job

Heartwood Preserve Conservation Cemetery is a 41-acre nature preserve with a natural (‘green’) cemetery on a portion of the property. The land is a combination of Longleaf pine flatwoods and cypress wetlands and has been historically managed with prescribed fire and continues to be, now balancing the challenges of the wildland-urban interface.

Heartwood Preserve is a small, innovative business with a strong environmental and social ethic. We care deeply about natural burial, Florida’s natural habitats, and the families we serve.

POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Land Steward is responsible for the maintenance, care and overall ecological health of Heartwood Preserve’s cemetery and preserve areas, working with Exec. Director to develop and implement the Conservation Management Plan. The ideal candidate is positive, friendly, hard-working, and self-motivated. This person must have considerable and demonstrable knowledge & experience in the field of natural resources & land management in Florida ecosystems.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY: Overall Ecological Health of Preserve & Cemetery   Work with Exec. Director to strategize short- and long-term planning for ecological health   Identify and control invasive and nuisance exotic species; supervise feral hog control efforts  Identify, protect, and enhance rare and endangered species   Work with Director & other crew on Prescribed Burn program   Assess & restore impacted areas (burial sites, floodplain ponds, road edges, etc.)  Salvage valuable plants from future impact areas (future lakes area, grave sites, etc.) Balance of Ecological Health and Public Interaction  Maintain & improve trail system  Monitor and tend burial sites & high-use areas for weeds, invasive plants, foot traffic impacts  Supervise volunteer workdays  Work w/other staff to inform & educate community, e.g. keep information kiosk up-to-date   Other programs: Memorial Program (e.g. tree plantings); collection & propagation of native seeds & plants  Maintenance of prope
rty, equipment, facilities  Insure that property is well-kept (driveway edges, entrance, planted areas, walking paths, parking lot)   Supervise Groundskeeper for efficient maintenance of grounds  Keep all equipment and tools in working order  Keep facilities (Maintenance Barn, kiosk, signs, fences, etc.) clean, orderly, & secure

SKILLS AND QUALITIES NEEDED: • Demonstrable knowledge of Florida ecosystems, particularly Longleaf flatwoods, cypress wetlands • Knowledge of nuisance exotic plant species by site   • Have or be able to obtain related licenses/certifications (e.g. herbicide application, Rx burn crew)  • Good personality, verbal communication, and supervisory skills; work well independently & within a small team; embrace the mission of Heartwood Preserve; good computer skills

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: • H.S. diploma or equiv., plus 4 years of college &/or work experience in forestry, natural resource management, or related field. • Must be in good physical condition, able to perform all activities required of the position, including safe operation of typical land management equipment & tools. • Must pass criminal & employment background check, have valid DL, provide own transportation.

To apply, send cover letter, resume and 3 references to: info@heartwoodpreserve.com

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is now hiring a full-time South Florida Land Conservation Steward position based in Hobe Sound, Florida. This is a great opportunity for anyone with a keen interest in field work on TNC’s preserves, conservation lands and regional partnership projects in the South Florida region.

The South Florida Land Conservation Steward (Steward) is part of the South Florida Program under the Stewardship and Field Programs Department of the Florida Chapter of The Nature Conservancy (TNC). The position works as a team member under the supervision of the South Florida Land Conservation Coordinator, and is based at Blowing Rocks Preserve (BRP) on Jupiter Island, FL.

BRP is one of four campus preserves of TNC’s Center for Conservation Initiatives. The Steward performs and participates in operations, maintenance and management of BRP and TNC’s other South Florida preserves and landholdings as well as other conservation efforts in South Florida including the Florida Keys.

Apply by January 6.

Read the full posting here.

This position provides technical support for access and management of lands acquired through the Hillsborough County Jan K. Platt Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program (ELAPP).

The position may perform one or more of the activities below:

• Provides maintenance of existing and future access points, trails, and park sites at all ELAPP Preserves.
• Conducts exotic plant control using herbicide and other methods.
• Assists with exotic, invasive, and nuisance animal removal.
• Assists with prescribed burns by preparing fire lanes and prescribed burn activities
• Assists with or gives guided field trips on various nature preserves.
• Assists with water quality monitoring.
• Assists with restoration activities, including planting of native species.
• Maintains signs, restroom facilities, and parking areas at various preserves.

Apply by December 29.

Full information and application instructions here.