Overview

WHO WE ARE

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The Prairie Coteau Program is based in Clear Lake, SD, and manages twelve (12) TNC sites across Eastern South Dakota and Southwest Minnesota.  The sites consist of rare calcareous fens, pothole wetlands, restorations, and native grasslands.  In SD, there is ~20% of the original Prairie Coteau still in a grass and that equates to ~1M acres. The landscape is a matrix of crop ground and native grasslands. We are seeking a Prairie Coteau Field Steward to thrive in this landscape. The Field Steward will be a part of a larger TNC Chapter team and will work directly with the Prairie Coteau Program Manager.

As the Field Steward, your primary responsibility will be to identify goals and objectives in collaboration with the program manager and others and effectively utilize resources (including seasonal employees) to achieve identified goals and complete project work plans. You will also help develop and implement various conservation management techniques such as grazing, prescribed fire (leading the fire line,) and invasive species management practices. You will be responsible for leading seasonal employees, equipment maintenance, facilities management, and administrative tasks associated with projects.

Other responsibilities include:

  • Assist with planning and implementing ecological management plans and projects on TNC lands in SD and MN.
  • Lead work teams to address critical threats to natural systems and individual species.
  • Foster cross-site learning among the conservation community.
  • Supply conservation planning with site level information relevant to the planning process.


WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU

If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose in the great outdoors, come join our Chapter as the Prairie Coteau Field Steward.  Not only will you fulfil conservation objectives in the beautiful landscape of Eastern SD and Southwest MN, but you will be contributing to TNC’s larger goals in many networks.

You will work under minimal and/or distant supervision; so be able to make independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context is critical. You can expect to work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. This position will require irregular work hours and long days, some overnight travel, and occasional work at other Chapter programs across ND, SD, and MN.


WHAT YOU’LL BRING

  • Associates degree with 5 years of experience OR a Bachelor’s degree with 3 years’ experience in natural resource management OR similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience in operating/maintaining various farm equipment and maintaining facilities.
  • Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., landowners, media, government employees, scientists.
  • Experience completing tasks independently with respect to 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 managing staff or volunteers.

In addition, the following desired skills and/or experiences would be an asset for this role but are not required to apply. For applicants without these, please view these as areas or skillsets as growth and professional development that you will achieve on the job.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Must acquire a DOT medical certificate within 3 months of starting date.
  • Must achieve physical fitness standards as determined by the local Fire Program Manager and the TNC Fire Manual.
  • Must be qualified, or able to become qualified, as a Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2)
  • 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.
  • Ability to obtain related licenses or certifications as required including: First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application.
  • Experience controlling invasive species in prairie ecosystems via herbicide application from UTVs, ATVs, and backpack sprayers.
  • Experience working with or around livestock (cattle) and working with grazing practices and fencing systems.
  • Experience with plant identification in the Great Plains.
  • Experience with natural systems and ecological land management principles.
  • Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.


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 on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.


ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION

This role will report to the Prairie Coteau office/shop located in Clear Lake, SD.

Nearby towns with ~20K residents:  Watertown and Brookings, SD
Clear Lake has a population of ~1,300.