Preserve Steward

Kissimmee, Florida (FL)

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.

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 has currently identified financial support for three months from start date, 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.  The Hatchineha Ranch property is a multi-strategy conservation project ensuring the protection of 5,134 acres of natural area by implementing market-based ecosystems service strategies including establishment of a gopher tortoise recipient site, wetland bank and conservation bank.

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 fleet management program, 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
• Assist with pre/post burn care and maintenance of fire management equipment.
• Feral animal control is an important activity for the management of TNC preserves. If the employee chooses to participate in feral animal control, s/he must be approved and meet the required criteria as outlined in the FL Chapter Hog Plan Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and comply with the Firearms SOP.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

• 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.
• Valid Driver's License
• Must meet NWCG 310-1 training requirements for Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2)

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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).

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.

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.

To apply to position number 41265, 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 July 19, 2013.

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

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