Dugdown Corridor Technician/Conservation Practitioner IV

The position is a short-term role funded through December 31, 2026, working frequently from the field and occasionally in our North Georgia Conservation Office in Rome, Georgia.

About the Role

The Dugdown Corridor Technician (DCT) performs and participates in Georgia DNR (DNR) Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and preserve operations, including the maintenance, management, and coordination of the Dugdown Corridor. This position works closely with Georgia DNR to complete assigned tasks on WMAs in and around the Dugdown Corridor and reports to the Upper Coosa River Program Director.

Responsibilities

• Participate in preparing fire lines, maintaining equipment, post-burn monitoring, and other related tasks.
• Stay abreast of new burn techniques and equipment to enhance skills and maintain/grow professional fire certification credentials.
• Build and maintain relationships in the professional fire community and with partners in and around the Dugdown Corridor, including participation in wildland fire suppression activities.
• Perform conservation, management, and maintenance of state wildlife management areas with Georgia DNR staff.
• Network with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members, and the general public to support and publicize Conservancy programs.
• Work with minimal supervision and make independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
• Perform field monitoring and data collection related to fire and wildlife management.
• Complete habitat improvement and restoration projects on WMAs in collaboration with DNR personnel.
• Assist with infrastructure development and maintenance on public lands, including road maintenance, mowing, and related land management activities.

Work involves heavy physical labor in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

Requirements

• BA/BS degree in a science-related field and 1 year of related experience in custodial and ecological land management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Qualified as a Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2), including certifications: Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fireline (L-180), Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130), and completion of one training burn under supervision.
• See TNC Fire Manual for details.
• Must meet physical fitness standards as determined by the local Fire Program Manager and the TNC Fire Manual.
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record; compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program required.
• Experience with natural systems, wildlife, and ecological land management principles.
• Experience operating and/or repairing fire equipment such as portable pumps, UTVs, ATVs, and chainsaws.
• Experience working with tractors, mowers, skid steers, bulldozers, or other land management equipment.

Desired Qualifications

• Qualified Fire Fighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) and successful completion of FFT1 task book. Requirements can be found in the Conservancy Fire Management Manual.
• 1–2 years of related experience in custodial, wildlife, and ecological land management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience using mapping software such as ArcGIS Field Maps and topographic maps.
• Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete preserve management activities.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and natural resource preservation.
• Experience with the longleaf pine ecosystem, specifically the montane longleaf pine community.
• Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timelines.
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, web browsers).
• Clear communication skills via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Ability to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

Pay

The starting pay range for this position is $23.95 - $25.01 per hour.

Schedule

This position frequently works a 40-hour work week.

Benefits

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including:

• Health care benefits
• Flexible spending accounts
• 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match
• Parental leave
• Accrued paid time off
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Other life and work well-being benefits

Learn more about our Benefits and Perks.