Wells, Maine, USA

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world's toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC's primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we'll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply - we'd love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, "you'll join for the mission, and you'll stay for the people."

This is a 6-month position that begins (negotiable) March/April. Ideally, we are looking for someone to start part time for March - May and then full time from June to October. The position is based within the Nature Conservancy Maine Business Unit, primarily at the Conservancy's Wells, Maine office with supporting travel to additional TNC and partner sites including the Brunswick office with possible travel to numerous sites within the state and neighbouring states. They will support the collaborative partners, trained volunteers and seasonal burn crews at as well as engage in preserve management activities outside of prescribed fire timeframes.

The Fire Specialist/Land Manager (FSLM) will oversee trained (call-when-needed) crews comprised of staff, volunteers, and partners in wildland fire operations which include ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring, and other tasks, as assigned. The FSLM must use safety equipment and always maintain a safety-conscious attitude. Tasks will include assisting with preserve management activities such as preparing firebreaks, herbicide application, boundary maintenance, equipment/vehicle maintenance, fence construction/removal, constructing parking areas, meeting with local landowners, assisting with field trips, leading volunteers, biological and easement monitoring, research coordination, timber marking, and other land management activities as needed. Routine tasks will be focused on the management and restoration of critical native ecosystems. Ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances is required. On site vehicle(s) and transportation to preserves and work sites will be provided by The Nature Conservancy. Camping in remote locations may be required as part of the job duties.

As part of the FSLM's ongoing professional development, they will be responsible for maintaining current awareness of burn techniques and equipment to enhance skills and maintain/grow professional fire certification credentials. In addition, they will build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and in the local communities 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). The FSLM may also be asked to represent TNC at meetings with conservation partners.

The ideal candidate will meet or exceed the competencies outlined below. With this skill set, the ideal FSLM candidate will also write and update forest management plans and burn plans, manage projects such as community wildfire protection planning efforts, and write grants to help grow TNC's fire and forest stewardship capacity. The FSLM will work as part of a small team responsible for the strategic growth of fire management and land stewardship activities across Maine.

By joining The Nature Conservancy, you will be a part of a highly functioning team working together to restore native ecosystems in Maine. Our team consists of a dedicated group who are leading the conservation effort on multiple fronts and who expertly bring strategy and action together. We need your curiosity, ecological expertise, and passion for land management to join our land stewardship team as we care for special lands across the state and work to protect biodiversity, manage for climate resilience, and maintain human access infrastructure. Come join TNC and apply today!

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a natural resources field and 1-year training in fire operations, science-related field or similar field or related experience in land management.
• Qualified Fire Fighter Type 2 and interest in professional development towards FFT1 qualifications. Requirements for FFT2 can be found in the Conservancy Fire Management Manual at: https://www.tncfiremanual.org/FIrefighter.htm.
• Ability to pass NWCG (National Wildfire Coordinating Group) work capacity test at arduous level. Must walk 3 miles in 45 minutes or less, while carrying 45lbs.
• Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment. I.e., farm tractor, track loader, ATV, UTV (side by side), Type-6 engine, chainsaw, clearing saw, etc., or willingness and ability to learn.
• Experience supervising staff or volunteers
• May be required to obtain related licenses and certifications such as CPR and herbicide application.
• Experience, passion, or dedication to learning/understanding the ecology of Northeastern and ecosystems.
• Verbal and written communication skills, demonstrated by the ability to convey information clearly and effectively in both spoken and written formats.

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 on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

The Nature Conservancy in Maine is committed to the professional development of the FSLM through offering/providing no less than 2 weeks per year of formal training for this position to enhance fireline qualification, Cultural training opportunities and/or ecological knowledge.

Through the routine use of prescribed fire coupled with active land management tasks, The Nature Conservancy will offer the FSLM multiple opportunities to further develop and refine fireline leadership and collaborative partnership skills, with feedback, instruction, and validation from qualified TNC employees, partners, and volunteers.

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 https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ 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.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally $24 hourly rate for annual base salary. 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.

To apply for job ID 56374, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on March 10, 2024. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character 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.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC's value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we're registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we're unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.