The Land Manager with be based in Lexington, KY and will perform and participate in land management activities including the maintenance, management, development, and coordination of conservation programs on TNC owned, managed, and partner lands. The Land Manager will spend approximately 30% of their time working with the fire management program participating in wildland fire operations including ignitions, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring, and leading seasonal fire modules during the fire seasons. This position will require frequent overnight travel of up to 50% throughout the year. This position is currently fully funded for one year, with opportunity for extension into future years, and the pay range is estimated at $22.00 to $25.00 per hour based on experience.
The Land Manager leads work teams to ensure the coordination, community support and implementation of land management plans. The Land Manager maintains preserve areas frequented by the visiting public, removes exotic species, monitors fee lands, monitors vegetation response, coordinates and supervises volunteers, maintains currency on habitat management to benefit species of conservation need, maintains tools and equipment, operates heavy machinery, assist with prescribed fire operations, and ensures management needs are met on TNC preserves, managed lands, and partners lands.
The Land Manager will be performing 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 general public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy programs/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.
Maintains supplies and equipment.
Functions as a leader and member of a work team, in high stress environments.
Assist with the development of prescribed burn plans, fire management plans, and land management plans.
Lead vegetation and fire effects monitoring programs.
Assist with the implementation of prescribed burns by maintaining firebreaks, leading squads or 3-7 firefighters, maintaining fire equipment, and planning logistics. Must have valid driver’s license and good driving record.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING
BA/BS degree in a science-related field and 1-year related experience in custodial and ecological land management or a similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience with natural systems.
Experience in ecological land management principles.
Experience operating and or repairing various types of equipment and machinery and towing trailers.
Experience with prescribed burning and / or wildland fire suppression.
Squad Boss (FFT1), and Wildland Faller qualified. Go here: https://www.tncfiremanual.org/SquadBoss.htm to see TNC’s Squad Boss qualification requirements, and here: https://www.tncfiremanual.org/Chainsaw.htm to see TNC’s Wildland Fire Faller qualification requirements. Ability to create maps in ArcGIS Pro.
Ability to work in the field and in remote areas independently.
Ability to operate off-road vehicles.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
1 – 2 years related experience in custodial and ecological land management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience managing volunteers or entry level staff.
Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete preserve management activities.
Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field.
Single Resources Boss – Engine Boss (ENGB) qualified. Go here: https://www.tncfiremanual.org/SingleResource.htm to see TNC’s ENGB qualification requirements.
Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Web browsers).
Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $22.00 – $25.00 an hour. 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 qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.
