What We Can Achieve Together:
As our Field Steward, you will develop, manage, and implement a comprehensive program to protect and enhance natural communities of species through stewardship and restoration activities on conservation lands in the Prairie Forest Border Ecoregion of central and southeastern Minnesota. This includes addressing critical threats to natural systems and individual species, fostering cross-site learning among the conservation community, and supplying conservation planning teams with site or landscape level information relevant to the planning process.
You will also assist with habitat protection and implement a variety of strategies to secure public and private support for TNC conservation priorities. This includes coordinating community support, ensuring the maintenance of preserve areas frequented by the visiting public, and ensuring the maintenance of tools and equipment for conducting stewardship work.
You will supervise land management crews, contract crews, volunteers, and interns in conducting work on lands managed by The Nature Conservancy and partnering agencies. This includes supervising the daily logistics, safety, and productivity of TNC staff, interns, volunteers, and contractors.
We’re Looking for You:
If you’re looking for a nature-filled career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join our Chapter as a Field Steward. This position is based at the Lake Alexander Preserve office located near Cushing, MN.
We’re looking for a passionate, dedicated person to coordinates multiple projects, set deadlines, and manage completion for work to achieve land management goals throughout the Prairie Forest Border Ecoregion. This position requires frequent travel and regular overnight stays.
What You’ll Bring:
Bachelor’s degree and 3 years' experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience managing staff or volunteers.
Relationship-building experience in working closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, and internal scientists.
Experience completing tasks independently concerning timeline(s).
Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
Experience in training.
Must achieve physical fitness standard as determined by local Prescribed Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Management Manual.
Must have valid driver's license.
Desired Qualifications
Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
3-5 years’ experience in natural resource management, similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
Familiarity with principles of land acquisition or similar asset acquisition.
Knowledge of ecological land management principles.
Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.
Working knowledge of ESRI ArcGIS software and principles.
NWCG qualifications of Engine Boss (ENGB) or higher strongly preferred, including coursework and experience requirements. See the Conservancy’s Fire Management Manual for a full explanation of qualification requirements: http://www.tncfiremanual.org/personnel.htm
Willingness to work towards NWCG Burn Boss (RxB2) qualifications
Safe record of using and maintaining tools and equipment for land management, including chainsaws, mowers, skid loaders, tractors, trucks, trailers, ATVs, and power tools.
Class A commercial driver’s license, or willingness to pursue one.
Current certification in first aid and CPR or willingness to complete.
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 starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $52,000 - $57,000. 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.
