Oak Openings Restoration Crew Member

The Nature Conservancy; Swanton (VT); On-site; USD 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care benefits

401(k) with 8% match

Parental leave

Accrued paid time off

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Employee assistance program

Job summary

The Oak Openings Restoration Crew Member will maintain preserve areas and support ecological restoration across the Oak Openings Region. You will control invasive species, apply restoration techniques, and possibly operate heavy equipment in varied field settings.

Based at the Kitty Todd Nature Preserve, you will join a hands-on team, work outdoors in diverse weather, and handle data entry and equipment maintenance to support conservation outcomes.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED and 1 year’s training in a science-related field or related experience in land management.
• Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
• Experience operating equipment safely and efficiently (e.g. lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio).
• Experience working in a team environment.
• Must obtain related licenses or certifications (e.g. First Aid, CPR, Certified Pesticide Applicator License, Firefighter Type II).

Responsibilities

• Maintain preserve areas frequented by the public and perform land management activities.
• Control invasive plants and conduct ecological restoration activities.
• Operate heavy machinery as needed (e.g., tractor, skid steer).
• Assist in preparing fire breaks and with controlled burns.
• Maintain restoration tools, equipment, and vehicles and manage ecological data.

Skills

Plant species identification

Equipment operation

Teamwork

Licenses/certifications

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Lawn mower

Chainsaw

UTV/ATV/OHV

Two-way radio

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Oak Openings Restoration Crew Member maintains preserve areas frequented by the visiting public and performs land management activities. They will control invasive plants and conduct ecological restoration activities such as herbicide application, tree/shrub removal, brush-cutting, and chainsawing. They may operate heavy machinery (e.g., tractor, skid steer). They may assist in preparing fire breaks and with controlled burns. They may perform native seed collection, planting, trash cleanup, preserve operations, and may participate in ecological monitoring. They will maintain all restoration tools, equipment, and vehicles. They will maintain restoration and ecological data by using databases and mobile device apps.

The is a full-time (35-40 hours per week) position funded mostly through grants and restoration contracts. The position is currently funded until June 30, 2027, but may be extended if funding allows. The base of operations is the Kitty Todd Nature Preserve in Swanton, Ohio, but work will be throughout the Oak Openings Region of Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.

• Supervises no staff, but may help plan and direct preserve work groups, including staff or volunteers.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
• May require long hours in isolated settings.
• Makes day-to-day decisions as delegated by supervisor.
• May work under infrequent supervision.

We’re Looking for You:

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone who is passionate, motivated problem-solver.

What You’ll Bring:

• High school diploma or GED and 1 year’s training in a science-related field or related experience in land management.
• Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
• Experience operating various types of equipment safely and efficiently (e.g. Lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).
• Experience working in a team environment.
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, Certified Pesticide Applicator License, Firefighter Type II).

Desired Qualifications

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• 1 - 2 years’ experience in land management or related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, biology, or similar field.
• Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
• Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
• Ability to obtain driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.
• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, web browsers, mobile GIS apps).

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 the Auto Safety information page. 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 $20 per 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? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

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.

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

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role.

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.

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.