What We Can Achieve Together:
As a High Divide Conservation Crew Member, you will work as part of a five-person crew working on a variety of land stewardship projects throughout remote portions of the High Divide region of southwest Montana and Idaho. Conservation projects include stream restoration, invasive species mapping and management, conifer encroachment removal, and fence removal or modification to allow wildlife movement through important migration corridors. This position offers a unique opportunity to be involved in a collaborative, applied conservation program and to gain experience in a wide variety of rangeland and water issues. High Divide Conservation crew members should expect to work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. The crew will be based out of Dillon, Montana and will generally work four, ten-hour days, almost exclusively outdoors. Many of the stewardship projects are accessible by day trips from Dillon, but camping will be required at the more remote field sites. This is a great opportunity to prepare for a career in the natural sciences and/or in natural resource management with public agencies and non-profit conservation organizations.
Responsibilities & Scope:
Work closely with your fellow crew members and alongside other conservation corps crews, staff, agency partners or volunteers
Stream and wet meadow restoration
Fence removal or modification to allow wildlife movement through important migration corridors
Invasive plant mapping and treatment using herbicide
Invasive annual grass mapping using ArcGIS applications
Conifer encroachment removal and maintenance (hand lopping)
Maintain tools and equipment
Collect and enter data into ArcGIS applications in the field
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 and camping in remote locations
We're Looking for You:
High Divide Conservation Crew members will work as part of a crew to perform land stewardship activities including stream and wet meadow restoration (willow planting, building beaver dam analogs, post assisted log structures, and Zeedyk rock structures), fence removal or modification to allow wildlife movement through important migration corridors, invasive plant mapping and treatment using herbicide, and conifer encroachment removal.
This is a full-time, seasonal position based in Dillon, MT, USA with an anticipated start date of May 2026 and ending in September 2026.
What You’ll Bring:
High school diploma or GED and one year of training in a science-related field or related experience in land management.
Experience working long hours in harsh environments and challenging weather conditions
Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application).
Desired Qualifications
Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. post pounder, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).
1 - 2 years’ experience working in a physically demanding, outdoor setting
Experience working in a team environment
Experience with GPS and GIS applications
Ability to obtain driver’s license and maintain a good driving record
Experience driving and maintaining 4WD trucks and other vehicles, especially in off-road situations
Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
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 $16 - $21 an 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.
