Stephen F. Austin State University

Description

Potential Applicants: to apply, go to provided job post link (you may also navigate there via nature.org/careers) and enter job ID# 55824.

The Nature Conservancy, Louisiana Business Unit seeks a Land Steward to manage TNC-owned preserves and monitor conservation easements across west Louisiana, and to aid in preserve management and other conservation initiatives elsewhere. The Land Steward participates in preserve operations and assists with the development, management, and monitoring of nature preserves and conservation servitudes across the region. The Land Steward also assists with the development and advancement of conservation programs, plans and methods for small to medium scale geographic areas.

They will lead the development of conservation management plans for preserves in southwest and north Louisiana and is the primary lead in the implementation of those plans, which may include the following management activities: restoration forestry, restoration plantings, control of invasive exotic and native species, preserve, servitude, and target monitoring, boundary posting/maintenance, oversight of hunting leases, trail maintenance, burn plan preparation and/or assistance with prescribed fire, maintaining areas frequented by the public, oversight of outside researchers, maintaining tools and equipment, operating heavy machinery, and other activities. The Land Steward develops and oversees contracts with private contractors for particular management activities on TNC preserves. He or She will assist with annual monitoring and reporting on TNC-Louisiana’s portfolio of nature preserves and conservation servitudes. The Land Steward coordinates community support, ensures the maintenance of preserve areas frequented by the visiting public and coordinates multiple projects, sets deadlines and manages completion and leads volunteer or staff events to accomplish preserve or project objectives. He or she may lead or monitor work groups consisting of staff, interns, and volunteers, and may also assist with fundraising efforts, budgets, grant proposals and contracts. Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes some independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.

The Land Steward’s primary location must be somewhere within south or central Louisiana, although Lafayette/Breaux Bridge (where TNC maintains a field office location), Lake Charles, southwest Louisiana or central Louisiana are preferred. Regardless of location, the Land Steward will travel extensively across many areas of the state. He or she may work under minimal and/or distant supervision, and invariable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. The salary range for this position is $54,000 - $59,000 and will depend on qualifications and experience.

Requirements

For the Land Steward position, The Nature Conservancy Louisiana Business Unit seeks natural resource professional with expertise in forestry, wildlife management or consulting, ecological restoration, conservation biology, environmental consulting, parks or lands management, prescribed fire, botany, biology, and/or project management. The chosen candidate may work out of a home office anywhere in south or central Louisiana, but southwest Louisiana or central Louisiana is preferred. Working out of TNC’s field office in Breaux Bridge, LA is also an option.

Minimum Qualifications

   Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
   Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal scientists. 
   Experience managing volunteers or staff
   Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
   Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means
   Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.

Desired Qualifications

   Bachelor’s degree and 4+ years’ experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
   Experience with regional natural systems and ecological land management principles, with an emphasis on Louisiana and the Southeastern US. Knowledge of characteristic plant and animal species found on Louisiana TNC preserves and willingness to learn to identify native and non-native plant and animal species that are monitored as part of various land management programs.
   Ability to meet TNC training and health requirements for prescribed burning at the arduous physical conditioning level (45-pound pack test result of 45 minutes or less).
   Ability and willingness to work outdoors in remote areas for long periods in remote areas in conditions of uncomfortable weather, biting insects, poison ivy, and potentially hazardous animals. Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
   Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
   Knowledge of forest management, silviculture, and/or wildlife habitat management
   Familiarity with principles of land acquisition or similar asset acquisition.
   Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.
   Experience managing staff or volunteers.  
   NWCG S130-190 Trained and FFT2 Certified. 
   Experience with GPS and GIS, especially ArcGIS/ArcGIS Pro                   
   Familiar with data collection applications such as ArcCollector or Field Maps.
   Experience with safe use and maintenance of hand and power tools and equipment.
   History of safe operation of 4WD pick-up trucks, loaded trailers, ATVs, and/or small boats and outboard motors.