The Nature Conservancy is a leader in forest landscape conservation and restoration in Minnesota. From the boreal forests of the Northwoods to the mixed oak openings of the Driftless Region, we actively test and demonstrate best practices in forest management and restoration action. The Ecological Restoration Coordinator (ERC) will lead The Nature Conservancy in the development of a new state-wide, programmatic effort focused on a ‘Living with Fire’ strategy. This new position will work closely with multiple internal TNC Teams to coordinate strategy development, and will engage with a broad set of state, federal, and local partners to advance forest planning and on-the-ground implementation of a fire management initiative as a means to improve forest condition and landscape integrity. The ERC will engage with private landowners and the general public in facilitating a vision for increased use of prescribed burning as a tool for ecological restoration.
This position will manage the day-to-day implementation of multiple grant funded restoration projects concurrently and in collaboration with multiple project partners. Position requires frequent travel.
This position is full-time with benefits, located in Cushing, Minnesota. The position is contingent upon funding, with funding currently secured through October 2021. The ERC will collaborate with other program staff to obtain funding to maintain and expand capacity.
The Ecological Restoration Coordinator provides technical leadership and support to a new ‘Living with Fire’ initiative within The Nature Conservancy’s Forest Program. This new position will support strategic action and drive implementation on state, private, and federal lands within southeastern, and northcentral Minnesota, with future plans to expand state-wide. The ERC may supervise seasonal staff in completion of restoration and management activities to protect and restore fire-dependent native plant communities, including globally rare oak savannahs, and state rare mixed-pine woodland habitats. They will implement strategic plans, coordinate community support, manage contracts and implement Forest Program strategies. They will work closely with the local TNC Staff, serving as TNC Minnesota Forest Program’s fire lead to implement restoration and management on several thousand acres of private and public lands in Minnesota.
Under the supervision of the Forest Watershed Restoration Specialist, the Ecological Restoration Coordinator will support the increased use of fire as a tool for restoration across forested systems in Minnesota. This will include in-office planning, project design, and partnership engagement, as well as in-field prescribed fire activities including preparing fire lines, maintaining equipment, post-burn monitoring, and other tasks. In all prescribed fire related activities, the ERC will work closely with the Minnesota Fire Manager to ensure all best practices are followed. The ERC must have a valid driver's license.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
- Function as both leader and member of a work team, in a high stress team environment.
- Position will require frequent (sometimes overnight) travel across North-Central and South-Eastern Minnesota.
- May supervise seasonal staff with responsibility for performance management, training and development.
- Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
- Must achieve physical fitness standards as set by a local Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Manual, specifically this includes carrying a 45-pound pack for 3 miles in 45 minutes.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Experience performing tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
- Experience functioning as both leader and member of a work team, in a high stress team environment.
- Position will require frequent (sometimes overnight) travel across North-Central and South-Eastern Minnesota.
- May supervise seasonal staff with responsibility for performance management, training and development.
- Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
- Must achieve physical fitness standards as set by a local Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Manual, specifically this includes carrying a 45-pound pack for 3 miles in 45 minutes.
- Experience working in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Qualified Single Resource Boss (Engine Boss). Requirements for Single Resource Boss can be found in the Conservancy Fire Management Manual at: http://www.tncfiremanual.org/SingleResource.htm
- Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
- Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
- Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
- Familiarity with plants, animals and natural communities of Minnesota’s Forest Communities
- Experience managing staff or volunteers.
- Knowledge of ecological land management principles.
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.
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.