Morris, Minnesota, USA

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world's toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC's primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we'll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply - we'd love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, "you'll join for the mission, and you'll stay for the people."

The Prairie Management Assistant (PMA) works primarily in the Upper Minnesota River Valley area in west central Minnesota participating in prairie stewardship activities on TNC preserves and partner lands (MNDNR and USFWS). Stewardship work includes prescribed fire implementation, invasive species control, tree removal, native prairie seed harvest, data collection, and tool and equipment maintenance. Work will include collaboration with state and federal agencies in habitat management activities. PMA will be expected to work independently and in a team environment. The PMA will regularly work with a 2-8 person crew and is expected to periodically provide a leadership role. Work will be performed in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

This position is based in Morris, MN. This position pays $17.00 - 18.50 per hour for duration of employment as well as benefits. Housing is not provided. The position will run from April 14, 2025 - October 2, 2025. There is 1 opening for this position.

Are you looking for the opportunity to expand your experience in natural resource management? The Nature Conservancy is dedicated to managing our preserves and collaborating with conservation partners to make landscape-level impacts. We are looking for someone who is passionate, motivated, and willing to learn. Come join TNC and apply today!

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Assist with maintaining public lands including state-owned Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and federally-owned Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs), as well as TNC preserves and other protected lands.
• Prescribed burn preparation, implementation, and post-fire monitoring with TNC, MN Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR), and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) staff.
• Provide crew leadership.
• Cut and chemically treat herbaceous and woody exotic species.
• Maintain records of herbicide use and management actions.
• Native prairie seed harvest.
• Identify management needs and communicate information to supervisor verbally or in writing.
• Assist in directing and interacting with Conservation Corps Minnesota (CCM) crews on various projects.
• Maintain tools and equipment.
• Work independently and in team environment.
• Maintain daily journal and work log, summarizing daily work completed.
• Discuss calendar of proposed activities with supervisor daily.
• Other preserve management activities as assigned.
• Ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
  

• High school diploma or GED and 1 year's training in science-related field or related experience in land management.
• Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
• Meet, and/or willing and able to obtain, and maintain the minimum TNC NWCG training for Basic Wildland Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2). This includes 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. See http://www.tncfiremanual.org/firefighter.htm.
• Must achieve physical fitness standard as determined by local Fire Program Manager and the TNC Fire Manual.
• Experience operating various types of equipment.
• Experience working in a team environment.

In addition, the following DESIRED skills and/or experiences would be an asset for this role but are not required. For applicants without these, please view these as areas or skillsets where you will have opportunities for growth and professional development:

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• 1 - 2 years of experience in land management or related field.
• Meet, and/or willing and able to obtain, and maintain the minimum TNC NWCG training for Basic Wildland Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2), including Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fireline (L-180), Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130), National Incident Management System (IS-700), and one training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2. See Firefighter here
• Able and willing to pass US Forest Service work capacity test at arduous level (3 mile walk with 45 lb. pack in 45 minutes).
• Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
• Ability to operate and maintain various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. engine, pump, chainsaw, UTV, ATV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).
• Able to pass the DOT federal medical exam (https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/section/391.41)
• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
• PC and mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding.
• Working knowledge of handheld GPS units.
  

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!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive benefits package for short-term, temporary employees including: 401(k) plan including employer match, two personal days of paid time off, paid sick and holiday leave, life insurance, worker's compensation coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

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

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 https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

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.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $17.00 to $18.50 hourly salary. 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.

To apply for job ID 56092, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on January 24, 2025. Resumes may be reviewed and interviews conducted as received. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

For position specific questions, contact Selvio.DeAngeles@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character 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 applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC's value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we're registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we're unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.