Land Conservation Steward

About the Role

The Land Conservation Steward is a staff member of the Florida Stewardship and Field Programs Department, responsible for implementing and managing field conservation work, including wildland fire management, invasive species management, and wetland restoration, across Florida. This role also involves stewardship of the Florida Chapter’s network of preserves. The position is based at the Tiger Creek Preserve.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in prescribed fire management activities, including the use of ignition devices, hand tools, and operation of type-6 engines and other fire apparatus.
• Control, monitor, and manage invasive non-native plant species using integrated pest management methods, including chemical (herbicide) and manual treatments.
• Assist with pre/post burn operations, including fireline preparation, mop-up, patrols, and data collection.
• Assist with road and trail maintenance, habitat improvement, fence maintenance or removal, and wildlife monitoring.
• Support preserve outreach events/tours and host volunteer workdays.
• Operate and maintain equipment such as 4-WD trucks, ATVs, UTVs, Type-6/7 fire engines, farm tractors, trailers, portable pumps and sprayers, pump engines, backpack blowers, brush-cutters, chainsaws, hand tools, and GPS units.
• Assist with maintenance of preserve facilities, public trails, preserve infrastructure, and shop compound.
• Provide logistical support for outreach events and tours.
• Maintain accurate records and databases.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• High school diploma or GED.
• 1 year of training in a science-related field or related experience in land management.
• Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
• Experience operating various types of equipment safely and efficiently (e.g., lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio).
• Experience working in a team environment.
• Ability to work a 40-hour week, with potential for long or irregular hours, including occasional weekends and short-notice travel.
• Ability to work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Excellent physical condition to conduct fieldwork under considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
• Ability to make day-to-day decisions as delegated by supervisor.
• Ability to work under infrequent supervision.
• Must obtain related licenses or certifications as required (e.g., First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application).
• Must obtain 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).
• 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 within 45 minutes or less.
• Ability to obtain a driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.
• Must comply with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.

Qualifications

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience are appreciated.
• 1-2 years’ experience in land management or related field.
• Experience with facilities maintenance.
• Completion of S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaws or equivalent.
• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues, coworkers, and other team members.
• Experience using GPS hardware and ArcGIS applications to collect and manipulate spatial data.
• Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
• PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding.
• Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar fields.
• Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s), frequently in the absence of supervision.