DESCRIPTION

Alachua Conservation Trust (ACT) is seeking a Land Management Specialist to join our nationally accredited land trust’s natural resource management team. This field position is responsible for supervising and training interns who participate in ACT’s Women in the Woods program on various resource management field projects, conservation and operational tasks relating to prescribed fire, trail maintenance, and recreational improvements.

ACT’s inaugural Women in the Woods (WITW) program will endeavor to provide a skills-based, internship program for students and recent graduates seeking experience and job training in natural resource management. Statistics on the status of women employment in our region indicate low levels of employment within natural resource management fields. ACT is assisting with a solution to this under-representation through its Women in the Woods program by equipping women with practical, hands-on land management and conservation skills so that they may wield this experience in confidence and utilize their internship as a highly beneficial reference tool for acquiring employment in the natural resource management field. The program anticipates serving a total of 40-48 interns over a two and a half year period.

Land Management Specialist: This is a half-time position (20 hrs/week) starting at $16/hr. Housing is provided.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

40%: Conservation Management Duties:

1. Works independently and jointly with other ACT staff on conservation projects that will primarily involve WITW interns as they learn about and work in habitat restoration, fire management, exotic invasive species control, and natural resource management monitoring projects.
2. Assists as a fire crew member in Alachua Conservation Trust’s fire management program on prescribed fires and wildfires for the purpose of natural resource enhancement, restoration, fuel reduction, and training.
3. Participates, with and without WITW interns, in fire mop-up activities that may require working non-normal work schedule (infrequent).
4. Assists, with and without WITW interns, with pre and post fire operation needs including preparing fire breaks, burn unit fuel treatments, and post-burn monitoring.
5. Assists, with and without WITW interns, in maintaining fire equipment and fire cache in ready status; maintain clean and organized trucks, UTVs, ATVs and work areas.
6. Works alongside cooperators and contractors when needed.
7. Works with other ACT staff in scouting, documenting, and controlling of exotic-invasive species.
8. Collects data on identified conservation projects and serves as a backup data collector on selected projects.
9. Monitors natural communities for management needs and effects of management activities.
10. Assists in generation of WITW intern work plans by identifying needs, projects and activities.
11. At the discretion of supervisor, this position will be expected to serve in leadership positions.

20%: Operations Management Duties (Including but not limited to):

1. Participates, with and without WITW interns, in maintaining equipment and building facilities.
2. Prepares purchase requests and work order requests.
3. Assists with outreach and education events and tours. Some events may occur on weekends.
4. Collects GPS data related to resource management and other identified needs.

40%: Project Management Duties (Including but not limited to):

1. Enters data into spreadsheets, databases, and word documents.
2. Maintains Intern Program functions such as:
   • Supervising all field work, teaching technical skills related to management and tool systems, ensuring weekly logs and evaluations are completed, compiling weekly reports, evaluating interns for institutional credit, scheduling professional development lunches with local resource professionals, and serving as a role model and educator in the natural resource field.
   • Enhancing WITW by creating a standard set of practices for the continuation of the program, ensuring a sustainable program once her time is completed, and seeking opportunities as available to perpetuate and expand the program.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

1. Bachelor’s degree with a natural resource major (forestry, natural resource conservation, etc.) AND a minimum of 1 year related experience. – OR – a bachelor’s degree in any field AND 2-3 years experience in natural resource management.
2. Experience with operating small equipment such as mowers, pumps, and chainsaws.
3. Valid Driver's License and safe driving record.
4. Proficiency with PC computer systems, including Microsoft products.
5. Excellent organizational skills.
6. Ability to budget time to accomplish work assignments and to work equally well independently or as a team.
7. Ability to walk, climb, run, stoop, bend, stand, push, pull, lift 40 lbs. and carry heavy items.

Preferred

1. Experience with supervising volunteers, students, or other leadership positions.
2. Experience with participation on prescribed burns.
3. Demonstrated knowledge of native Florida flora and fauna as well as exotic/invasive plant species common to North Florida.
4. Experience with ESRI ArcMap and collecting GPS data.
5. Ability to work with diverse constituents.
6. Experience in the use of off-road vehicles and equipment, including heavy equipment (tractors, tractor attachments, trailers, ATVs, UTVs).
7. Excellent physical condition – position involves work in variable, sometimes difficult, weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
8. Ability to interact pleasantly and knowledgeably with the public and to convey basic information about the organization
9. Demonstrated interest in resource management issues and a career in resource management.
10. Experience in the use of off-road vehicles and equipment, including heavy equipment (tractors, tractor attachments, trailers, ATVs, UTVs).
11. Interest in developing fire management skills, and training through NWCG wildland fire courses.
12. Passionate about protecting and restoring the unique natural landscapes of north central Florida.