Grassland Conservation Fellow at The Nature Conservancy in Leola, South Dakota

Posted in Government about 24 hours ago.

Type: Full Time





Job Description:

OFFICE LOCATION

Leola, SD, USA

#Li-Onsite

The Fellow's main workstation will be at the Ordway Prairie preserve near Leola, SD where housing, (shared with employees, volunteers, and partners,) is available. You will be expected to travel between the main workstation and other project areas across the MN-ND-SD Chapter.

We offer relocation assistance/reimbursement depending on eligibility. This position also qualifies for a performance bonus.



WHO WE ARE

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."



WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The Grassland Conservation Fellowship program is designed to provide talented individuals with opportunities to advance their skills for conservation. As a Fellow, you will assist with conservation projects focusing on conservation land management and ecological monitoring while learning from and networking with professionals throughout MN-ND-SD chapter.

The primary duties of the Fellow will be to assist with prescribed fire management, invasive species management, woody encroachment/fuels reduction, ecological monitoring, maintenance/management of equipment/facilities, care of livestock (including assisting with bison and roundup) and maintaining grazing infrastructure (fence, water, corrals), outreach, and leading projects/crews. This position requires irregular hours, long days, and some travel on short notice. You may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

The Fellow's main workstation will be at the Ordway Prairie preserve near Leola, SD where housing, (shared with employees, volunteers, and partners,) is provided. You will travel between the main workstation and other project areas across the MN-ND-SD Chapter (based on priorities and need). You will be eligible to drive a company vehicle for work-related travel or TNC will provide mileage reimbursement when necessary to drive a personal vehicle.

This is a term position anticipated to end around December 1, 2026 (there is flexibility with start/end dates.) This is a full-time, benefits eligible position. Work hours will vary from 35-50+ hours per week (averaging 40 hours/week) with possible evening, weekend, or holiday work required depending on the season, associated projects, and training opportunities.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

  • May lead work groups consisting of staff, interns, or volunteers.
  • Network with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, donors, board members and the general public.
  • Financial responsibility may include working within a budget to complete projects.
  • Perform ecological management tasks such as biological monitoring, invasive species control, prescribed burning, and grazing management.
  • Implement maintenance of buildings, fence/corrals, livestock water systems, and equipment.
  • Data collection, entry, analysis, and reporting for research and monitoring projects.
  • Assist with planning and project management.
  • Assist with care of bison, monitoring, and roundup.
  • Contribute to outreach - giving presentations, leading field trips, and developing written materials.
  • May collaborate with other teams (philanthropy, marketing, science, etc).



    WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU

    The ideal candidate will be a college graduate (Associates, Technical/vocational, or Bachelors) with some experience in conservation land management who is looking for opportunities to learn and grow as a professional in the field of conservation by gaining hands-on experience. As a Fellow, you will be provided opportunities to network with partnering agencies and attend professional conferences.

    You will be expected to work collaboratively with others as well as independently. While participating in various aspects of conservation land management, you will practice skills such as: decision-making, problem solving, project management, public speaking, and leadership.

    If this sounds like you, and you're inspired to help people and nature, join TNC and apply today! Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together.



    WHAT YOU'LL BRING

    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

    • 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 in ecological land management principles.
    • Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment.

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

    DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

    • Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete preserve management or monitoring 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.; Word, Excel, Web browsers, ArcGIS).
    • Qualified as or able to meet qualifications for Prescribed Fire Crew Member by completing S-130, S-190, I-100, and IS-700 by start date (online courses available). Additional information about qualifications can be found at: http://www.tncfiremanual.org
    • Ability to pass annual physical fitness test (carry a 45-pound pack over 3 miles of level terrain in 45 minutes or less).
    • Experience with safe operation and general maintenance of pumps, small engines, sprayers, tractors, ATV/UTVs, 4x4 vehicles, trailers, power tools, and mowers.
    • Experience with monitoring/research techniques and applying scientific principles.
    • Ability to follow instructions and work cooperatively with others.
    • Experience in the safe handling and use of herbicides.
    • Experience working with livestock and/or observing animal behavior.
    • Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.



    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 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.



    ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION

    TNC also fosters an environment supportive of empowering our employees, amplifying an equitable workforce, and creating opportunities to participate in our nine Employee Resource Groups.

    In alignment with the global organization, the Tri-State chapter is making an intentional effort to creating a community of inclusivity and belonging through collaboration and feedback. We're committed to building a culture based on trust, transparency, empathy, and accountability. We value individuality and difference of backgrounds and ideas, and we encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.



    AUTO SAFETY POLICY

    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.



    SALARY INFORMATION

    The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $19 - $21 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.



    APPLY NOW

    To apply for job ID 55913, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

    Candidates are encouraged to apply by 1/3/25. We review applications as they are received. As long as the posting is active we are accepting applications. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the job description will be removed from the website.

    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.



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