Forest Recovery Technician

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Forest Recovery 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 Andrew Pickens 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 Southern Blue Ridge region of the southern Appalachian Mountains.

Working as part of TNC’s South Carolina Forest Recovery Team, the Technician will carry out field activities supporting forest restoration, hazardous fuels reduction, prescribed fire, post-storm recovery, and related monitoring. The position will complete assigned work in accordance with established plans, procedures, and technical direction and will work alongside TNC staff, U.S. Forest Service personnel, contractors, and other partners to support safe and efficient operations.

Work will occur primarily on the Andrew Pickens 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 Long Cane 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 Technician will help maintain field readiness by inspecting and maintaining tools, vehicles, equipment, personal protective equipment, and supplies; supporting logistics and mobilization; documenting accomplishments; and communicating field conditions, safety concerns, and operational needs to designated project leads. 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, steep and rugged mountain 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 Upstate of South Carolina, within reasonable commuting distance of the Andrew Pickens 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 Technician supporting the Andrew Pickens 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 team member who can follow established plans, solve routine field 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:

• Participate in field activities that support forest recovery, prescribed fire, hazardous fuels reduction, ecological restoration, and related conservation objectives.
• Complete assigned field tasks in accordance with work plans, established procedures, technical direction, and changing field conditions.
• Support the 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.
• 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.
• Assist with field logistics and communicate operational needs, progress, safety concerns, and project results to designated project leads.
• Work collaboratively with TNC staff, agency personnel, contractors, landowners, community members, and other partners; support training and outreach activities when assigned.

Responsibilities & Scope:

• Performs field and operational tasks within established procedures and assigned priorities.
• Is accountable for completing assigned work accurately, safely, and on schedule and for communicating conditions that may affect project delivery.
• May work with minimal or distant supervision and make routine decisions based on training, experience, field conditions, and project direction.
• May assist with project logistics, equipment and supply inventories, purchasing, data entry, and other administrative needs.
• Builds effective working relationships with TNC staff, landowners, conservation partners, contractors, government personnel, community members, and the general public.
• Supports daily field operations and the successful completion of assigned project activities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• AS/Technical or vocational 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 working as part of a field-based team.
• 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.
• May 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.

Desired Qualifications:

• Additional education or experience in forestry, natural resource management, fire ecology, ecological restoration, or a related field.
• 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 common plant and animal species, Southern Appalachian forests and Southern Blue Ridge ecosystems, and natural resource management practices relevant to the project area.
• Experience collecting field data and using common mapping, mobile data collection, and office software applications.
• Experience working with government agencies, conservation organizations, contractors, landowners, volunteers, or other partners.
• May complete assigned tasks independently, communicate clearly, meet established timelines, and contribute to a safe, accountable, and respectful team environment.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

Reporting and Working Relationships:

The Forest Recovery Technician will report to the South Carolina Forest Recovery Director or another designated TNC manager. The position will work closely with the Forest Recovery Lead Technician, other Forest Recovery Team members, Andrew Pickens Ranger District staff, and designated U.S. Forest Service project personnel. The Technician will complete assigned work under appropriate technical and operational direction and will not supervise employees or direct federal personnel.

Position Conditions:

• Full-time, term position associated with the Hurricane Helene recovery agreement.
• Based in the Upstate of South Carolina, within reasonable commuting distance of the Andrew Pickens Ranger District, with work occurring primarily on the district. Some work will occasionally occur on the Long Cane 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 $24.00 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.