Dugdown Corridor Technician/Conservation Practitioner IV

The Nature Conservancy; City of Rome (NY); On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy seeks a Dugdown Corridor Technician to support Georgia DNR wildlife management areas and conservation sites in North Georgia. The role emphasizes fire operations, habitat maintenance, and field data collection in challenging terrain.

Ideal candidates bring a science degree, FFT2 qualification, and experience with land stewardship. The position is short-term through December 31, 2026, with field duties and some office coordination in Rome, GA.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in science field with 1 year related experience in custodial or ecological land management.
• Must be Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) with FFT2 course sequence and training burns.
• Physically fit to perform field duties and operate fire equipment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with Georgia DNR to manage WMA habitats and Dugdown Corridor.
• Perform fire line preparation, post-burn monitoring, equipment maintenance.
• Engage with partners to support fire operations and conservation activities.

Skills

FFT2 Firefighter

Science degree

Ecological land management

CDL (Commercial Driver's License)

Education

BA/BS in science-related field

1 year related field experience

Tools

ArcGIS Field Maps

Fire equipment operation

Heavy equipment operation (tractors, mowers, skid steers)

Job description

Application Deadline: The position is open until filled; early application is encouraged.

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Dugdown Corridor Technician (DCT) performs and participates in Georgia DNR (DNR) Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and preserve operations including the maintenance, management, and coordination of the Dugdown Corridor. This position will work closely with Georgia DNR to complete assigned tasks on WMA’s in and around the Dugdown Corridor and reports to Upper Coosa River Program Director. The position is a short-term position funded through December 31, 2026. Work is frequently from the field and occasionally in our North Georgia Conservation Office in Rome, Georgia.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The DCT will participate in preparing fire lines, maintaining equipment, post-burn monitoring and other tasks. As part of the DCT’s ongoing professional development, they will be responsible for keeping abreast of new burn techniques and equipment to enhance skills and maintain/grow professional fire certification credentials. In addition, they shall work to build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and with partners in and around the Dugdown Corridor. This may include participation in wild land fire suppression activities in partnership with other partner entities on WMA land within or around the Dugdown Corridor. When not involved in fire operations and related responsibilities the DCT will be primarily and integrally involved in performing conservation, management and maintenance of state wildlife management areas with Georgia DNR staff in and around the Dugdown Corridor.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Networks with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the general public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy programs/preserves.

• Work with minimal supervision and make decisions independently based on analysis, experience, and context.

• Performs field monitoring and data collection as related to fire and wildlife management.

• Ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

• Work with DNR personnel to complete habitat improvement and restoration projects on WMA’s.

• Assists with infrastructure development and maintenance on public lands, including road maintenance, mowing, and related land management activities.

• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

Additional Job Details:

The position is a short-term position funded through December 31, 2026. Must have a valid driver’s license and good driving record.

What You’ll Bring:

• BA/BS degree in science-related field and 1 year related experience in custodial and ecological land management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Must be qualified as a 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), and one training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2. See http://www.tncfiremanual.org/firefighter.htm

• Must achieve physical fitness standards as determined by local Fire Program Manager and the TNC Fire Manual.

• Experience with natural systems, as well as wildlife and ecological land management principles.

• Experience operating and or repairing fire equipment such as: Portable pumps, UTV’s, ATV’s, and chainsaws.

• Experience working with tractors, mowers, skid steers, bulldozers, or other applicable land management equipment.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Qualified Fire Fighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) and successful completion of FFT1 task book. Requirements for FFT1 can be found in the Conservancy Fire Management Manual at: http://www.tncfiremanual.org/SquadBoss.htm.

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

• 1 – 2 years related experience in custodial, wildlife, and ecological land management or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience utilizing mapping software used by DNR, such as ArcGIS Field Maps, and utilizing topographic maps.

• 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.

• Experience and understanding of the longleaf pine ecosystem, specifically, the montane longleaf pine community.

• 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.

• Ability to obtain a Commercial Drivers License (CDL).

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. 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.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $23.95 - $25.01 hourly rate. This position frequently works a 40-hour work week. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate’s location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

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. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One 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. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

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 the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to [e-mail] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.