Seasonal Land Conservation Steward - The Nature Conservancy

Bristol, Florida, USA

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 Seasonal Land Conservation Steward performs and participates in land management efforts maintaining preserve areas frequented by the visiting public, performing land management activities, such as removing exotic species, conducting species monitoring, participating on the wildland fire team crew on prescribed burns and other restoration efforts. The Steward is a member of the Stewardship and Field Programs Department (SAF) of The Nature Conservancy’s Florida Chapter (TNC). SAF is responsible for implementing and managing field conservation work (e.g., wildland fire management, invasive species management, and wetland restoration) across Florida and for stewardship of the Florida Chapter’s network of preserves. This position is based at Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve (ABRP) in Bristol, FL. ABRP is one of four statewide campus preserves included in TNC Florida’s Center for Conservation Initiatives (CCI) and is integral to CCI’s Stewardship and Education/Training initiatives.

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone who is passionate, motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today!

The Seasonal Land Conservation Steward performs land management and restoration activities, including the ongoing sandhill ecosystem restoration effort. Associated tasks vary by season and typically include groundcover restoration, tree planting, erosion control, biological monitoring, as well as cutting/girdling and chemically treating overabundant hardwoods. The incumbent will participate as a wildland fire team crew member on prescribed burns conducted by the Conservancy and various partner agencies, operating fire equipment, performing fire preparations, and participating in various preserve maintenance activities. The position does not have any supervisory responsibilities, but may help plan and direct preserve work groups, including staff or volunteers.

The incumbent may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. This position requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain. Housing and basic utilities, except for telephone/internet, will be provided in a Conservancy residence in Bristol, FL. This seasonal position is 6-months (October 2024 to April 2025) in duration, based upon funding and business needs.

• High school diploma or GED and 1 year’s training in science-related field or related experience in land management.
• Must meet minimum TNC - NWCG training and health requirements for wildland fires at the arduous level. For Florida: 3 mile walk with a 45-pound pack vest with a time of 45 minutes or less.
• Must meet NWCG 310-1 training requirements for Basic Wildland Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2). See TNC Fire Management Manual .
• 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 recognizing plant and animal species.                               
• Experience working in a team environment.     
• Willingness to work outdoors in both hot and cold weather is necessary.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• 1 - 2 years’ experience in land management or related field.                    
• Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.  
• Current National Wildland Fire Coordinating Group Fire Fighter Type 2 (NWCG FFT2) qualifications.
• Current First Aid/CPR certification.
• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
• PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding.

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 $17.00-$18.75 hourly rate. 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 55660 , submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST onOctober 16, 2024. Applications will be reviewed as they are received; early applications are encouraged. 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.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

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.