What We Can Achieve Together:

The Conservation Practitioner II performs and participates in preserve operations, maintenance and management that encompasses 8,015 acres in south-central Oklahoma. The Conservation Practitioner II (CPII) maintains preserve areas and removes exotic species by chemical or mechanical means.  CPII operates power tools, equipment, ATV’s and vehicles in a safe manner.  CPII maintains and repairs equipment including lawn mower, trimmer, brush cutter, chainsaw, tractor, ATV’s, UTV’s, spray tanks, pumps, and vehicles.  The CPII assists with forest, woodland, prairie and savanna stewardship practices and management, surveying and monitoring flora and fauna, and assisting with prescribed fire. The CPII maintains facilities and grounds including mowing, trimming, fence and gate repair, installation of signage, and building maintenance. CPII may assist in data collection of monitoring plots. Follows processes of data collection utilizing GIS databases on mobile and PC devices. May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations for long periods of time in isolated settings, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.  This position will be stationed at Pontotoc Ridge Preserve near Stonewall, Oklahoma. Housing will be provided (no pets). This is a regular full-time position (40 hours per week) lasting through August 21, 2026. This role has the potential to evolve into a permanent full-time position. 

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.

From grasslands to forests, rivers to mesas, we envision an Oklahoma where our rich natural heritage is valued and protected, and people are inspired to conserve nature for future generations. If you envision nature the same way we do, we’d love to have you join our team! 

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, herbicide or pesticide application).

Desired Qualifications

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• AA/AS and/or BA/BS degrees ecological land management.
• 1 - 2 years related experience in custodial and ecological land management or equivalent combination of education and experience.  .                    
• 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.
• PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding.
• Willingness to learn Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Completing Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) within 4-months of hire that consists of wearing 45lbs for 3-mile brisk walk passing within 45 minutes or less.  Completing 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
• Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete preserve management activities.
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers). 
• Willingness to learn about best management practices that entail prescribe fire, grazing management, and invasive species management.
• Willingness to learn fire line construction
• Willingness to learn about maintaining and repairing preserves infrastructures.
• Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Willingness to become S-212 wildland chainsaw certified and become basic faller.
• Some welding experience.
• Some experience with monitoring plots.

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 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 $16.00 - $18.00 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. 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.