Conservation Land Steward/Manager
| Job title | Conservation Land Steward / Manager |
| Reports to | Director -Wildlife & Habitat Management Program |
Job Purpose
The person in this position is responsible for carrying out land management activities, such as habitat restoration, assisting with prescribed fire, invasive exotic plant control including obtaining herbicide licenses and ordering chemicals, contractor management, vehicle/equipment maintenance, and other similar tasks assigned by the Director of Wildlife & Habitat Management. Also, this person performs or schedules maintenance of habitat management equipment and vehicles, as well as sea turtle program vehicles (as needed). This person must be able to work independently or as a team.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Restores and maintains conservation lands to promote natural ecosystems that encourage native biodiversity utilizing prescribed fire, mechanical and chemical applications.
-Invasive exotic plant control including ordering chemicals and certifications
- Prescribed fire implementation
- Mechanical reduction of hazardous fuels and woody vegetation in open canopy marshes
- Removal of invasive natives to increase open canopy grasslands
- Performs maintenance and coordinates repairs on our ATV’s, UTV’s, mules, JD zero turn mower and sub-compact tractor, as well as a Massey Fera tractor, and John Deere skid-steer.
- Works with the Director to write burn prescriptions and implement or contract out prescribed burns at beneficial intervals. When acting as the burn boss, he/she coordinates all aspects of the interagency prescribed fire plan, with the concurrence of the Director.
- Coordinate field technicians, interns, contractors, and volunteers involved in habitat management activities.
- Coordinate preventive maintenance of equipment
- heavy equipment (tractor, skid steer etc.)
- sea turtle vehicles (when needed)
- small engines
- Assist the (the Public Property Maintenance Technician) with mowing/weed-wacking/trimming around public facilities, and trail maintenance when needed.
- Attend continuing education (CEU) courses that advance subject matter expertise when possible.
- Advanced fire training and courses
- Herbicide application courses/invasive exotic seminars
- Assists the Director with drafting, updating and implementing management plans, finding and applying for grants and implementing strategies based on applicable scientific literature and partner successes.
- Assist with SCCF event set-up and take-down when needed
Qualifications
- Education –High school diploma or GED with a minimum of 5 years of experience in the land management/forestry/agricultural management field.
- Specialized knowledge – must be proficient in operating heavy equipment such as tractors, skid-steer and other similar types of equipment. Must have some mechanical experience for troubleshooting small equipment engines (mowers, pumps etc.), landscaping equipment, and extensive experience with heavy equipment operation and off-road vehicles.
- Skills – must have experience using Microsoft Office products, the ability to learn basic map creation with ArcGIS, and the ability to assist with written management reports, updates and grants.
- Must have experience working outdoors in harsh (hot and humid) conditions and familiarity with the local flora and fauna.
- Working knowledge of power tools
- Ability to professionally interact with the public and partner organizations.
- Ability to demonstrate proper safety and application of herbicide in accordance with state regulations on wildlands.
- Implement equipment maintenance schedules within manufacturer specifications.
- Professional Certification – Must have or complete the Basic 130/190 Wildland Fire Certification within the first year of hire, Burn Manager Certification within the first three years of hire and Natural Areas Weed Management Pesticide Applicator License within the first year of hire.
- Must have a drive and a positive attitude toward achieving land management goals, as well as a sense of humor. Also, they must have the ability to interpret the environment in order to make sound judgements based on habitat or environmental changes. Must have a have high-level attention to detail.
- A self-starter with a strong work ethic is a must for this position.
Working Conditions
Must be willing to work outside of the typical M-F 8:00 -5:00 work schedule, when needed, and may include evenings, early mornings and weekends for special events, controlled burns, monitoring projects, emergencies and deadlines. Also, must be able and willing to work in adverse conditions, such as hot and humid weather with noxious plants and biting insects.
Physical Requirements
Must be able to lift 50 lb., be able to work outside in the elements, and safely use herbicides to control exotic and invasive plants. SCCF is a drug-free workplace, and the successful applicant will pass a drug screening test within two weeks of starting the position.
Salary and Benefits
SCCF offers health and dental insurance, 401k match and generous vacation and sick leave.
Salary Range: $65,000-$76,000 based on relevant experience
Please send a cover letter, resume, and three references to apply. These materials should be emailed to Chris Lechowicz at clechowicz@sccf.org
