Sandhills Stewardship Manager and Burn Boss - The Nature Conservancy

Southern Pines, North Carolina, USA
NE033

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

The Sandhills Stewardship Manager and Burn Boss develops, manages and advances conservation programs, plans and methods for large-scale geographic areas. The Sandhills Stewardship Manager and Burn Boss provides technical leadership and support to a business unit or Division by planning, directing and implementing preserve management programs and stewardship.  They address critical threats to natural systems and individual species, fosters cross-site learning among an international conservation community, and supplies conservation planning teams (formerly called “eco regional” planning teams) with site or landscape level information relevant to the planning process. They develop and implement conservation strategies, employ a full range of protection tools to acquire varying degrees of legal interest in land and implements a variety of strategies to secure public and private support for TNC conservation priorities.  They coordinate community support and maintain preserve areas frequented by the visiting public. May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

The Sandhills Stewardship Manager and Burn Boss develops, manages and advances conservation programs for the restoration and management of longleaf pine ecosystems within the Sandhills region of North Carolina. This position has three major focal areas:

1. Leading the restoration, management and monitoring of longleaf pine savanna (and associated communities) in the Sandhills, especially on TNC lands, to help meet the organization’s goal of creating resilient and connected landscape.
2. Leading the Sandhills prescribed burn program, including planning, implementing, maintaining, and evaluating all aspects of the program including management for permanent and seasonal staff, to enable the safe and long-term management of natural communities in the region; and,
3. Interacting with direct reports, colleagues, partners and others in a way that fosters information sharing and learning, collaboration that leads to positive and strategic conservation actions, and leveraging of resources to increase the impact and influence of the Sandhills stewardship and fire management programs within the region.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Sandhills Stewardship Manager and Burn Boss is responsible for the restoration and management of TNC’s network of nature preserves located in the Sandhills of North Carolina. They lead the development and implementation of ecological restoration and land management plans for TNC preserves and TNC’s prescribed fire program in the Sandhills.  They work closely with NC State Forest Service, NC Wildlife Resource Commission, NC State Parks, and other partners in planning for collaborative fire management and stewardship efforts and wildfire responses. They are responsible for writing burn plans, maintaining fire equipment and vehicles, crew training and preparedness, prepping TNC burn units, leading burns as burn boss, and evaluating the effectiveness of burns.  This position will oversee and implement planting of longleaf pine trees and native groundcover, restoration timber sales, invasive species control, and other management activities. They maintain preserve infrastructure, manage hunting leases and other agreements, and oversees contractual work. They provide technical and management expertise to other TNC programs and partners. The position also builds and maintains relationships with partners ranging from community groups, educational institutions and state and federal agencies to achieve TNC’s goals. The Sandhills Stewardship Manager and Burn Boss works closely with the SE Coastal Plain Program Director and the NC Fire Manager to implement stewardship and fire programs.  The Sandhills Stewardship Manager and Burn Boss supervises the Assistant Land Stewardship Coordinator (limited term position) Sandhills Conservation Coordinator position (permanent), limited term full time fire crew lead(s), seasonal fire crew, contractors, volunteers, and interns.  They are managed by the Southeast Coastal Plain Program Director. This is a full-time, exempt position with benefits.


RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE

STEWARDSHIP AND FIRE MANAGEMENT

• Lead the restoration and management of TNC preserves in the Sandhills and surrounding areas in coordination with the SE Coastal Plain Program Director for biological diversity, ecosystem function, and resiliency.  Develop and implement restoration and management plans on preserves, including prioritized restoration actions, consideration of federally protected and rare species, adaptive management approaches, and managed public access.
• Oversee all aspects of fire management on TNC preserves in the Sandhills in coordination with the NC Fire Manager. Prepare and update burn plans and maintain wildfire response plans for Sandhills preserves, including the readiness of all fire equipment and vehicles. 
• Responsible for keeping abreast of new stewardship and burn techniques and equipment to enhance knowledge and capacity.  Maintain and advance professional fire certification credentials. 
• Assist in maintaining a Sandhills restoration and management database (MS Access and GIS) which includes, burn units, stewardship activities (burn events, timber stand improvement, etc.), fire history, future burn priorities, and other restoration and management data. 
• Financial responsibilities include: working within and managing budgets to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors and assisting with budget development and fundraising targets.
• Ensure program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• Oversee hunting leases, coordinate Army training on TNC lands, manage timber sales, tree and grass planting, invasive species control, and coordinate other stewardship activities, as required.

COMMUNICATIONS, OUTREACH AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Develop and maintain cooperative and action-oriented relationships with federal, state, and local conservation partners, local municipalities, Department of Défense (Fort Liberty), commercial timber producers, and private landowners to encourage sustainable and ecologically compatible stewardship practices in strategically important areas.

• Build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local community where TNC works. This may include participation in wildland fire suppression activities in partnership with state and federal agencies, either as a TNC employee, or as a volunteer or short-term employee of the partner entity.
• Represent TNC on local, state and national working groups. 
• Provide technical expertise in fire management and stewardship to TNC colleagues and partnerships in the Sandhills region.
• Occasionally provide preserve tours to assist with philanthropy and to provide outreach to landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the general-public to recruit support for TNC and publicize TNC efforts.
• Occasionally interact with media and participate in public speaking events, such as conferences and symposium.
• Assist with grant proposal development.
• Work with academic institutions in developing partnerships and building capacity.

SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION

• Supervise three to four full time staff with responsibility for performance management and career development.  Establish clear directions, provide guidance and mentorship, support growth and development.
• Lead the management of seasonal fire crews, including hiring, on-boarding, organizing housing, day-to-day oversight and planning of work, and providing training opportunities.
• Administrative duties include maintaining restoration and GIS databases, filing, credit card accounting, budgeting, timecard approvals, vehicle and equipment maintenance records, maintaining supplies, and managing the Sandhills office space and equipment shop.

• BA/BS, law or business degree and 5 years’ experience in natural resource management or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three years of supervisory experience.
• Must meet one of the following fire qualifications: 1) NWCG RXB2; or, 2) NWCG ENGB working towards ICT4 (incident commander type 4 taskbook open); or, 3) experienced state agency burn boss with demonstrated skill working in Longleaf pine ecosystems.  Note: NWCG RxB2 qualification is highly preferred.  For applicants who are not RxB2 certified, preference will be given to those who are closer to achieving this certification (e.g. ENGB or RxB3 working towards ICT4) and those with greater experience burning in Longleaf pine ecosystems.
• Experience working effectively and positively with a diverse array of people.
• Experience working independently with strong problem-solving and organizational skills; coordinating multiple projects, setting priorities with realistic deadlines, and working productively without close supervision.
• Experience developing, negotiating, and implementing contracts, agreements and plans. 
• Experience using common software applications, such as Word, Excel, Outlook, ArcGIS products (mobile and desktop), and Web browsers. 
• Willingness to work long hours, especially during the burn season, and/or perform physically demanding and sometimes dangerous work, at times under adverse conditions.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Understanding of forest restoration ecology and techniques.
• Strong inter-personal skills, including excellent communication (verbal and written) with staff, colleagues, partners and the public, effective leadership skills, the ability to work in a team environment, an understanding of conflict resolution, and a positive attitude.
• Ability to interpret guidelines, evaluate information, and modify processes and plans to adapt to changing circumstances.
• Ability to apply diversified knowledge of scientific principles and practices to a variety of assignments and to cultivate and develop creative ideas to improve conservation strategies.
• Familiarity with the plants, animals, and ecosystems of the Sandhills.
• Knowledge of Forest Stewardship Certification requirements.
• Experience communicating with the media both in writing and verbally.
• Ability to simplify and explain the principles of conservation science and practices to technical and non-technical audiences.

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world! 

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.

Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $62,000 – $72,000 for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

To apply for job ID 55867, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

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TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.