ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The Exotic Strike Team Leader participates in preserve operations including the maintenance, management and development and coordination of conservation programs. This may include one or more of the following functions: Leads Invasive Exotics Strike team Furthers the Conservancys strategic goals Coordinates community support Removes exotic species and/or monitors & researches species Maintains tools and equipment Operates heavy machinery
POSITION REQUIREMENTS This position has currently identified financial support through June 15, 2007 and no guarantees can be made that the position will extend beyond that date. However, The Nature Conservancy is an employer at will and the employment relationship may end at any time. Position is approximately 10% in-office planning/data reporting, 75% field work on public conservation lands (Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuge & State of Florida Wildlife and Environmental Area) and 15% field work on private lands. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, identification, physical removal and herbiciding of invasive exotic plants, leading work teams from a wide variety of backgrounds, and networking with private landowners and conservation partners. Leads field efforts of The Nature Conservancys 5-person Florida Keys Invasive Exotic Strike Team. Work closely with TNC staff to follow priorities for invasives removal work and assess progress. Provide oversight of strike team work records and timesheets. Approach and communicate clearly with private landowners to motivate them to allow exotic removal on their property. Provides leadership, implementation and project tracking assistance for Florida Keys GreenSweep, a community/volunteer-based program designed to help control invasive exotic species, and restore native species Keys-wide. Helps maintain tools and equipment. Must have familiarity with the safe operation of electrical and mechanical power tools, including chainsaws, and must follow recommended safety guidelines and precautions specified for said work. Receives training in plant species identification, herbicide use and safety in order to work alone and with volunteers. Will be required to obtain Florida Certified Pesticide Applicator license with category (21) for licensing of Commercial applicators of herbicides in natural areas. Utilize handheld GPS units and mapping software to collect and enter and download accurate information on exotic plant infestation and treatment into databases. Ability to maintain and safely operate vehicles and tow chippers and trailers. Must have valid drivers license. Ability to work a flexible work schedule, occasionally weekends on short notice. Other duties as assigned. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS BA/BS/AS/Technical or vocational degree in science-related field and one to two years related experience in custodial and ecological land management or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems. Ability to recognize plant and animal species as required to complete preserve management activities. Knowledge of ecological land management principles Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and natural resource preservation Completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s) Managing time and diverse activities under deadlines while delivering quality results 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 Using maintenance tools, including lawn mowers, power tools, and construction tools, safely TO APPLY, SEND COVER LETTER AND RESUME TO: Alison Higgins, Land Conservation Program Manager c/o Anna Symington, Office Manager The Nature Conservancy P.O. Box-420237 Summerland Key, FL 33042 Fax: 305/745-8399 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] No phone calls please.
