Description |
| | The Land Steward participates in preserve operations including the maintenance, management and coordination of conservation programs for selected preserves. This will include the following functions: • Assists in preparing preserve management plans, and is the lead in implementing management plans on selected preserves, which may include the following management activities: control of invasive exotic or native species, restoration plantings, preserve/target monitoring, boundary posting, trail maintenance, and maintaining preserve areas frequented by the visiting public • Works with consulting foresters, logging contractors, prescribed burning contractors, site prep contractors and tree planting crews to implement forestry activities on selected preserves; may occasionally participate in timber cruising and timber marking jobs • Participates in TNC’s prescribed fire program, working with TNC Fire Leaders and other staff • Leads work teams of volunteers or other TNC staff to accomplish management tasks • Monitors habitat conditions over time to determine relative health of ecological systems present on selected preserves • Operates and maintains a variety of tools, equipment and heavy machinery • Opens and closes selected preserves to the visiting public
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
Basic knowledge of natural systems of Louisiana. Ability to recognize plant and animal species as required to complete preserve management activities. • Basic knowledge of routine forestry activities including timber cruising and marking, harvest supervision, site preparation and tree planting • Experience in ecological land management principles preferred but not essential • Familiarity with basic experimental design and field sampling techniques preferred but not essential • Knowledge of and experience with prescribed fire preferred but not essential • Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers) • Basic GPS and map reading/interpretation skills • Ability to manage time and diverse activities under deadlines while delivering quality results • Ability to communicate clearly via written, spoken and graphical means • Experience or ability to safely use and maintain preserve tools and equipment, including power and construction tools • Excellent physical condition. Ability to meet minimum TNC training and health requirements for prescribed burning • Experience with and ability to perform physically demanding work • Ability to work long hours alone in isolated settings • Ability to obtain related licenses or certifications such as first aid, CPR, herbicide application, driver’s license • Willingness and ability to work cooperatively with neighbors, partners and the general public to promote the Conservancy’s work
COMPLEXITY/PROBLEM SOLVING: • Coordinates multiple projects with several variables, setting realistic deadlines and managing timeframes • Interprets guidelines, evaluates information, and modifies processes as needed to adapt to changing circumstances • Compiles data, resolves disparities and modifies processes to generate plans • Resolves routine issues independently, consulting with supervisor to develop plans for resolution of complex and unusual problems • Applies diversified knowledge of scientific principles and practices to a variety of assignments
DISCRETION/LATITUDE/DECISION-MAKING: • Makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment • Performs under minimal and frequently distant supervision, consulting with supervisor in event of any unusual circumstance, problem or question that falls outside of general preserve management operations
RESPONSIBILITY/OVERSIGHT – FINANCIAL AND SUPERVISORY: • May lead or monitor work groups consisting of staff, interns, and volunteers covering a wide geographic area • Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development and meeting fundraising targets
COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS: • May network with diverse groups, including land owners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the general public to promote Conservancy conservation efforts • Provide a variety of information to staff and others, contributing to conservation projects and assisting as needed in facilitating conservation programs • Work and communicate effectively with a diverse group of people, including scientists, preserve staff and others, providing and obtaining needed information • Interacts with preserve visitors, conveys basic preserve information and leads field trips
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT: • Willingness to travel long distances, sometimes on short-notice, and to work long hours in an isolated setting • Ability to perform tasks requiring considerable physical exertion, outdoors, in all weather conditions and on difficult and sometimes hazardous terrain. • Work environment involves exposure to job hazards where there is frequent possibility of injury | | BASIC 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. • Knowledge of natural systems. • Experience in ecological land management principles. • Experience supervising staff. • Experience performing physical work. | | BENEFITS | | The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 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. | | HOW TO APPLY | | Please submit resume and cover letter as one document. All sections of online application must be completed (e.g. work experience and education, even if information is included in resume) to be considered for a position. All sections of the on-line application must be completed (work experience and education, even if included in resume) to be considered for the position. | | EOE STATEMENT | | The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. |
|