Land Conservation Steward

OFFICE LOCATION

Kissimmee, Florida, USA

WHO WE ARE

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.”

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The Land Conservation Steward is a staff 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. TNC’s Central Florida preserves are part of the statewide Center for Conservation Initiatives (CCI) and include The Disney Wilderness Preserve (DWP), Tiger Creek (TCP), Saddle Blanket Scrub (SBSP) and Venus Flatwoods (VFP). The position is based out of The Disney Wilderness Preserve. These preserves and this position are integral to CCI and its mission. The Steward performs and participates in land management efforts with an emphasis on TNC preserves and with conservation partners in the surrounding landscape. They are responsible for ensuring that all stewardship related activities comply with TNC’s, local, state, and federal requirements. They serve as part of SAF’s Central Florida Program (CFL) team and are supervised by the CFL Land Conservation Coordinator.

WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU

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 a passionate, motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today!

The Land Conservation Steward performs land management and restoration activities in uplands and wetlands. Their primary responsibilities are to control and monitor non-native plant species, participate in prescribed fire management activities, and assist with fleet, facilities, tool and equipment maintenance. They will also assist with other aspects of preserve management, monitoring efforts and general stewardship. These activities can include road and trail maintenance, Red Cockaded Woodpecker and Florida Scrub Jay habitat improvement, fence maintenance or removal, wildlife monitoring, supporting preserve outreach events/tours, and hosting volunteer workdays. The Steward will be based out of the Disney Wilderness Preserve but will also work on several Nature Conservancy properties in the central Florida region, to include Hatchineha Ranch, Tiger Creek Preserve, and Saddle Blanket Scrub Preserve. Housing and basic utilities, except for telephone/internet, may be provided in a Conservancy residence in Kissimmee, FL. This position functions as a part of the land management team to maintain, enhance, and restore threatened and imperiled ecosystems in the central Florida landscape.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED and 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).
• Must meet minimum TNC – National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) qualifications for Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2), including Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fire line (L-180), Introduction to Wild Land Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130). See the Conservancy’s Fire Management Manual for a full explanation of qualification requirements: https://www.tncfiremanual.org/FIrefighter.htm
• Must achieve minimum TNC training and health requirements for wildland fires at the arduous level; Ability to walk 3 miles with a 45-pound pack vest with a time of 45 or minutes or less.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• • Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
•  Bachelor’s degree and 1 - 2 years’ experience in natural resource management or related field
•  National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) qualification for single resource boss.
• Completion of S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaws.
• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues, coworkers, and other team members.
• Experience using GPS hardware and ArcGIS applications to collect and manipulate spatial data.
• Ability to obtain a State of Florida Certified Pesticide Applicator license within 6 months of hire.
• Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
• Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field.
• Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s), frequently in the absence of supervision.

WHAT WE BRING

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.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

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.

SALARY INFORMATION

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $17.00-$18.25 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.

APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID 55999, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on December 20, 2024. 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.