Forest Recovery Lead Technician

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Forest Recovery Lead Technician will support implementation of a five-year Hurricane Helene recovery and forest restoration agreement between The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the U.S. Forest Service on the Sumter National Forest, with a focus on the Long Cane Ranger District. The position will help deliver on-the-ground recovery work that reduces hazardous fuels, restores resilient forests, improves watershed health and biological diversity, and strengthens community wildfire preparedness across the western Piedmont landscape.

Working as part of TNC’s South Carolina Forest Recovery Team, the Lead Technician will provide day-to-day field leadership for forest restoration, hazardous fuels reduction, prescribed fire, post-storm recovery, and related monitoring activities. The position will organize field assignments, coordinate personnel and equipment, monitor progress, and work alongside TNC staff, U.S. Forest Service personnel, contractors, and other partners to maintain safe and efficient operations.

Work will occur primarily on the Long Cane Ranger District of the Sumter National Forest and may include adjacent lands where treatments directly support recovery and restoration objectives for the district. Some work will occasionally occur on the Andrew Pickens Ranger District or at other approved locations. Activities may include 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 restoration of disturbed areas with native vegetation.

The Lead Technician will help maintain field readiness by inspecting and maintaining tools, vehicles, equipment, personal protective equipment, and supplies; coordinating logistics and mobilization; documenting accomplishments; and communicating field conditions, safety concerns, and operational needs to the Forest Recovery Director and U.S. Forest Service project contacts. The position may serve in Incident Command System positions for which the employee is qualified or formally assigned as a trainee.

The position requires work in variable weather, smoke, remote locations, difficult terrain, and physically demanding conditions. Frequent travel to project sites and occasional overnight, evening, weekend, and extended operational assignments will be required. This is a full-time, term position based in the western Piedmont of South Carolina, within reasonable commuting distance of the Long Cane Ranger District, and may be extended beyond the initial five-year term, subject to funding and organizational need.

We’re Looking for You:

If you are looking for meaningful field-based conservation work, join TNC’s South Carolina Chapter as a Forest Recovery Lead Technician supporting the Long Cane Ranger District. You will help turn Hurricane Helene recovery investments into visible, measurable results on the ground while building a strong safety culture and supporting a capable, collaborative restoration team.

We are seeking a practical, dependable field leader who can organize work, solve problems, communicate clearly, and contribute directly to demanding restoration and prescribed fire operations. The successful candidate will balance production, safety, stewardship, accurate documentation, and respectful collaboration with agency staff, contractors, partners, and communities.

Essential Functions:

• Lead and participate in field activities that support forest recovery, prescribed fire, hazardous fuels reduction, ecological restoration, and related conservation objectives.
• Provide day-to-day field leadership by organizing assignments, coordinating personnel and resources, monitoring progress, and adapting work to changing conditions.
• Support the planning, 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 in accordance with training, authorization, and established safety requirements.
• Collect and maintain field data, treatment records, and other documentation needed to track accomplishments and support project reporting and adaptive management.
• Promote safe and compliant operations by participating in briefings, hazard assessments, after-action reviews, and incident reporting and by following approved plans, policies, and environmental requirements.
• Coordinate field logistics and communicate operational needs, progress, safety concerns, and project results to the Forest Recovery Director and other designated contacts.
• Work collaboratively with TNC staff, agency personnel, contractors, landowners, community members, and other partners; support training, outreach, and workforce development when assigned.

Responsibilities & Scope:

• May lead or monitor staff, interns, volunteers, temporary staff, or contractors in completing assigned field activities.
• Has responsibility for assigned components of projects or deliverables and works within approved plans, established processes, and delegated authority.
• May work with minimal or distant supervision and make day-to-day decisions based on experience, field conditions, safety requirements, and project direction.
• May assist with project logistics, purchasing, vendor coordination, inventory, expenditure tracking, and other administrative needs.
• Builds effective working relationships with TNC staff, landowners, conservation partners, contractors, government personnel, community members, and the general public.
• Is responsible for completing assigned field activities safely, accurately, and on schedule.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree in 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; maintain accurate records; and communicate 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 must meet TNC’s vehicle-use requirements, travel frequently, and operate vehicles on unimproved roads.
• Requires working in variable weather, smoke, difficult terrain, and other field conditions, including long or irregular hours and multi-day assignments, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Desired Qualifications:

• Additional education or experience in forestry, natural resource management, fire ecology, ecological restoration, or a related field.
• Experience leading field crews, volunteers, entry-level staff, or contractors.
• Experience with prescribed fire, wildland fire, fuels management, forest restoration, invasive species management, or related conservation practices.
• Current NWCG qualifications or other relevant forestry, equipment, pesticide application, or safety certifications.
• Experience operating and maintaining field tools, vehicles, trailers, or mechanical equipment used in land management activities.
• Knowledge of Piedmont ecosystems, natural resource management practices, and post-storm forest recovery.
• Experience collecting field data and using common mapping, mobile data collection, and office software applications.
• Experience working with government agencies, conservation organizations, contractors, landowners, or other partners.
• May work independently, communicate clearly, meet established timelines, and contribute to a safe, accountable, and respectful team environment.

Reporting and Working Relationships:

The Forest Recovery Lead Technician will report to the South Carolina Forest Recovery Director or another designated TNC manager. The position will work closely with other Forest Recovery Team members, Long Cane Ranger District staff, and designated U.S. Forest Service project supervisors and technical specialists. The Lead Technician may organize daily work and provide technical coaching to assigned TNC staff, seasonal employees, volunteers, or contractors within delegated authority but will not supervise federal employees.

Position Conditions:

• Full-time, term position associated with the Hurricane Helene recovery agreement.
• Based in the western Piedmont of South Carolina, within reasonable commuting distance of the Long Cane Ranger District, with work occurring primarily on the district. Some work will occasionally occur on the Andrew Pickens Ranger District or at other approved locations.
• Field-based work is expected to be a substantial part of the position. Limited remote or office work will also be expected when necessary and compatible with assignments.
• Employment is contingent upon completion of TNC’s background screening and any additional requirements associated with driving.
• TNC reserves the right to modify duties as needed based on project priorities, employee qualifications, safety considerations, funding, and organizational needs.

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Salary Information:

The starting pay for a candidate selected for this position is $27.00 per hour. This only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 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. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.