Glacial Lakes Site Steward

USA The Nature Conservancy; Cushing Township (MN); On-site; 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

What We Can Achieve Together:

As the Glacial Lakes Site Steward, you will perform and participate in stewardship, preserve management, and restoration operations in the Ordway-Glacial Lakes landscape, situated in the Prairie Forest Border Ecoregion of west-central Minnesota. You will assist with operational supervision of land management crews, contract crews, volunteers, and interns in conducting work on lands managed by The Nature Conservancy and partnering agencies. You will be responsible for maintaining preserve areas frequented by the visiting public, removing exotic species, monitoring and/or researching species, maintaining tools and equipment, operating heavy machinery, and supporting prescribed fire operations on preserves and partner lands. Additionally, you will develop and implement conservation strategies, assists with habitat protection, and implement a variety of strategies to secure public and private support for TNC conservation priorities. As a Site Steward, you will work to secure community support by networking with various 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. You will coordinate multiple projects, set deadlines, and manage completion for work to achieve land management goals throughout the Ordway-Glacial Lakes Landscape. You will also supervise the daily logistics, safety, and productivity of TNC staff, interns, volunteers, and contractors. This position is based at the Central Minnesota office located near Cushing, MN, but will primarily work remotely in the field on preserves located between Willmar, MN and Alexandria, MN. As such, remote office locations within 70 miles of Brooten, MN are also acceptable. Frequent travel and regular overnight stays throughout the Prairie Forest Border Ecoregion of Minnesota may be required. This is a full-time, hourly position.

Additional Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Directing prescribed fire crews; maintaining, and organizing fire equipment for prescribed burns.
• Overseeing operation, maintenance, and management of stewardship equipment fleet consisting of tractors, trucks, trailers, UTVs/ATVs, chainsaws, mowers, pumps, and other tools and equipment.
• Financial responsibility may include working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development and fundraising targets.
• 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.
• Frequently requires long and irregular hours in independent and group settings.

We're Looking for You:

Want to help save the planet? Through the efforts of The Nature Conservancy, over 1 million acres in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota have been preserved for people and nature. From the mountains to the sea, the MNDK Chapter is dedicated to conserving the natural resources that make Minnesota unique. This is an exceptional career opportunity for a highly motivated, capable individual interested in joining the world's leading conservation organization!

What You'll Bring:

• BA/BS/AS/Technical or vocational degree in a science-related field and 1-year related experience in custodial and ecological land management or a 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.
• Qualified as a Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) per NWCG guidelines, including coursework and experience requirements. See the Conservancy's Fire Management Manual for a full explanation of qualification requirements: http://www.tncfiremanual.org/personnel.htm
• Must achieve physical fitness standard as determined by local Prescribed Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Management Manual.

Desired Qualifications:

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience are appreciated.
• 1 - 2 years related experience in custodial and ecological land management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Some experience managing volunteers or entry-level staff.
• Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete preserve management activities.
• Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar fields.
• Ability to complete tasks independently concerning 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.
• Working knowledge of ESRI ArcGIS software and principles.
• Safe record of using and maintaining tools and equipment specific to land management operations, including chainsaws, mowers, skid loaders, tractors, trucks, trailers, ATVs, and power tools.
• Qualifications for NWCG Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) or higher strongly preferred, including coursework and experience requirements. See the Conservancy's Fire Management Manual for a full explanation of qualification requirements: http://www.tncfiremanual.org/personnel.htm
• Class A commercial driver's license, or willingness to pursue one.
• Current certification in first aid and CPR. 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." 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 $24.00 - 26.50/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?

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

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.

Accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans:

We are committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process.