Forest Recovery Technician

The Nature Conservancy

. Participate in field activities supporting forest recovery, prescribed fire, hazardous fuels reduction, ecological restoration, and related conservation objectives .

Posted 11/4/2026full-timeSouth Carolina • United StatesJunior💰 $24 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in ecological land management, including prescribed fire and forest restoration practices, while effectively collaborating with diverse stakeholders. Proficient in data collection, record maintenance, and operating field equipment under varying conditions.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Ecological Land ManagementPrescribed Fire ManagementField 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 RestorationInvasive Species ManagementFuels ManagementNatural Systems ExperienceMapping and Mobile Data CollectionRecord KeepingSafety ComplianceTechnical Instruction FollowingPhysical Outdoor WorkField Logistics Support

Soft Skills

Effective CommunicationTeam CollaborationProblem SolvingAdaptabilitySafety Awareness

Tools & Technologies

Field ToolsVehiclesTrailersMechanical EquipmentOffice Software Applications

Certifications & Qualifications

Wildland Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2)First AidCPRAEDNWCG Qualifications

Industry Keywords

Forest RecoveryConservation PracticesSouthern Appalachian ForestsSouthern Blue Ridge EcosystemsNatural Resource ManagementHazard AssessmentsIncident Command SystemField-Based TeamworkCommunity EngagementEnvironmental Stewardship

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Participate in field activities supporting forest recovery, prescribed fire, hazardous fuels reduction, ecological restoration, and related conservation objectives
Complete assigned field tasks according to work plans, established procedures, technical direction, and changing field conditions
Support preparation, implementation, monitoring, and follow-up of prescribed fire, vegetation management, invasive species treatment, and other forest restoration activities
Operate and maintain tools, vehicles, equipment, and project supplies according to training, authorization, and safety requirements
Collect and maintain field data, treatment records, and documentation for tracking accomplishments and project reporting
Participate in briefings, hazard assessments, after-action reviews, and incident reporting
Assist with field logistics and communicate operational needs, progress, safety concerns, and project results to designated project leads
Work with TNC staff, agency personnel, contractors, landowners, community members, and other partners
Support training and outreach activities when assigned
Assist with project logistics, equipment and supply inventories, purchasing, data entry, and administrative needs
Serve in Incident Command System positions when qualified or formally assigned as a trainee
Report to the South Carolina Forest Recovery Director or another designated TNC manager
Work primarily on the Andrew Pickens Ranger District of the Sumter National Forest, with occasional work on the Long Cane Ranger District or other approved locations

Requirements

What you’ll need

AS/Technical or vocational 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 working as part of a field-based team
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, steep and difficult mountain terrain, and other field conditions, including long or irregular hours and multi-day assignments, with or without reasonable accommodation
Employment contingent upon completion of TNC’s background screening and additional driving-related requirements
Additional education or experience in forestry, natural resource management, fire ecology, ecological restoration, or a related field is desired
Experience with prescribed fire, wildland fire, fuels management, forest restoration, invasive species management, or related conservation practices is desired
Current NWCG qualifications or other relevant forestry, equipment, pesticide application, or safety certifications are desired
Experience operating and maintaining field tools, vehicles, trailers, or mechanical equipment used in land management activities is desired
Knowledge of common plant and animal species, Southern Appalachian forests and Southern Blue Ridge ecosystems, and relevant natural resource management practices is desired
Experience collecting field data and using mapping, mobile data collection, and office software applications is desired
Experience working with government agencies, conservation organizations, contractors, landowners, volunteers, or other partners is desired
Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience are appreciated
Must meet TNC’s Auto Safety Program requirements and complete a Vehicle Use Agreement

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
Flexible schedules