Preserve Steward (Disney Wilderness Preserve (DWP))

Kissimmee, Florida (FL)

The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in more than 35 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.                                                   

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.
 

The Disney Wilderness Preserve (DWP) is dedicated to the protection, restoration, and maintenance of a 12,000-acre natural area in central Florida.  It includes active land management, environmental education, community outreach and science programs, as well as a Learning Center where training programs in the areas of ecosystem management, watershed management, natural habitat restoration, and endangered species conservation are carried out. This position also assists land management activities as listed in Essential Functions on other TNC preserves, including Hatchineha Ranch, Tiger Creek Preserve, Saddleblanket Scrub Preserve and Venus Flatwoods Preserve. This position has currently identified financial support until December 31, 2014, and no guarantees can be made that the position will extend beyond that date.   However, The Nature Conservancy is an employer at will and the employment relationship may end at any time.

• Live on the Disney Wilderness Preserve property to provide a security presence to deter vandalism, trespass, and poaching and to respond to after hour wildfire events, inappropriate activities on the property, or to assist visitors with emergency needs.
• Knowledge or interest in land management or forestry techniques, particularly prescribed burning.  Prescribed or suppression fire experience preferred.  Knowledge and/or interest in species protection, ecosystem restoration and the importance of biodiversity.
• Participate as a fire crew member during prescribed fires and wildfires.  This will require the regular use of ignition devices, fire control hand tools, and operation of engines or tractor/tanker equipment.
• Excellent physical condition.  Ability to meet minimum TNC training and health requirements for prescribed burning at the arduous level.  For Florida: 3 mile walk with a 45 pound pack test with a time of 45 minutes or less.  Must meet NWCG 310-1 training requirements for Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) (experience at level S130/S190 or above).
• Assist with pre/post burn care and maintenance of fire management equipment.
• Assist with fire and stewardship related training sessions.
• Assist with collection and analysis of pre/post burn fire effects data.
• Assist in the implementation of the DWP upland restoration program, which includes use of herbicide, heavy equipment, monitoring assistance, etc.
• Ability to maintain and operate a range of off-road and farm vehicles, including tractors, grader, backhoe, and similar equipment. Experience with fire management equipment such as Type 6/7 engines preferred.  Must have valid drivers license.  Must also obtain First Aid/CPR certification upon hire.
• Familiarity with a variety of electrical and fuel powered tools, and must be able to operate these tools safely.  Must follow recommended safety guidelines and precautions specified for said work and vehicle operation and maintenance.
• Familiarity with a variety of ecological sampling techniques and equipment. Able to implement programs in the field with strong attention to accuracy and detail.
• Good interpersonal skills. Ability to work equally well independently or as part of a team.
• Willingness to work a 40 hour work week. This employee work five eight-hour days.  Work may also include weekends and travel on short notice. 
• Must be reliable, hardworking and safety conscious. Willingness to at times work long hours and weekends, on short notice while maintaining positive morale under adverse working conditions.
• Ability to navigate in largely unfamiliar terrain, with or without a map/compass.
• Ability to prioritize and carry out tasks in the absence of specific instructions.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Participates in preserve operations, maintenance and management.  This may include one or more of the following functions:

• Prescribed fire and wildfire assistance
• Assist partners with fire management operations
• Maintains vehicles, tools and equipment.
• Implements preserve management plans
• Operates heavy machinery
• Maintains preserve areas frequented by the visiting public
• Removes exotic species and/or species monitoring
• Opens and closes preserve to the visiting public

• High school diploma 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.
• Experience performing physical work.
• Must also obtain First Aid/CPR certification upon hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma and 1-2 years training in science-related field or related experience in land management. Associate degree in natural areas, biology, forestry or related field or equivalent experience preferred.
• Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.  Ability to recognize plant and animal species as required to complete preserve management activities.
• Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g.; lawn mower, chainsaw, tractor, two-way radio, etc)
• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues
• Ability to perform physical work, sometime under adverse conditions or in inclement weather
• Obtain related licenses or certifications such as first aid, CPR, herbicide application, driver’s license.
• PC familiarity, including database knowledge, in order to maintain preserve records.

• This position has currently identified financial support until December 31, 2014, and no guarantees can be made that the position will extend beyond that date.  

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.

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:

• require considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain
• present frequent possibility of injury
• require long hours in isolated settings

To apply to position number 42174, 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 June 2, 2014.

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.