Smoky Valley Ranch Conservation Steward

The Nature Conservancy (All); Remote; EUR 20.000 - 40.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading environmental organization in Germany is seeking a Smoky Valley Ranch Conservation Steward. This full-time entry-level position is focused on hands-on grassland conservation and ranch management. Responsibilities include livestock handling, equipment operation, and maintaining ranch infrastructure under sometimes physically demanding conditions. The role comes with competitive pay and housing provided. Join us to make an impact in conservation efforts!

Leistungen

Housing provided

Health care benefits

401(k) plan with employer match

Qualifikationen

• Experience working with cattle and ranching.
• Experience performing physical work in adverse conditions.
• Must have or be able to obtain a valid driver’s license.

Aufgaben

• Perform ranch operations, maintenance, management, and monitoring.
• Organize and manage ranch inventory.
• Interact with visitors and maintain relationships.

Kenntnisse

Livestock handling

Invasive plant control

Equipment operation

Physical stamina

Ausbildung

High school diploma or GED

1 year training in science-related field

Tools

Chainsaw

Tractor

ATV

Jobbeschreibung

Smoky Valley Ranch Conservation Steward

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 includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our Commitment to Diversity and TNC Talent playlist on YouTube or on Glassdoor.

For 30 years The Nature Conservancy has worked to conserve the lands and waters of Kansas, permanently protecting 139,470 acres, including five preserves that are open to the public and are enjoyed by thousands of people each year. In the next five years, we plan to double the number of acres protected and increase our work to conserve the water, soils, wildlife resources, and climate health that sustain Kansas communities. For more information visit www.nature.org/kansas.

Smoky Valley Ranch (the Ranch) is a 19,000‑acre, custom‑grazed cattle and bison operation with a diversity of management goals and conservation targets. The ranch carries 500 cow‑calf pairs during a grazing season from March through October, with about 150 bison grazing year‑round.

What We Can Achieve Together

The Smoky Valley Ranch Conservation Steward (Steward) works at Smoky Valley Ranch (SVR), located between Oakley and Scott City, in Logan County, Kansas. They will perform and participate in ranch operations, maintenance, management, and monitoring. This is a full‑time, entry‑level, seasonal position with a flexible duration of up to 6 months. The Steward must be willing to learn about conservation issues and priorities. Housing is provided. The position pays $16 – 20 per hour, depending on the candidate’s experience.

• Works with cattle and bison and attends daily to water, fencing, salt, and mineral.
• Organizes and manages ranch inventory.
• Maintains preserve infrastructure, including roads, water systems, fences, and other facilities.
• Keeps vehicles clean and in good working order.
• Carries out vegetation and other ecological monitoring and management activities as directed by the Ranch Manager or Rangeland Specialist.
• Will require training to assist with prescribed burns, under the direction of the designated burn boss.
• Performs various ranch work as directed by the Ranch Manager or Rangeland Specialist.
• Work with outside entities (universities, extension, etc.) to advance management on SVR.

We’re Looking for You

Are you excited about hands‑on grassland conservation at a working ranch? We'd love to hear from you.

What You’ll Bring

The Smoky Valley Ranch Conservation Steward participates in livestock handling, invasive plant control, maintains tools and equipment, maintains trails and headquarters/residence area.

The Conservation Steward works in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions:

• requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
• present frequent possibility of injury
• requires irregular hours and occasional weekends.
• require long hours in isolated settings.

Responsibilities & Scope

• May interact with visitors.
• Maintains constructive, positive relationships on behalf of TNC, with staff, neighbors, partners, the community, and visitors to the ranch.
• Resolves problems at Ranch Manager or Rangeland Specialist’s direction.
• Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
• May require some travel outside Western Kansas (less than 10%) for events like staff retreats.
• Works under close or infrequent supervision.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED and 1 year’s training in science‑related field or related experience in land management.
• Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. trailer, lawn mower, chainsaw, tractor, ATV).
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide application).
• Experience working with cattle and ranching.
• Experience with fence construction and maintenance.
• Experience performing physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather.
• Must have or be able to obtain a valid driver’s license, be insurable under TNC policy, and comply with TNC Auto Safety Program.

What We Bring

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become one of the most effective and wide‑reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a work‑environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures.