Forest Recovery Lead Technician: Field Restoration & Fire

The Nature Conversancy; North Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 34,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy in South Carolina is seeking a Forest Recovery Lead Technician to guide field operations on the Long Cane Ranger District as part of Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. You will manage field assignments, coordinate crews and resources, and ensure safe, effective restoration work across forest habitats.

Responsibilities include supporting prescribed fire, habitat restoration, data collection, and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Experience with natural systems.
• Experience in ecological land management principles.
• Experience operating and/or repairing various types of equipment and machinery.
• Experience performing physically demanding outdoor work safely and leading or coordinating field-based work teams.
• Experience following maps, work plans, safety requirements, and technical instructions; maintain accurate records; and communicate effectively with coworkers and partners.
• Must obtain and maintain Wildland Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2), First Aid, CPR, AED, and other qualifications or training required for assigned duties.
• Valid driver’s license and must meet TNC’s vehicle-use requirements, travel frequently, and operate vehicles on unimproved roads.
• Requires working in variable weather, smoke, difficult terrain, and other field conditions, including long or irregular hours and multi-day assignments, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and participate in field activities that support forest recovery, prescribed fire, hazardous fuels reduction, ecological restoration, and related conservation objectives.
• Provide day-to-day field leadership by organizing assignments, coordinating personnel and resources, monitoring progress, and adapting work to changing conditions.
• Support the planning, preparation, implementation, monitoring, and follow-up of prescribed fire, vegetation management, invasive species treatment, and other forest restoration activities.
• Operate and maintain tools, vehicles, equipment, and project supplies in accordance with training, authorization, and established safety requirements.
• Collect and maintain field data, treatment records, and other documentation needed to track accomplishments and support project reporting and adaptive management.
• Promote safe and compliant operations by participating in briefings, hazard assessments, after-action reviews, and incident reporting and by following approved plans, policies, and environmental requirements.
• Coordinate field logistics and communicate operational needs, progress, safety concerns, and project results to the Forest Recovery Director and other designated contacts.
• Work collaboratively with TNC staff, agency personnel, contractors, landowners, community members, and other partners; support training, outreach, and workforce development when assigned.

Education

BA/BS degree in science-related field

Additional education or experience in forestry / natural resource management / fire ecology / ecological restoration

Job description

The Nature Conservancy in South Carolina is seeking a Forest Recovery Lead Technician to guide field operations on the Long Cane Ranger District as part of Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. You will manage field assignments, coordinate crews and resources, and ensure safe, effective restoration work across forest habitats.

Responsibilities include supporting prescribed fire, habitat restoration, data collection, and regulatory compliance.