CFL Land Conservation Specialist

Job Title

CFL Land Conservation Specialist

Job ID

46572

Location

Florida

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

 

Favorite Job

Regular/Temporary

Regular

OFFICE LOCATION

 

Kissimmee, Florida USA
FL403

 

A LITTLE ABOUT US

 

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable.  One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we strive for a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Working in 72 countries, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.orq or follow @nature_press on Twitter.

The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.

 

YOUR POSITION WITH TNC

 

The CFL Land Conservation Specialist (Specialist) is a staff member of the Stewardship and Field Programs Department (SAF) of The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) Florida Chapter. SAF is responsible for implementing and managing field conservation work (e.g., wildland fire management, invasive species control, habitat restoration, etc) across Florida and stewardship of the Florida Chapter’s network of preserves. The Specialist performs and participates in land management efforts on TNC and partner lands in central Florida. They also maintain land management equipment & fleet resources to ensure they are in good working condition. They serve as part of SAF’s central Florida (CFL) regional program team and is supervised by the CFL Land Conservation Manager.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

 

The Land Conservation Specialist works with staff, volunteers, and leads work teams to ensure objectives of a preserve’s strategic plan and land management plan are implemented. They work primarily at the Disney Wilderness Preserve, but also provide support to Tiger Creek Preserve as well as TNC’s secondary preserves in central Florida. They serve in a wildland fire leadership role on prescribed burns and wildfire incidences. This position is required to meet NWCG qualifications of a RXB2 burn boss within 2 years of employment. They support the maintenance of preserve areas frequented by the visiting public, removes exotic species, supports resource monitoring, maintains tools and equipment, operates heavy machinery, and opens and closes preserve to the visiting public. They are required to live onsite at the Disney Wilderness Preserve in Poinciana, Fl. and respond to after-hour security and emergency needs.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE

 

Natural Resource Management (55%)

  • Works on a natural resource management team to perform all aspects of land management under the direction of CFL Land Conservation Manager including prescribed fire operations and wildfire response, invasive species control, fence, road, and trail repairs and maintenance.
  • Wildland fire management: Serves in a leadership role (NWCG Single Resource Boss - SRB) on prescribed burns and wildfire incidences, and will be required to achieve NWCG RXB2 burn boss status within 2 years of employment;
    • They ensure that fire-line prep is completed
    • Conducts mapping for Rx maps and post fire effects
    • Maintains NWCG fire qualifications and annual NWCG arduous pack test (carry/walk 45lb pack for 3 mi in 45 min)
    • Achieves qualification of an NWCG Intermediate Faller within 2 years
    • May serve as a cadre member in training courses
    • May travel to other TNC preserve’s outside of the central Florida region to provide fire support as needed.
  • Operates and is proficient in the use of various land management tools such as chainsaws, tractors, ATVs,/UTVs, graders, mowers, hand tools, etc
  • Works under minimal and distant supervision; must make independent decisions based on experience and judgments. 
  • Must have the ability to work independently and as a team member on projects
  • May lead or monitor work groups consisting of staff, interns, and volunteers covering a wide geographic area
  • Leads control of feral hogs on TNC lands in central Florida.
  • Financial responsibility may include working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, and assisting with budget development. 
  • In coordination with supervisor, engages with diverse groups such as land owners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, and the public to recruit support for the Conservancy. 
  • May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
  • They are required to live onsite at the Disney Wilderness Preserve in Poinciana, Fl. and respond to after-hour security and emergency needs.

Equipment and Fleet Maintenance (30%)

  • Manages fleet of vehicles and equipment- including 4-wheel drive trucks, UTVs and ATVs, swamp buggys, tractors and heavy equipment, chainsaws and other small equipment- including purchasing, repairs and maintenance and providing training to insure safe operation.
  • Works with equipment service venders on purchase and repair of equipment and fleet vehicles when needed. 

Miscellanious support (10%)

  • Provides logistical support for outreach events and tours as needed
  • Provides talks and presentations in support of events and tours as needed

Other duites as needed (5%)

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

 

  • BA/BS/AS/Technical or vocational degree in science-related field and 1 year related experience in custodial and ecological land management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience with natural systems.                   
  • Experience in ecological land management principles.
  • Experience operating and or repairing various types of equipment and machinery.
     

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • 5 years related experience in ecological land management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 5 years of experience in fire management, qualified as Single Resource and on track to qualify as an Incident Commander Type IV (ICT4) and Prescribed Fire Burn Boss (RXB2) within 2 years
  • Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete preserve management activities.
  • Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.
  • Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
  • Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers). 
  • Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
  • Supervisory experience

 

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION

 

You will be required to live onsite at the Disney Wildnerss Preserve in Poinciana, FL.

40 hour work week

 

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

 

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy'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." Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers.

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.

 

HOW TO APPLY

 

To apply to position number 46572, submit resume (required) and cover letter separately using the upload buttons. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on August 18, 2018.

Click “submit” to apply for the position or “save for later” to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited. Failure to complete required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration.

If you experience technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide 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 men and women 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.