Conservation Field Steward – Land Management & Fire Ops

USA The Nature Conservancy; Cushing Township (MN); Hybrid; USD 33,062,000 - 36,506,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy in Minnesota seeks a Glacial Lakes Site Steward to lead stewardship, preserve management, and restoration across the Ordway-Glacial Lakes landscape. You will supervise crews, volunteers, and interns, coordinating field work on preserves from Willmar to Alexandria and remote field sites within the Prairie Forest Border Ecoregion.

You will maintain preserves, monitor ecosystems, operate heavy equipment, and support prescribed fires while helping develop conservation

Qualifications

• Education in science-related field with 1 year in custodial/ecological land management or equivalent.
• Experience with natural systems and ecological land management principles.
• Experience operating and repairing equipment and machinery.
• FFT2 NWCG qualification and related coursework/experience.
• Must meet physical fitness standards per Fire Management Manual.
• Class A CDL or willingness to pursue one and a valid driver’s license.
• First aid/CPR certification required.

Responsibilities

• Direct prescribed fire crews and manage fire equipment.
• Oversee stewardship equipment fleet and maintenance (tractors, trucks, ATVs, etc.).
• Manage budgets, vendor contracts, and fundraising targets.
• Supervise staff, interns, and volunteers in field operations.
• Work in variable weather and remote locations with possible long hours.

Skills

Experience with natural systems

Ecological land management principles

Operation and repair of equipment

Firefighter Type 2 qualification

Physical fitness per Fire Manager

First Aid & CPR certification

Valid driver’s license

Education

Science-related degree

Tools

ESRI ArcGIS

Heavy equipment operation (tractors, mowers, etc.)

Fire equipment maintenance

Job description

The Nature Conservancy in Minnesota seeks a Glacial Lakes Site Steward to lead stewardship, preserve management, and restoration across the Ordway-Glacial Lakes landscape. You will supervise crews, volunteers, and interns, coordinating field work on preserves from Willmar to Alexandria and remote field sites within the Prairie Forest Border Ecoregion.

You will maintain preserves, monitor ecosystems, operate heavy equipment, and support prescribed fires while helping develop conservation