Long Cane Forest Recovery Technician

The Nature Conservancy; North Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy is seeking a Forest Recovery Technician to support the Long Cane Ranger District on the Sumter National Forest in South Carolina. The role focuses on forest recovery, hazardous fuels reduction, prescribed fire, field data collection, and coordination with agency staff and partners.

The position requires working in variable conditions, travel to sites, and adherence to safety and environmental requirements, with a strong emphasis on documentation and teamwork within a

Qualifications

• Requires an AS/Technical or vocational degree in a science-related field and 1 year of related experience.
• Experience with natural systems and ecological land management principles.
• Experience operating and/or repairing various equipment and machinery.
• Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work and work as part of a field-based team.
• Ability to follow plans, maps, and safety requirements; maintain records and communicate effectively.
• Must obtain FFT2, First Aid/CPR/AED qualifications or training for assigned duties.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel and operate vehicles on unimproved roads.

Responsibilities

• Participate in field activities supporting forest recovery, prescribed fire, and ecological restoration.
• Complete assigned field tasks per work plans and procedures.
• Support prescribed fire, vegetation management, and invasive species treatment activities.
• Operate and maintain tools, vehicles, equipment, and project supplies safely.
• Collect and maintain field data and documentation for reporting.
• Promote safe operations by participating in briefings and hazard assessments.
• Assist with field logistics and communication of needs and progress to project leads.
• Collaborate with TNC staff, agency personnel, contractors, landowners, and communities.

Skills

Fieldwork experience

Safety-minded

Team collaboration

Documentation skills

Education

AS/Technical or vocational degree in science-related field

Tools

Heavy equipment operation

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Forest Recovery Technician will support implementation of a five-year Hurricane Helene recovery and forest restoration agreement between The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the U.S. Forest Service on the Sumter National Forest, with a focus on the Long Cane Ranger District. The position will help deliver on‑ground recovery work that reduces hazardous fuels, restores resilient forests, improves watershed health and biological diversity, and strengthens community wildfire preparedness.

Working as part of TNC’s South Carolina Forest Recovery Team, the Technician will carry out field activities supporting forest restoration, hazardous fuels reduction, prescribed fire, post‑storm recovery, and related monitoring. The position will complete assigned work in accordance with established plans, procedures, and technical direction and will work alongside TNC staff, U.S. Forest Service personnel, contractors, and other partners to support safe and efficient operations.

Work will occur primarily on the Long Cane Ranger District of the Sumter National Forest and may include adjacent lands where treatments directly support recovery and restoration objectives for the district. Some work will occasionally occur on the Andrew Pickens Ranger District or at other approved locations. Activities may include prescribed fire preparation and implementation, mechanical and manual fuels work, fire control feature construction and rehabilitation, invasive species treatment, vegetation management, field assessment, fuels characterization, data collection, and restoration of disturbed areas with native vegetation.

The Technician will help maintain field readiness by inspecting and maintaining tools, vehicles, equipment, personal protective equipment, and supplies; supporting logistics and mobilization; documenting accomplishments; and communicating field conditions, safety concerns, and operational needs to designated project leads. The position may serve in Incident Command System positions for which the employee is qualified or formally assigned as a trainee.

The position requires work in variable weather, smoke, remote locations, difficult and hazardous terrain, and physically demanding conditions. Frequent travel to project sites and occasional overnight, evening, weekend, and extended operational assignments will be required. This is a full‑time, term position based in the western Piedmont of South Carolina, within reasonable commuting distance of the Long Cane Ranger District, and may be extended beyond the initial five‑year term, subject to funding and organizational need.

We’re Looking for You:

If you are looking for meaningful field‑based conservation work, join TNC’s South Carolina Chapter as a Forest Recovery Technician supporting the Long Cane Ranger District. You will help turn Hurricane Helene recovery investments into visible, measurable results on the ground while building a strong safety culture and supporting a capable, collaborative restoration team.

We are seeking a practical, dependable team member who can follow established plans, solve routine field problems, communicate clearly, and contribute directly to demanding restoration and prescribed fire operations. The successful candidate will balance production, safety, stewardship, accurate documentation, and respectful collaboration with agency staff, contractors, partners, and communities.

Essential Functions:

• Participate in field activities that support forest recovery, prescribed fire, hazardous fuels reduction, ecological restoration, and related conservation objectives.
• Complete assigned field tasks in accordance with work plans, established procedures, technical direction, and changing field conditions.
• Support the 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.
• 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.
• Assist with field logistics and communicate operational needs, progress, safety concerns, and project results to designated project leads.
• Work collaboratively with TNC staff, agency personnel, contractors, landowners, community members, and other partners; support training and outreach activities when assigned.

Responsibilities & Scope:

• Performs field and operational tasks within established procedures and assigned priorities.
• Is accountable for completing assigned work accurately, safely, and on schedule and for communicating conditions that may affect project delivery.
• May work with minimal or distant supervision and make routine decisions based on training, experience, field conditions, and project direction.
• May assist with project logistics, equipment and supply inventories, purchasing, data entry, and other administrative needs.
• Builds effective working relationships with TNC staff, landowners, conservation partners, contractors, government personnel, community members, and the general public.
• Supports daily field operations and the successful completion of assigned project activities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• AS/Technical or vocational 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 working as part of a field‑based team.
• 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 to 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.

Desired Qualifications:

• Additional education or experience in forestry, natural resource management, fire ecology, ecological restoration, or a related field.
• Experience with prescribed fire, wildland fire, fuels management, forest restoration, invasive species management, or related conservation practices.
• Current NWCG qualifications or other relevant forestry, equipment, pesticide/herbicide application, or safety certifications.