The Stewardship Assistant & Crew Leader will start on Tuesday, April 24, 2018. S/he primarily serves as Crew Leader for a 6-person volunteer intern crew from May 29 - August 10, 2018. S/he will also perform and participate in preserve operations and maintenance under the direction of the Eastern Iowa Land Steward. This position will end on Friday, October 19, 2018. Housing will be provided as a requirement of this position.
S/he will assist with preparation of tools, equipment and road gear prior to crew arrival and participate in intern crew orientation and safety training during the week of May 29th. Under the direction of the Eastern and Western Iowa Land Stewards, the Crew Leader is responsible for overseeing all intern crew operations, adherence to safety training and guidelines, working with the crew during field activities, and may need to stay onsite to supervise the crew during off hours if needed. This position requires daily outdoor physical labor for extended periods of time in adverse conditions. The crew and crew leader will be responsible for performing stewardship tasks such as: using a chainsaw and other power equipment, building and repairing fence; removing exotic species; monitoring conservation activities, including data collection, input and reporting; assisting with prescribed burns; and maintaining tools and equipment. The intern crew travels throughout the state from May 29th – August 10th. The crew stays at bunk houses where available but may also camp at State Parks. After the intern program concludes, the Stewardship Assistant & Crew Leader will assist with tree/brush and invasives removal, prescribed burns, bison roundup and other stewardship activities at the Lower Cedar Project Office and/or Broken Kettle Grasslands Preserve as needed.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Under the direction of the Land Stewards, s/he will help plan and direct intern crew and preserve work groups, made up of staff and volunteers.
- Will work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
- Requires long hours in isolated settings.
- Makes day to day decisions as delegated by supervisor.
- May work under infrequent supervision.
- Monitor crew expenses, work logs and mileage logs.
- Various administrative tasks that may apply to the above.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
- Experience operating various types of equipment.
- Experience working in a team environment.
- Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide application, and driver’s license).
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- High school diploma and 1 - 2 years’ training in science-related field or related experience in land stewardship.
- Prior experience working with a field crew as assistant or crew leader, or other group leader experience.
- Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
- Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete preserve management activities.
- Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g.; lawn mower, chainsaw, tractor, two-way radio, etc.).
- Ability to follow/give instructions from/to colleagues.
- PC familiarity in order to maintain crew records.
- Experience performing physical work.
- Experience leading others in a field setting.
- Completion of Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190) and Firefighting Training (S-130), preferred.
- The Nature Conservancy has adopted the Work Capacity Test (WCT) as the method for assessing fitness for fire qualifications. The WCT for moderate level consists of completing a two-mile hike, within thirty minutes, while carrying a twenty-five pound pack. The person selected for this position is required to pass the moderate WCT within 60 days after starting employment.