience with ArcMap, including database knowledge, in order to maintain preserve records.
- Experience evaluating inputs in a rapidly changing work environment and making decisions that affect the safety and work of fire crewmembers.
- Experience with effective communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
- First aid, CPR, defensive driving, UTV certification and GOV license
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.