SE MN Preserve Management Assistant

The Nature Conversancy; Kellogg (MN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shared housing

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy in the SE MN region is seeking a Preserve Management Assistant to support driftless area stewardship, lead a small crew, and coordinate with partners. The role emphasizes scientific guidance, field tasks, and data collection within public and private lands.

Based at Weaver Dunes Preserve near Kellogg, MN, the position offers shared housing options. A fixed-term contract through Dec 2027 with benefits is provided.

Qualifications

• AS/Technical or vocational degree in a science-related field and 1-year related experience.
• Experience with natural systems and ecological land management principles.
• Experience operating or repairing equipment and machinery, including UTVs and chainsaws.
• Qualified Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) and Faller 3 (FAL3) or S-212 completion.

Responsibilities

• Prescribed burn preparation, burn implementation and post-fire monitoring.
• Removal and chemical treatment of invasive species; tool/equipment maintenance.
• Plant and animal surveys, native seed harvest, and tree/shrub planting.
• Preserve maintenance and data collection; supervise volunteers and staff.

Skills

Ecological land management

Natural systems experience

Equipment operation/repair

FFT2 firefighter

FAL3 or S-212

Leadership/coordination

Physical fitness

Education

AS/Technical degree in science field

Tools

UTVs

Chainsaws

Trailers

Skid steers

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together:

As the SE MN Preserve Management Assistant (PMA,) you will work throughout the driftless region of southeast Minnesota and serve on a 3-5-person crew participating in stewardship activities on both public and private lands and work closely with other non-profits and state and federal government employees.

You will be expected to coordinate, lead, and manage other TNC employees, volunteers, and partners. You may work under minimal and/or distant supervision and may make some independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.

Tasks include prescribed burn preparation, fire implementation and post fire monitoring, removal and chemical treatment of invasive species, tool and equipment maintenance, and monitoring and data collection. Other activities may include plant and animal surveys, native seed harvest, tree and shrub planting, and preserve maintenance duties such as boundary posting. This position requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.

The position is based at our Weaver Dunes Preserve near Kellogg, MN. Shared housing is provided, but not required. If housing is elected, the value of the housing will be included as taxable income. Details will be included in a housing agreement as part of the employment contract.

This is a regular, fixed term position (benefits eligible) with an anticipated end date of December 2027.

We’re Looking for You:

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 a team player, can complete tasks independently and coordinate, manage, and lead volunteers and/or entry level staff.

What You’ll Bring:

• AS/Technical or vocational degree in science-related field and 1-year 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.
• Qualified Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2).
• Must be able to achieve physical fitness standards as determined by the local Prescribed Fire Manager and TNC Fire Management Manual.
• Qualified Faller 3 (FAL3) or completion of S-212.
• Experience operating and/or repairing various types of equipment and machinery, including but not limited to UTVs, chainsaws, trailers, skid steers.
• Experience assisting with prescribed burn operations and installation of burn breaks.

Desired Qualifications

• 2-3 years’ related experience in ecological land management or similar field. Qualified Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1).
• Qualified Faller 2 (FAL2).
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• 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 field.
• Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Fieldmaps, Avenza, OnX, Microsoft Office).

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 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 generally within the range of $20.25 - 22.45/ 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.

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. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. 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.