Land Steward
What We Can Achieve Together:
The Land Steward position is based in Lexington and will perform land stewardship activities including the maintenance, management, development, and coordination of stewardship work on TNC owned, managed, and partner lands. The Land Steward will be heavily involved with our prescribed fire program spending approximately 50% of time working on wildland fire operations including ignitions, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring, planning, fire break preparation, mapping, attending trainings to advance in qualifications, coordinating training, and leading seasonal fire modules. This position will require frequent overnight travel of up to 50% throughout the year. This is a permanent full-time position.
The Land Steward leads work teams to ensure the coordination, community support and implementation of management plans. The Land Steward maintains nature preserves frequented by the visiting public, removes exotic species, monitors fee lands, monitors vegetation response, coordinates and supervises volunteers, maintains currency on habitat management practices to benefit species of conservation need, maintains tools and equipment, operates heavy machinery, and ensures management needs are met on TNC preserves, managed lands, and partners lands.
The Land Steward’s responsibility includes but is not limited to the following:
Leads and monitors work groups consisting of staff, interns, and volunteers covering a wide geographic area.
Financial responsibility may include working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, and assisting with budget development.
Networks with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members, volunteers, and the public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy programs and preserves.
May work under minimal and/or distant supervision; supervises seasonal and / or part-time staff and volunteers; make independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
Works in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
Manages preserves, preserves infrastructure, and maintains hiking trails.
Maintains supplies and equipment.
Maintains herbicide applicator licenses and applies herbicides.
Functions as a leader and member of a work team, in high stress environments.
Assists with the development of prescribed burn plans, fire management plans, and land management plans.
Leads vegetation and fire effects monitoring programs.
Assists with the implementation of prescribed burns by maintaining firebreaks, leading squads of 3-7 firefighters, maintaining fire equipment, and planning logistics.
Maintains physical fitness necessary for maintaining wild land fire qualifications.
Must have valid driver’s license and good driving record.
We’re Looking for You:
Want to help save the planet? Through the efforts of The Nature Conservancy, thousands of acres in Kentucky have been preserved for people and nature. From the Appalachian Mountains to the Mississippi River, the Kentucky Chapter is dedicated to conserving the natural resources that make Kentucky unique. This is an exceptional career opportunity for a highly motivated, capable individual interested in joining the world’s leading conservation organization!
What You’ll Bring:
BA/BS degree in a science-related field and 1-year related experience in custodial and ecological land management or a similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience with natural systems.
Experience in ecological land management principles.
Experience operating and repairing various types of equipment and machinery and towing trailers.
Experience with prescribed burning and / or wildland fire suppression.
Squad Boss (FFT1), and Wildland Faller qualified. Go here: Squad Boss (FFT1) to see TNC’s Squad Boss qualification requirements, and here: Chainsaw Operator to see TNC’s Wildland Fire Faller qualification requirements.
Experience creating maps in ArcGIS Pro.
Experience working in the field and in remote areas independently.
Experience operating off-road vehicles.
Desired Qualifications:
2 plus years of related experience in custodial and ecological land management and wildland fire operations or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience managing volunteers or entry level staff.
Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete preserve management activities.
Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field.
Single Resources Boss – Engine Boss (ENGB) qualified. Go here: Single Resource Boss to see TNC’s ENGB qualification requirements.
Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Web browsers).
Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
Experience with ArcGIS Pro, GPS units, Avenza Maps, and other mapping programs.
Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
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 include respect for all people, communities, and cultures.
What We Bring:
Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into 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 and partners, we impact conservation around the world! TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here. We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.
