Cheyenne Bottoms Conservation Steward

The Nature Conservancy; Hoisington (KS); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading conservation organization dedicated to preserving the unique natural resources of Kansas. In this role, you will contribute to vital ecological land management efforts at the Cheyenne Bottoms Preserve. You'll engage with diverse communities, manage restoration projects, and ensure the health of vital ecosystems. This position offers a chance to make a significant impact while working in a supportive and inclusive environment that values your contributions. With competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, this is an exceptional opportunity for those passionate about conservation and community engagement.

Benefits

Health Care Benefits

401(k) Plan with Employer Match

Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid Time Off

Life Insurance

Disability Coverage

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• 1 year of related experience in ecological land management.
• Experience with natural systems and restoration activities.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and implementing the preserve management plan.
• Monitor and manage vegetation and wildlife effectively.

Skills

Ecological Land Management

Monitoring and Mapping Vegetation

Community Engagement

Operating Equipment

Education

BA/BS in Science-related Field

Tools

GIS Software

Power Tools

Job description

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

OFFICE LOCATION

Hoisington, Kansas, USA

KS402

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

Cheyenne Bottoms is a 41,000-acre wetland complex in central Kansas and one of the top staging areas (the places migrating birds stop to feed and rest) for shorebirds and waterfowl in the United States. These wetlands host tens of thousands of shorebirds and up to 1/4 million waterfowl each year during their migrations. Cheyenne Bottoms is one of only 34 sites in the United States designated a “Wetland of International Importance” by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

The Cheyenne Bottoms Conservation Steward (“the Steward”) is based at the Cheyenne Bottoms Preserve (“the Preserve”) and furthers TNC's conservation goals at the Preserve through the maintenance, management, development and coordination of conservation programs.

WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU

Want to help save the planet? Through the efforts of The Nature Conservancy, the Kansas Chapter is dedicated to conserving the natural resources that make Kansas unique. This is an exceptional career opportunity for a highly motivated, capable individual interested in joining the world's leading conservation organization!

The Steward will assist the Cheyenne Bottoms Preserve Manager (the Manager) with planning and implementing the preserve management plan, which includes:

• Stewardship
  • Monitoring and mapping vegetation and wildlife.
  • Monitoring, mapping, and removing invasive species.
  • Restoration of wetland basins and grassland communities.
• Preserve operations
  • Maintain and improve TNC-owned facilities, including office space and equipment shops.
  • Maintain and improve TNC-owned or leased equipment, in particular equipment related to herbicide application (UTVs, sprayers), woody plant control (tractors, skid steers, chainsaws), and preserve maintenance (mowers, leaf blowers);
  • Maintain and improve fences and other infrastructure.
• Community engagement
  • Networks with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the general public to recruit support for the Conservancy and the Preserve.
  • Assist the Manager with conducting grazing leases, managing relationships with tenants, and monitoring cattle and stock tanks on the Preserve.

The Steward reports to the Cheyenne Bottoms Preserve Manager.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• May lead or monitor work groups consisting of staff, interns, and volunteers covering a wide geographic area.
• Financial responsibility may include working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development and fundraising targets.
• Networks with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the general public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy programs/preserves.
• May work under minimal and/or distant supervision; may supervise staff; may make some independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BS degree in science-related field and 1 year of related experience in custodial and ecological land management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with natural systems.
• Experience in ecological land management principles.
• Experience operating and/or repairing various types of equipment and machinery including power tools.
• Must have a valid driver's license, maintain a good driving record, and comply with TNC Auto Safety Program.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• 1 – 2 years related experience in custodial and ecological land management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Qualified as, or able to meet the qualifications of, the National Wildland Fire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) qualification. Requirements for FFT2 can be found in the Conservancy Fire Management Manual at: https://www.tncfiremanual.org/FIrefighter.htm
• Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete preserve management activities.
• Ability to learn or recognize migratory shorebird and grassland bird species.
• Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field.
• Some experience managing volunteers or entry level staff.
• Ability to complete tasks independently and on time.
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Web browsers).
• Knowledge of mapping software (Google Earth, GIS software)
• Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers).
• Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.

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

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including; health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, accrued paid time off (including annual, personal, and sick leave), life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellness benefits. Benefits may be subject to generally applicable eligibility, waiting period, contribution, and other requirements and conditions. Learn more about our benefits at nature.org/careers. We're proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellness, and flexibility needs of the people we employ.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

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 https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ 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 $23-$26 hourly. 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.

APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID 56643, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact [e-mail].

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 culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character 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 [e-mail] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC's value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we're registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we're unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.

About the company

The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental organization, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, United States.