Land Steward

What We Can Achieve Together :

The Land Steward position is based in Lexington and will perform land stewardship activities including the maintenance, management, development, and coordination of stewardship work on TNC owned, managed, and partner lands. The Land Steward will be heavily involved with our prescribed fire program spending approximately 50% of time working on wildland fire operations including ignitions, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring, planning, fire break preparation, mapping, attending trainings to advance in qualifications, coordinating training, and leading seasonal fire modules. This position will require frequent overnight travel of up to 50% throughout the year. This is a permanent full-time position.

The Land Steward leads work teams to ensure the coordination, community support and implementation of management plans. The Land Steward maintains nature preserves frequented by the visiting public, removes exotic species, monitors fee lands, monitors vegetation response, coordinates and supervises volunteers, maintains currency on habitat management practices to benefit species of conservation need, maintains tools and equipment, operates heavy machinery, and ensures management needs are met on TNC preserves, managed lands, and partners lands.

The Land Steward's responsibility includes but is not limited to the following :

• Leads and monitors work groups consisting of staff, interns, and volunteers covering a wide geographic area.
• Financial responsibility may include working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, and assisting with budget development.
• Networks with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members, volunteers, and the public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy programs and preserves.
• May work under minimal and / or distant supervision; supervises seasonal and / or part-time staff and volunteers; make independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
• Works in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Manages preserves, preserves infrastructure, and maintains hiking trails.
• Maintains supplies and equipment.
• Maintains herbicide applicator licenses and applies herbicides.
• Functions as a leader and member of a work team, in high stress environments.
• Assists with the development of prescribed burn plans, fire management plans, and land management plans.
• Leads vegetation and fire effects monitoring programs.
• Assists with the implementation of prescribed burns by maintaining firebreaks, leading squads of 3-7 firefighters, maintaining fire equipment, and planning logistics.
• Maintains physical fitness necessary for maintaining wild land fire qualifications.
• Must have valid driver's license and good driving record.

As part of the Land Steward'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 in the local community where the Conservancy works. This may include participation in wildland fire suppression activities in partnership with other non-profits, local fire departments, and local, state, and federal agencies, either as a TNC employee, or as a volunteer or short-term employee of the partner entity (such as an Administratively Determined, short term federal employee).

We're Looking for You :

Want to help save the planet? Through the efforts of The Nature Conservancy, thousands of acres in Kentucky have been preserved for people and nature. From the Appalachian Mountains to the Mississippi River, the Kentucky Chapter is dedicated to conserving the natural resources that make Kentucky unique. This is an exceptional career opportunity for a highly motivated, capable individual interested in joining the world's leading conservation organization!

What You'll Bring :

Desired Qualifications :

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 under the FAQ section. 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 $25.75 - $29.75 per hour. 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. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. 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. Please apply - we'd love to hear from you. 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 of 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 applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.