Conservation Field Technician - Kentucky Natural Lands Trust

The Kentucky Natural Lands Trust (KNLT) seeks a full time Conservation Field Technician who will primarily contribute to stewardship projects and land conservation support. The position conducts management and monitors KNLT and conservation partners’ properties along the Appalachian Highlands Wildlands Corridor and other KNLT project areas in southeastern Kentucky. The position will also collaborate on projects and other initiatives with KNLT staff, board, advisors and volunteers.

KNLT is a nationally accredited nonprofit based in Berea, KY. KNLT protects, connects and restores wildlands with a commitment to safeguarding biodiversity, stabilizing the climate and supporting communities. Since 1995, KNLT has safeguarded nearly 64,000 acres of wildlands through collaborative conservation. The power of partnership is key to our efforts. KNLT partners with individuals, communities, government agencies, nonprofits and businesses at the local, regional and national level to protect wildlands in Central Appalachia and beyond. KNLT is growing a conservation movement that is contributing to more wild and healthy future for people and the planet.

Salary Range: $40,000 - $45,000

Benefits: Generous benefits package - details here: https://mtassociation.org/careers/

Location: Southeastern Kentucky (Pine & Cumberland Mountain Area)

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Contributes to stewardship and protecting conservation values of KNLT and partner preserves in the Appalachian Highlands Wildlands Corridor, including planning and implementing preserve management plan goals and conducting monitoring visits.
• Monitors, paints and signs preserve boundaries, conducts invasive species management, constructs trails and trail related infrastructure, fire breaks and barricades to prevent motorized vehicle access.
• Maintains electronic recordkeeping systems and utilizes GPS technology as part of management and monitoring activities.
• Provides outreach services for KNLT including leading interpretive/fundraising hikes, supporting visiting researchers with projects, and working events and tabling opportunities as needed.
• Acts as a liaison between KNLT and local communities including establishing and maintaining positive relationships with neighboring landowners and attending meetings held by local partner organizations as needed.
• Serving as a member of KNLT’s Conservation Team.
• Performs other duties as assigned and delegated by supervisor or Executive Director.
• Practices safety in all aspects of the job

Critical Skills:

• Demonstrates exceptional interpersonal communication and relationship-building skills.
• Manages workload by understanding, following and meeting schedules; as well as prioritizing tasks and performing responsibilities efficiently, independently, and in a timely manner.
• Able to juggle multiple requests and meet deadlines.
• High detail orientation and accuracy, including thoroughly and accurately completing forms and other documents.
• Has experience communicating with diverse individuals in different roles, both internally and externally, including wide-ranging educational levels, socio-economic status, or world views.
• Communicates effectively and professionally in person, during online meetings, over the telephone, and through email.
• Able to work well in a team environment.
• Maintains confidentiality and professional discretion.

Tools and Equipment:

Proficient in basic computer skills, i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, Internet usage (e-mail). Ability to operate various types of tools and equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g., motorized and non-motorized hand tools, Global Positioning Systems, etc.)

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to work proficiently with computers and other office equipment.
• Work from home with office equipment, sitting or standing for long periods of time indoors
• Frequent travel in the service region will be required. Travel may include walking and hiking in remote areas up to 10 miles on uneven terrain, sitting or standing for long periods of time outdoors. Travel will require flexibility outside normal business hours with occasional overnights. When using own vehicle, staff will be paid for mileage at the IRS rate.
• Work may require walking, bending, stooping, crawling, climbing stairs and lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds.

Americans with Disabilities Act:

Applicants as well as employees who are or become disabled must be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities either unaided or with reasonable accommodation. The organization shall determine reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kentucky Natural Lands Trust/Mountain Association provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, or non-disqualifying physical or mental handicap or disability in accordance with all federal, state, and local regulations.

Required Experience, Education and Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences, natural resource management, forestry or related field is preferred. Relevant work experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree.
• Basic knowledge of conservation principles and of flora and fauna of the Central Appalachian mixed mesophytic forest.
• Knowledge of the natural and cultural history of Central Appalachia.
• Experience with GPS-based applications.
• Ability to interpret topographic maps and navigate rugged terrain off-trail.
• Proven experience in building relationships with diverse groups.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to drive both utility and full-size vehicles with trailers.
• Valid Kentucky Dept. of Agriculture certified pesticide applicator license, or willingness to become certified.