OFFICE LOCATION

Waterville, Washington, USA

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 Moses Coulee Preserves Steward (MCPS), under the direction of the Moses Coulee Program Manager, manages a 33,000-acre system of preserves and conservation easements in Central Washington’s shrub steppe, including the Moses Coulee. The Moses Coulee Preserves Steward plans and implements on-the-ground stewardship and restoration for the Moses Coulee Preserves system, addresses critical threats to shrub steppe habitat and associated species, ensures cultural resource protection in accordance with the preserves cultural resources management plan, coordinates research and monitoring, and forms strong relationships with tribal entities, partner organizations and the local community. The Steward is responsible for maintenance of the 20-person capacity Moses Coulee Field Station and manages visitation. This position works closely with the Eastern WA Stewardship Manager to carry out preserve management and works closely with seasonal staff, interns, and volunteers as needed.

WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU

If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join our Chapter as the Moses Coulee Preserves Steward. Not only will you fulfil conservation objectives in the beautiful state of Washington, but you’ll contribute to achievement of our conservation goals through many networks.

We’re looking for a passionate, dedicated person to manage the shrub steppe habitats at some of our largest preserves in the state. Independence, creativity, and the ability to influence without authority are key in this role. It is important to be comfortable interacting with neighbors, staff from other parts of the state, and partners who may have different philosophies about diversity and related communication. Enthusiasm for incorporating climate change into all aspects of work, including reactive measures such as anticipating the ecological consequences of a hotter, drier climate, as well proactive measures such as choosing to minimize the carbon footprint of our work, is essential. We invite you to become an active and valued member of the Stewardship team and supports the success of TNC’s entire Washington chapter. Come join TNC and apply today!

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The MCPS will assist the Moses Coulee Program Manager with stewardship projects on the 33,000-acre Moses Coulee/Beezley Hills preserves in Central Washington shrub steppe. The MCPS will lead monitoring and restoration work on the preserves. 

• Land management (50%)
• Project management and administration (40%)
• Community engagement (10%)

RESPONSIBILITES & SCOPE

• Coordinate and implement stewardship tasks that support conservation goals of the preserves, such as habitat restoration, monitoring, wildfire recovery, sustainable grazing, invasive plant management, maintaining preserve signage, trail maintenance, mapping, and data organization.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and signage. 
• Manage contracts, partner coordination, and project implementation.
• Coordinate maintenance, repairs, and overnight guests at the 20-person capacity Moses Coulee Field Station, and perform housekeeping as needed.
• Assist periodically with stewardship projects on other TNC preserves located throughout eastern Washington.
• Operate tools and equipment (e.g. lawn mower, chain saw, tractor and implements, two-way radio, ATV, sprayers, seeders, etc.).
• Map, monitor, & maintain fence lines, removing or modifying those in priority wildlife areas.
• Conduct ecological monitoring of plant and animal communities.
• Communicate conservation efforts, such as post-fire restoration treatments, conservation grazing programs, and invasive plant control to stakeholders, partners, and the general public.
• Coordinate volunteer site stewards, volunteer work crews, and seasonal staff.
• Conduct compliance monitoring for fee and easement properties.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND SCHEDULE

• On-site housing is available at Moses Coulee Field Station located in an isolated setting 25 miles east of Waterville, Washington.
• TNC has no local office. If not living on-site, a home office arrangement will be established, and must be located within 70 miles of the Moses Coulee Field Station.
• Will work under minimal and/or distant supervision; will make independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
• Will work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances, with responsibility for personal safety.
• Schedule is generally Monday to Friday, 35 hours, with fluctuations due to seasonality of fieldwork, and occasional weekend work is required. Flexible work arrangements are available.
• This position requires willingness to spend periodic overnights at the Moses Coulee field station, be comfortable with overnight situations both alone and when guests are present, and maintain adequate daytime presence to deter unauthorized activities in a remote location.
• Willingness to undertake periodic overnight travel to Seattle or other WA locations for organizational meetings.
   

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 contracts and ensuring compliance with stipulations.
• Experience working independently and communicating effectively in a remote setting.
• Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
• Experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS).
• Must possess or be able to obtain Washington State Pesticide Applicator license.
• Valid Driver's License

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 3-5 years’ experience in natural resource management, similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Ability to act in accordance with our WA Equity Statement.
• Experience managing staff or volunteers.
• Experience in training others in fieldwork associated with land stewardship.
• Experience building relationships to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal scientists.
• Possess or willing to develop technological skills including remote sensing, mapping, and data management.  Ability to recognize plant and animal species of eastern Washington to complete preserve management activities. 
• Experience, coursework, or training in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles.
• Experience leading interpretive activities in nature-based settings.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously and complete tasks independently with respect to timelines, budgets, partner constraints, and organizational processes and procedures.
• Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in shrub-steppe conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field.

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.

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.

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.