Land Conservation Steward
Who We Are
The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science‑based organization, we create innovative, on‑the‑ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube or on Glassdoor.
Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”
What We Can Achieve Together
The Land Conservation Steward is a staff member of the Stewardship and Field Programs Department (SAF) of The Nature Conservancy’s Florida Chapter (TNC). SAF is responsible for implementing and managing field conservation work (e.g., wildland fire management, invasive species management, and wetland restoration) across Florida and for stewardship of the Florida Chapter’s network of preserves. TNC’s Central Florida preserves are part of the statewide Center for Conservation Initiatives (CCI) and include The Disney Wilderness Preserve (DWP), Tiger Creek (TCP), Saddle Blanket Scrub (SBSP) and Venus Flatwoods (VFP). The position is based out of The Disney Wilderness Preserve. These preserves and this position are integral to CCI and its mission. The Steward performs and participates in land management efforts with an emphasis on TNC preserves and with conservation partners in the surrounding landscape. They are responsible for ensuring that all stewardship related activities comply with TNC’s, local, state, and federal requirements. They serve as part of SAF’s Central Florida Program (CFL) team and are supervised by the CFL Land Conservation Coordinator.
We’re Looking for You
Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on‑the‑ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone who is a passionate, motivated problem‑solver. Come join TNC and apply today!
The Land Conservation Steward performs land management and restoration activities in uplands and wetlands. Their primary responsibilities are to control and monitor non‑native plant species, participate in prescribed fire management activities, and assist with fleet, facilities, tool and equipment maintenance. They will also assist with other aspects of preserve management, monitoring efforts and general stewardship. These activities can include road and trail maintenance, Red Cockaded Woodpecker and Florida Scrub Jay habitat improvement, fence maintenance or removal, wildlife monitoring, supporting preserve outreach events/tours, and hosting volunteer workdays. The Steward will be based out of the Disney Wilderness Preserve but will also work on several Nature Conservancy properties in the central Florida region, to include Hatchineha Ranch, Tiger Creek Preserve, and Saddle Blanket Scrub Preserve. Housing and basic utilities, except for telephone/internet, may be provided in a Conservancy residence in Kissimmee, FL. This position functions as a part of the land management team to maintain, enhance, and restore threatened and imperiled ecosystems in the central Florida landscape.
What You’ll Bring
- 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).
- Must meet minimum TNC – National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) qualifications for Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2), including Introduction to ICS (I‑100), Human Factors on the Fire line (L‑180), Introduction to Wild Land Fire Behavior (S‑190), Firefighting Training (S‑130). See the Conservancy’s Fire Management Manual for a full explanation of qualification requirements: https://www.tncfiremanual.org/FIrefighter.htm.
- Must achieve minimum TNC training and health requirements for wildland fires at the arduous level; Ability to walk 3 miles with a 45‑pound pack vest with a time of 45 minutes or less.
- 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 the Auto Safety information page 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.
Desired Qualifications
- Multi‑lingual skills and multi‑cultural or cross‑cultural experience appreciated.
- Bachelor’s degree and 1‑2 years’ experience in natural resource management or related field.
- National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) qualification for single resource boss.
- Completion of S‑212 Wildland Fire Chainsaws.
- Ability to follow instructions from colleagues, coworkers, and other team members.
- Experience using GPS hardware and ArcGIS applications to collect and manipulate spatial data.
- Ability to obtain a State of Florida Certified Pesticide Applicator license within 6 months of hire.
- Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
- Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field.
- Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s), frequently in the absence of supervision.
What We Bring
Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become 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, we impact conservation throughout the world!
The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.
We’re proud to offer a work‑environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ.
Organizational Competencies
Builds Relationships – Builds productive relationships by interacting with others in ways that enhance mutual trust and commitment.
Collaboration & Teamwork – Works collaboratively with stakeholders across levels, geographies, backgrounds, and cultures to improve decisions, strengthen commitment, and be more effective.
Communicates Authentically – Communicates proactively and in a timely manner to share information, persuade, and influence with the appropriate level of detail, tone, and opportunities for feedback.
Develops Others – Takes ownership to help develop others’ skills, behaviors, and mindsets to help them maximize their workplace contributions.
Drives for Results – Sets challenging goals and objectives based on a strong sense of purpose and high‑performance standards and steadfastly pushes self and others for tangible results, while ensuring work‑life balance.
Leverages Difference – Demonstrates commitment to harnessing the power of differences strategically; consistently sees, learns from, and takes strategic action related to difference; and demonstrates the self‑awareness and behaviors to work across differences of identity and power respectfully and effectively with all stakeholder.
Systems Leadership – Thinks and acts from a broad perspective with a long‑term view and an understanding of the dynamic nature of large‑scale challenges and the need for integrating five key practices: skillfully engaging appropriate people; providing a clear process for change; taking a holistic view of situations; focusing on a small number of strategic actions, while learning from and adapting them over time; and being aware of how one’s own thinking or patterns of behavior may be limiting change.