Land Stewardship Technician
The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas towards a future where birds thrive because Audubon is a powerful, diverse, and ever-growing force for conservation. Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the hemisphere and more than 1.5 million active supporters.
North America has lost three billion birds since 1970, and more than 500 bird species are at risk of extinction across Latin America and the Caribbean. Birds act as early warning systems about the health of our environment, and they tell us that birds – and our planet – are in crisis. Together as one Audubon, we are working to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss. We do this by implementing on-the-ground conservation, partnering with local communities, influencing public and corporate policy, and building community.
Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon brings new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.
The Land Stewardship Technician will report to the Senior Resource Manager and will be primarily responsible for aiding in the implementation of an ecologically-sound land management plan. This will involve direct field work removing invasive exotics and native nuisance plants, assisting with prescribed burns, and coordinating with field crews or volunteers to assist with these primary tasks.
This full-time, 40-hrs per week position is based out of Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. The Land Stewardship Technician will work collaboratively with the Sanctuary’s Conservation Team (land stewardship and research), in addition to facilities staff and volunteers.
Compensation:
- Remove invasive and native nuisance plants within the Sanctuary using boom sprayers, backpack sprayers, ATV sprayers, machetes, chainsaws, and other equipment, as needed.
Assist with invasive animal monitoring, reporting, and removal, as needed (may include snails, insects, fish, lizards, snakes, etc.) - Aid in prescribed burning activities, including preparing burn units, maintaining and preparing equipment, and mopping up post-fire.
- Maintain accurate, detailed records of land stewardship activities, especially herbicide inventories and use.
- Operate and assist in basic maintenance of multiple off-road vehicles including, but not limited to, 4WD trucks, ATVs, UTVs, swamp buggies, and airboats.
- Maintain habitat and trails using mechanical means such as tractors, discs, mowers, and other tractor implements, chainsaws, weed eaters, and other power equipment.
- Implement, recommend, and consistently follow safe work habits and procedures.
- Effectively train, communicate with, and oversee (as crew leader) volunteers assisting with land stewardship activities.
- Provide written and verbal progress reports.
- Maintain consistently clear and professional communication with staff, Sanctuary visitors, donors, visiting colleagues, and others.
- Other job-related duties as assigned.
- 1+ years' professional experience in land stewardship or environmental science field work required. GED or high school diploma required. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
- Must have (or be able to obtain within stated timeframe after hire) certifications:
- First Aid and CPR Training (within 3 months)
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Pesticide Applicator License
(within 6 months) - National Wildfire Coordinating Group S130 (Firefighter Training) and S190 (Introduction to
Wildland Fire Behavior (within 12 months)
- Knowledge of and experience with herbicide application and/or South Florida ecosystems preferred.
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record, as well as have personal vehicle for transportation to/from the job site.
- Flexible availability with a willingness to periodically work evening and weekend hours.
- Ability and willingness to work long hours outdoors in sub-tropical wetland environments, exposed to harsh South Florida environment (sun, biting insects, severe summer storms), sometimes alone and carrying field gear (up to 40 lbs.) for extended periods, with or without accommodation.
- Ability and willingness to work in murky waters and thick vegetation that serve as home for potentially dangerous wildlife, including alligators and venomous snakes.
- Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, and ability to work as part of a team.
- A problem solver, who can work independently and be creative and resourceful.
- Must demonstrate competency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook and basic computer skills (saving/renaming/organizing files, uploading/downloading files to the cloud, etc.). Must also be able to learn and quickly become proficient with additional cloud-based programs for tracking time, expenses, etc.
- Experience (or ability to quickly become proficient) with handheld GPS and Google Earth.
- Demonstrated commitment to safety through strict adherence to health and safety requirements.
- Experience safely operating and maintaining tools, power equipment, agricultural equipment and land stewardship equipment preferred.
- Solid judgement and the ability to identify and act quickly in emergencies.
- Demonstrate an interest in conservation and the mission of the National Audubon Society