Preserve Field Steward: Wildland Fire & Habitat

USA The Nature Conservancy; Lake Wales (FL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care benefits

Flexible spending accounts

401(k) with employer match

Parental leave

Accrued paid time off

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Employee assistance program

Other life and work well-being

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy seeks a Land Conservation Steward to implement land management across Florida preserves, including Tiger Creek Preserve. You will participate in prescribed fires, monitor invasive species, and support maintenance of facilities and trails.

Typical duties include habitat improvement, volunteer coordination, and data collection. Able to work across multiple preserves, you will join a dedicated team, adhere to safety standards, and travel as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED and 1 year of science-related training or land management experience.
• Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
• Experience operating equipment safely (mowers, chainsaws, UTVs, ATVs, radios).
• Teamwork experience.
• Ability to obtain required licenses/certifications (First Aid, CPR, herbicide/pesticide).
• Ability to obtain NWCG FFT2 qualifications (I-100, L-180, S-190, S-130).
• Walk 3 miles with a 45-pound pack; arduous level.
• Valid driver's license with clean record.

Responsibilities

• Participate in prescribed and wildland fires using ignition devices and fire apparatus.
• Invasive non-native species control and monitoring; implement integrated pest management.
• Pre/post burn operations including fireline prep, mop-up, patrols, and monitoring data.
• Supervise preserve work groups (staff, interns, volunteers) as needed.
• Foster teamwork and strong interpersonal skills.
• Work in variable weather, remote locations, hazardous terrain, and long hours.
• Maintain physical condition to conduct field work.
• Make day-to-day decisions as delegated by supervisor.
• Travel on short notice may be required.
• Operate and maintain equipment (4-WD trucks, ATVs, UTVs, Type-6/7 fire engines, tractors, pumps, sprayers, GPS).
• Provide logistical support for outreach events and tours.
• Maintain records and databases.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Species recognition

Teamwork

Equipment operation

Field safety

Licenses/certifications

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Lawn mower

Chainsaw

UTV/ATV

GPS units

Job description

The Nature Conservancy seeks a Land Conservation Steward to implement land management across Florida preserves, including Tiger Creek Preserve. You will participate in prescribed fires, monitor invasive species, and support maintenance of facilities and trails.

Typical duties include habitat improvement, volunteer coordination, and data collection. Able to work across multiple preserves, you will join a dedicated team, adhere to safety standards, and travel as needed.