Restoration Steward

Bristol, Florida, USA
FL408

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 Restoration Steward 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. This is a collaborative position between TNC and U.S. Forest Service (USFS). Most of the work will take place on the Apalachicola National Forest. This is a full-time position with an end date of August 31, 2025. Any extension beyond the end date will be funding dependent but cannot be guaranteed. Co-ed housing and basic utilities, not including telephone service, will be provided in a Conservancy residence near the work location. The value of housing and utilities are taxable income to the employee.

The Restoration Steward performs land management and restoration activities in uplands and wetlands. They will control invasive, non-native plant species, assist in forestry field data collection, assist with restoration contract oversight, and conduct rare species monitoring. They may assist in prescribed burns. The Field Steward will maintain records using a database, PC, or tablet. They will assist with fleet, equipment, and tool maintenance.

This position will be expected to:

• Supervise no staff but may help plan and direct work groups, including staff or volunteers.
• Will work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
• May require long hours in isolated settings and work under infrequent supervision.
• Make day to day decisions as delegated by supervisor.
• Participate in invasive nonnative species control and other restoration, management, and biological monitoring efforts on the Apalachicola National Forest, TNC’s preserves, and other conservation lands. Safely implements integrated pest management methods, including chemical (herbicide) and manual treatments. Includes field surveys, treatments, data entry, and reporting.
• Assist with the development and monitoring of contracts involved with various land management and restoration activities (e.g., invasive species control, brush clearing, mowing, chopping, and tree planting, isolated wetland restoration, hurricane recovery restoration).
• Operate the following equipment, if qualified: 4 WD trucks, ATV’s, UTV’s, trailers, portable pumps and sprayers, pump engines, farm tractors with seed collection and sowing equipment, backpack blowers, brush-cutters, chain saws, hand tools, and GPS units.
• Use Conservancy-owned and USFS-owned vehicles.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Will be required to provide reliable transportation from Conservancy housing to an office located 8 miles away.

• 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).
• Ability to obtain driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, wildlife, ecology, or other related field.1 - 2 years’ experience in land management or related field.
• Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
• Must complete USFS defensive driver training and certification prior to driving USFS vehicles.
• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues, coworkers, and other team members.
• PC and mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding.
• Experience using GPS hardware and ArcGIS to collect and manipulate spatial data.
• Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field.
• Either already in possession of a State of Florida Certified Pesticide Applicator license or have the ability to successfully complete training and obtain license within 3 months of hire.
• Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s), frequently in the absence of supervision.
• Ability to meet minimum TNC – National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) training and health requirements for wildland fires at the arduous level, which include S130/190 introductory fire fighter training and 3 mile walk with a 45-pound pack vest with a time of 45 minutes or less.
  

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 – $18.00 per hour. 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 54007, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on January 18, 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.