The CFL Land Conservation Steward (Steward) is a staff member of the Stewardship and Field Programs Department (SAF) of The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) Florida Chapter. They are part of SAF’s Central Florida Conservation Program team (CFL). SAF is responsible for implementing and managing field conservation work (e.g., wildland fire management, invasive species control, coral/coastal restoration, etc) across Florida and stewardship of the Florida Chapter’s network of preserves. This position’s primary responsibilities are to control and monitor invasive exotic species and participate in prescribed fire management activities as well as assist with all other aspects of preserve management.
The Land Conservation Steward will work as part of the invasive species team and perform invasive species control and monitoring. They will also perform other land management activities and participate on prescribes fires. They may assist in equipment, facilities and tool repair and maintenance. The Steward will open and closes preserve to the visiting public and interacts with visitors politely and informatively. The Steward will perform other land management tasks as requested. They may be required to work occasional Saturdays and/or Sundays. They will be required to live onsite. This position is supervised by the CFL Invasive Species Coordinator.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
The CFL Land Conservation Steward participates in preserve operations, management and maintenance. This may include:
- Control of invasive plant species
- Conduct surveys for upland and wetland invasive plant species
- Participate in prescribed and wildland fires on all Central Florida TNC preserves
- Assist with wildlife monitoring and management
- Assist with hydrological monitoring and management
- Assist partner agencies with prescribed burns and wildland fires
- Conducts volunteer work days
- Maintains equipment, tools and facilities
The CFL Land Conservation Steward will work primarily at the Disney Wilderness Preserve in Kissimmee, FL, but will also support natural resource management activities at Tiger Creek Preserve and CFL secondary preserves as needed. They may participate on projects associated with partner lands. The Steward will also be required to live onsite to provide timely response to after hour events and emergencies. The Steward will work as part of the invasive species team under the direct supervision of the Central Florida Invasive Species Coordinator. The primary focuses of the Steward position are to conduct control and monitoring of invasive species, participating in prescribed fire and maintain preserve equipment and facilities. Other duties will be assigned based on the steward’s skills and interest. The ideal candidate would include:
- Knowledge and interest in land management, invasive species management and or forestry
- An interest in gaining and expanding knowledge of prescribed fire and fire management techniques
- Experience using and a handheld GPS
- Be in excellent physical condition in order to conduct field work in varied sometimes extreme weather conditions and to be able to pass an arduous pack test
- Possess good interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently or as part of a team
- Hardworking and reliable
- Able to work a 40-hour week with occasional variation in schedule-
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- 1 year’s training in science-related field or related experience in land management.
- Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
- Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. Lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).
- Experience working in a team environment.
- Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application).
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, land management, conservation or related field
- Or 1 - 2 years’ experience in invasive species management, land management, or related field
- Ability to identify common wetland and upland invasive and native plants
- Ability to follow instruction and work without supervision
- Experience recognizing plant and animal species
- Experience operating various types of equipment
- Experience working in a team environment
- Have passed basic wildland fire training courses S-130/190/L190/I-100
- Be able to pass the annual arduous pack test (carry 45 lb pack for 3 mi in 45 min) .
- Ability to meet internal Youth Safety qualification standards. To be Youth Qualified, one must 1) consent to and successfully complete a background screening; 2) sign the Commitment to Youth Safety; and, 3) complete two online courses (approximately 30 minutes each) through Learn@TNC
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.