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 a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures.

Our 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. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

The Nebraska Sandhills are among the largest intact temperate grasslands on earth, covering over 12 million acres of prairie. The Nature Conservancy’s Niobrara Valley Preserve (NVP), located in the Sandhills, is one of the largest TNC preserves in the U.S., and a model for grassland management using bison, cattle, and fire. It encompasses majestic pine-clad canyons, extensive grasslands, and a 25-mile stretch of the Niobrara River.

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Niobrara Valley Preserve Land Steward (Land Steward) develops, manages, and implements conservation programs, plans, and strategies at the Niobrara Valley Preserve. The Land Steward provides technical leadership and support to the Nebraska Chapter and plans and directs some aspects of preserve management programs and stewardship. They address critical threats to natural systems and individual species, foster cross-site learning among conservation communities, and supply conservation planning teams with site or landscape-level information relevant to the planning process.

The Land Steward maintains areas frequented by the visiting public, assists with fleet, facilities, tool, and equipment maintenance, removes exotic species, operates heavy machinery, and oversees bison and cattle grazing infrastructure such as water and fencing. The Land Steward may oversee technicians and volunteers to accomplish conservation programs and preserve maintenance, and they may assist with outreach and education events on and off the preserve.

Responsibilities and scope

• Coordinate and implement stewardship tasks that support conservation goals, such as invasive plant management, livestock grazing, maintaining trails, and restoration projects.

• Assist with contract management (including fencing and cedar removal), partner and vendor coordination, and project implementation. May assist with grant reporting tasks.

• Maintain and operate tools and equipment (e.g., chain saw, tractor, skid steer, two-way radio, ATV, UTV, lawn mowers, sprayers, etc.)

• Assist with prescribed fire operations under guidance of burn boss

• Monitor and maintain bison and cattle fences and water sources (solar and windmills).

• Identify, map, treat, and monitor invasive plants, especially eastern redcedar

• Use GPS technology (field tablet) to support mapping and monitoring projects

• Assist with data collection and other evaluation related to land stewardship activities

• Maintain preserve areas frequented by the visiting public including mowing and snow removal

• May oversee seasonal technicians and volunteer groups

• Assist with basic maintenance and management of the NVP Field Campus and facilities

• May occasionally assist at other TNC sites

• Interface professionally and effectively with preserve neighbors, private landowners, partners, and volunteers to garner trust and support for grazing, restoration, and fire programs in the community.

Work Environment and Schedule

• May work under minimal and/or distant supervision; may make some independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.

• Schedule is flexible and weekend and evening work is necessary at times

• On-site housing is NOT available on the preserve

• Responsible for addressing and/or coordinating maintenance and repairs at the field campus.

• Infrequent travel (up to 10%)

• Will work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience managing staff or volunteers.

• Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal scientists.

• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).

• Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.

• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.

• Experience in training.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 1 – 2 years of related experience in ecological land management or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment and heavy machinery, e.g. lawn mowers, 4-wheel drive vehicles, power tools, grass trimmers, tractors, tracked loader, trailers, etc.

• Able to recognize plant and animal species of Nebraska and northern great plains ecosystems to complete preserve management activities.

• Interest in livestock grazing systems/management.

• Qualified as a Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2), including Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fire line (L-180), Introduction to Wild Land Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130), and one training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2 OR willingness to obtain the position of FFT2. See http://www.tncfiremanual.org/firefighter.htm

• Experience with prescribed burning and/or wildfire suppression

• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.

• Experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS).

• Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in Sandhills and Riparian conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field.

• Able to complete tasks independently and on time.

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated.

• Able to act in accordance with our code of conduct, be respectful of differences of identity and/or beliefs, and successfully work across those differences to meet work objectives.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $50,100 to $58,000. 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.

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become 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, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

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. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. 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, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

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 [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.