CGC Stewardship Coordinator

Abita Springs, Louisiana (LA)

The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in more than 30 countries, all 50 United States, and your backyard. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Visit www.nature.org/aboutus to learn more.
TNC

The Central Gulf Cooperative (“CGC”) Stewardship Coordinator develops, manages and advances land restoration and management plans and programs for all conservation areas owned and managed by TNC in southeast Louisiana and southern Mississippi.  The CGC Stewardship Coordinator provides technical leadership and stewardship team management to both the Mississippi and Louisiana operating units.  The CGC Stewardship Coordinator works closely with the CGC  Program Manager / Fire Manager to leverage TNC investments in land management and prescribed fire to achieve conservation benefits at scale and beyond Conservancy’s boundaries.  These responsibilities will require the following:

• Planning and directing preserve management programs and stewardship activities on all TNC preserves in southern Mississippi and southeastern Louisiana.
• Leading the CGC prescribed fire program and serving as Burn Boss on prescribed fires on TNC and partner lands in Mississippi and Louisiana.  Requires current certification at RxB2 level (NWCG standards) or equivalent, and currently certified, or able to quickly become certified as a Prescribed Burn Manager by the responsible state agencies in both Louisiana and Mississippi.
• Addressing critical threats to natural systems and individual species.
• Fostering cross-site learning among conservation community.
• Developing and implementing preserve management plans with input from OU conservation staff.
• Fostering community support for TNC activities.

As part of the incumbent’s ongoing professional development, he/she will be responsible for keeping abreast of new burn techniques and equipment to enhance skills and maintain/grow professional fire certification credentials.  In addition, they shall work to build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local community where the Conservancy works. This may include participation in wild land fire suppression activities in partnership with other non profits, local fire departments, and local, state and federal agencies, either as a TNC employee, or as a volunteer or short term employee of the partner entity (such as an Administratively Determined, short term federal employee).
TNC

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of experience in natural resource management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Meets NWCG qualifications for RxB2 (Burn Boss), or has sufficient training and experience to receive certification through TNC’s Qualifications Review Committee.  See the Conservancy’s Fire management manual for a full explanation of qualification requirements (http://www.tncfiremanual.org/BurnBoss.htm).
• Experience developing and implementing burn and general land management plans.
• Supervisory skills and experience leading teams.
• Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, Web browsers, etc.
• Experience performing physical work.  Ability to meet minimum TNC training and health requirements for prescribed burning at the arduous level.  Currently: 45 pound pack test result of 45 minutes or less over a distance of 3 miles.  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in natural resource management with at least 3 years of experience leading a team of land management staff. 
• RXB2 Burn Boss certified or has experience and coursework needed to meet TNC standards for the position. Additional fire training and wildfire suppression experience a plus.
• Familiarity with fire effects and fire behavior in local fuel types.
• Knowledge of Conservancy Fire Management Standard Operating Procedure, requirements and guidelines. Ability to evaluate circumstances and conditions that justify modification of guidelines.
• Ability to obtain related licenses or certifications such as first aid, CPR, herbicide application, and Class D driver’s license for driving heavy vehicles (>10,001 lbs. and <26,000 lbs) across state lines (or willingness and ability to obtain said driver’s license upon being hired).
• Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide land management activities
• Ability to communicate and work closely with scientists.
• Working with media and influential officials, especially governmental, to improve Conservancy programs’ outcomes.
• Familiarity with principles of land acquisition.
• Knowledge of ecological land management principles.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.
• Experience in training and curriculum design.
• Completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Managing time and diverse activities under deadlines while delivering quality results.
• Good communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English.

TNC

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.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT

May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions include:

• considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
• frequent possibility of injury.
• long hours in isolated settings.
• frequent travel to project areas in Louisiana, Mississippi and other states.

The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, a 401k plan, 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. 
TNC

To apply to position number 41609 , submit resume and cover letter as one document. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 21,2013 .

Failure to complete all of the required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration.

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If you are experiencing technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide or contactapplyhelp@tnc.org.