What We Can Achieve Together: The Zumwalt Prairie Preserve (ZPP) Stewardship Assistant is an entry-level, seasonal position starting April 13th, 2026, and ending June 26th, 2026. The stewardship assistant will work closely with TNC stewardship staff to perform daily operations, maintenance, and monitoring of the ZPP. The stewardship assistant will conduct general preserve stewardship duties, while also developing their conservation and stewardship skills.
The position works under the supervision of an experienced steward and may include field tasks such as fence and infrastructure maintenance, invasive plant monitoring and control (including the use of herbicides), vegetation monitoring, wildlife surveys, site, equipment, and facilities maintenance and repair, and record keeping using a computer or mobile device. The assistant will work in the field and office alongside TNC staff, partners, and volunteers, and may interact with visitors and enforce preserve use guidelines. Work may be performed in variable weather conditions, remote locations, hazardous and steep terrain, and may require considerable physical exertion.
What You’ll Bring
High school diploma or GED and 1 year’s training in a science‑related field or related experience in land management.
Experience recognizing plant and animal species in the grassland ecosystem, or willingness to learn.
Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment safely and efficiently (e.g., lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV, herbicide sprayers, or similar equipment).
Experience working in a team environment.
Desired Qualifications
- Multi‑lingual skills and multi‑cultural or cross‑cultural experience appreciated.
- 1–2 years’ experience in land management or related field.
- Experience working with or knowledge of perennial grassland natural systems.
- Experience applying herbicide with backpack and/or ATV/UTV sprayers.
- Experience using basic GIS tools and software.
- PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge.
- Current CPR/First‑Aid certifications or willingness to obtain them during onboarding.
- Valid driver’s license.
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 the world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive.