What We Can Achieve Together:
The Pollinator Habitat Management Assistant will be part of a two-person crew that will travel regularly throughout southern Michigan, conducting land management and monitoring activities to help improve pollinator habitat over 1000 acres across TNC and Legacy Land Conservancy (Legacy) preserves. This two-person crew will conduct land management activities to expand and improve pollinator habitat in southern Michigan and conduct necessary monitoring to assess the efficacy of management activities. This team will work alongside TNC and Legacy land managers to enhance, expand and improve pollinator habitat while also monitoring for species of concern. Management and monitoring activities will be conducted throughout prairie fens, oak savannas and similar habitat types.
This is a full-time, temporary position starting no earlier than May 4, 2026, with a duration of 5 months. This position is based in Tecumseh, Michigan where lodging is available if necessary. Travel expenses, such as food and lodging, will be covered by The Nature Conservancy.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Pollinator Habitat Management Assistant will travel to and work on TNC and Legacy preserves throughout southern Michigan. Successful candidates for this position will assist with land management activities through noxious weed control, assist with data collection through use of GIS/GPS, conduct monitoring activities to assess species presence, habitat condition, and record management activities, evaluate pollinator habitat, and document species presence. With this position, the Pollinator Habitat Management Assistant will:
Be able to identify native and non-native plant species and be familiar with unique species found throughout the project area.
Identify and manage noxious plant populations through mechanical and chemical methods
Collect data and conduct monitoring activities with the use of field applications such as GIS and Field Maps.
Assist with native seed harvesting, processing, and planting.
Develop and assist with volunteer workdays
Use various pieces of equipment and conduct regular assessments to determine condition and necessary maintenance. This includes but not limited to brush cutters, backpack sprayers, lawn mower, UTVs, two-way radios or similar equipment.
Maintain a motivated and positive working environment for good crew morale.
Ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
Work both independently and under close supervision.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
Supervises no staff, but may help plan and direct preserve work groups, including staff or volunteers.
May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
May require long hours in isolated settings.
Makes day-to-day decisions as delegated by supervisor.
May work under infrequent supervision.
Capable of identifying native and non-native plant species, and animal species to complete preserve management activ ties.
May interact with preserve visitors and the public.
Assist supervisor with administrative tasks.
Requires use and maintenance of tools and equipment on a regular basis.
We’re Looking for You:
Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone who is passionate, motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today!
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.
Experience operating various types of equipment safely and efficiently (e.g. Lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).
Experience working in a team environment.
Must possess or be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required within 4 to 6 weeks of hiring. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application).
Experience with communicating via written and spoken English.
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 natural systems.
Ability to obtain driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.
Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding.
Familiarity with ESRI's suite of GIS software (e.g. Field Maps and Survey123)
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 under the FAQ section. 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 pay for a candidate selected for this position is $20 per hour. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. 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 applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.
