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Apply by February 27, 2025.
Summary
Archbold Biological Station is hiring two Assistant Land Managers to work on our new Headwaters Ecosystem Management Team. The positions are for those seeking regular participation in prescribed burns and invasive plant management on Archbold lands and those of a broad set of partner organizations throughout the Headwaters of the Everglades (>4000 square miles in central Florida) and the coincident Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape. Opportunities may exist for the right candidate to contribute to Archbold land management planning and strategy. These positions are initially funded for 3 years with significant chances of extension, pending funding.
Full-time on-site work is required, given the field-based nature of the position. Candidates should anticipate frequent day travel from Archbold to natural areas around the Headwaters of the Everglades.
To apply, send a resume and cover letter to Joshua Daskin, Director of Conservation, by February 27, 2025.
The start date is anticipated for early April 2025, with some flexibility.
Required Education and Experience
A high school degree or GED AND frequent engagement in prescribed or wildland fire operations during at least 2 years of full-time work or volunteer experience—or it’s part-time equivalent—in land management.
ORA bachelor’s degree or higher in an environmental, science, or natural resources management field AND frequent engagement in prescribed or wildland fire operations during at least 1 year of full-time work or volunteer experience—or it’s part-time equivalent—in land management.
Competencies and Additional Eligibility Qualifications
Not all competencies are required to excel in this position. Please consider applying if you fit several or most qualifications.
Holds a current Florida Forest Service Certified Burner credential OR has completed NWCG courses S-130, S-190, L-180, IS-700, and I-100.
Candidates with a current NWCG Red Card, pack test at the arduous level, and certification as FFT2 or at a higher NWCG level will be looked on favorably, but these credentials are not required.
Knowledge of safe prescribed burning practices.
With instruction, able to read and understand burn prescriptions to implement safe and effective fire operations.
Able to operate ignition and fire suppression equipment including pumps, hoses, hand tools, and drip torches.
Capable operator of 4WD vehicles (trucks, ATVs, and UTVs); able or willing to learn to tow small trailers.
With guidance, can identify invasive plants, and is willing to use herbicide to control them.
Adheres to the highest standards of professionalism when interacting Archbold staff, neighbors, and partners, and contributes to a culture of safety and risk management.
An understanding of and commitment to Archbold’s mission.
Excited to work with scientists, conservationists, ranchers, politicians, land use planners, and others to advance ambitious, creative conservation goals.
Communicates clearly, both verbally and in writing.
Excels at performing assigned tasks independently and as part of a team, with accuracy and attention to detail.
Possesses a valid drivers’ license with a good driving record, as determined by Archbold’s insurance carrier.
Experience and proficiency in the use of computers and standard software (e.g. Windows, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, web searches).
Additional helpful competencies, NOT required
Vehicle, pump, and small engine maintenance.
Operation of heavy equipment including mowers and tractors.
Experience writing habitat management plans.
Basic GIS mapping abilities.
Grant-writing.
Contract management.
Familiarity with and/or a network of colleagues with environmental local, state, and/or federal agencies and non-profits in the Headwaters of the Everglades.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Follow policies and procedures for operation of the Headwaters Ecosystem Management Team.
Implement the full set of practices for prescribed burns on Archbold property from unit and fire break preparation to ensuring completion of mop-up.
Provide personnel and equipment in support of prescribed fire on public agency lands throughout the Headwaters of the Everglades to accomplish at least 7000 acres of prescribed burns and 80 acres of Old World Climbing Fern treatments annually.
Participate in a culture of safety and risk reduction at all times.
Cooperate with Archbold and partner staff.
Maintain state and/or federal fire management credentials.
Assist in seeking out and coordinating responses to public agency needs for personnel and equipment support for prescribed fire and invasive plant management throughout the Headwaters of the Everglades and the Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape.
If qualified, write burn prescriptions and obtain Florida Forest Service permits for burns at Archbold and adhere to partners’ burn prescriptions.
Ensure vehicles and equipment are maintained in clean and working condition.
Track crew activities for grant reporting and management of Archbold fire science datasets.
Occasionally attend regional partnership meetings to share work of the Headwaters Ecosystem Management Team.
Communicate difficulties or concerns to supervisor in a timely manner and be responsive to requests for information work activities and performance.
Conduct invasive plant surveys and treatments on Archbold and partners’ properties.
Complete fire break preparations using mower, brush cutter, and tractor at Archbold properties.
Understand and contribute to accomplishing the management goals of Archbold Biological Station and Archbold Reserve.
As needed, contribute to Archbold weather, photo point, hydrology, and lake monitoring, providing redundancy for the management of associated long-term datasets.
Perform data management, especially mapping land management activities and for routine monitoring.
Retain physical fitness for full time outdoor work year-round in Florida’s subtropical climate.