Forest Recovery Lead Technician

The Nature Conservancy

. Support implementation of a five-year Hurricane Helene recovery and forest restoration agreement on the Sumter National Forest, focused on the Andrew Pickens Ranger District .

Posted 11/4/2026full-timeSouth Carolina • United StatesSenior💰 $27 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in ecological land management, including prescribed fire, forest restoration, and invasive species treatment. Proficient in coordinating field operations, maintaining safety standards, and effectively communicating with diverse stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Ecological Land ManagementPrescribed Fire ImplementationField Data CollectionWildland Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2)Equipment Operation and Maintenance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Ecological RestorationHazardous Fuels ReductionVegetation ManagementData CollectionField AssessmentFuels CharacterizationInvasive Species TreatmentFire Control Feature ConstructionMechanical and Manual Fuels WorkMapping and Technical Instructions

Soft Skills

Effective CommunicationTeam LeadershipAdaptabilityCollaborationProblem-Solving

Tools & Technologies

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)Field ToolsVehiclesMechanical EquipmentOffice Software Applications

Certifications & Qualifications

Wildland Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2)First AidCPRAED

Industry Keywords

Forest RestorationNatural Resource ManagementSouthern Appalachian ForestsSouthern Blue Ridge EcosystemsConservation Practices

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support implementation of a five-year Hurricane Helene recovery and forest restoration agreement on the Sumter National Forest, focused on the Andrew Pickens Ranger District
Lead and participate in forest restoration, hazardous fuels reduction, prescribed fire, post-storm recovery, ecological restoration, and monitoring activities
Organize field assignments, coordinate personnel and equipment, monitor progress, and adapt work to changing conditions
Support planning, preparation, implementation, monitoring, and follow-up of prescribed fire, vegetation management, invasive species treatment, and restoration activities
Operate and maintain tools, vehicles, equipment, personal protective equipment, and project supplies
Conduct prescribed fire preparation and implementation, mechanical and manual fuels work, fire control feature construction and rehabilitation, invasive species treatment, vegetation management, field assessment, fuels characterization, data collection, and native vegetation restoration
Inspect and maintain field tools, vehicles, equipment, PPE, and supplies; coordinate logistics and mobilization
Collect and maintain field data, treatment records, accomplishment documentation, and project reporting materials
Participate in briefings, hazard assessments, after-action reviews, and incident reporting
Communicate field conditions, safety concerns, operational needs, progress, and project results to the Forest Recovery Director and U.S. Forest Service contacts
Work with TNC staff, U.S. Forest Service personnel, contractors, landowners, community members, and other partners
May lead or monitor staff, interns, volunteers, temporary staff, or contractors
May assist with purchasing, vendor coordination, inventory, expenditure tracking, and other administrative needs
May serve in qualified or assigned Incident Command System positions
Support training, outreach, and workforce development when assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

BA/BS degree in a science-related field and 1 year related experience in custodial and ecological land management or 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
Experience performing physically demanding outdoor work safely and leading or coordinating field-based work teams
Experience following maps, work plans, safety requirements, and technical instructions; maintaining accurate records; and communicating effectively with coworkers and partners
Must obtain and maintain Wildland Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2), First Aid, CPR, AED, and other qualifications or training required for assigned duties
Valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s vehicle-use requirements
Ability to travel frequently and operate vehicles on unimproved roads
Ability to work in variable weather, smoke, difficult terrain, long or irregular hours, and multi-day assignments, with or without reasonable accommodation
Employment contingent upon completion of TNC’s background screening and vehicle-use requirements
Must meet TNC’s Auto Safety Program requirements and complete a Vehicle Use Agreement
Desired: additional education or experience in forestry, natural resource management, fire ecology, ecological restoration, or a related field
Desired: experience leading field crews, volunteers, entry-level staff, or contractors
Desired: experience with prescribed fire, wildland fire, fuels management, forest restoration, invasive species management, or related conservation practices
Desired: current NWCG qualifications or other relevant forestry, equipment, pesticide application, or safety certifications
Desired: experience operating and maintaining field tools, vehicles, trailers, or mechanical equipment used in land management
Desired: knowledge of Southern Appalachian forests and Southern Blue Ridge ecosystems
Desired: experience collecting field data and using mapping, mobile data collection, and office software applications
Desired: experience working with government agencies, conservation organizations, contractors, landowners, or other partners

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health care benefits
Flexible spending accounts
401(k) plan with an 8% employer match
Parental leave
Accrued paid time off
Life insurance
Disability coverage
Employee assistance program
Other life and work well-being benefits
Flexible work environment
Career development
Accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans