OFFICE LOCATION

Ventura, California, USA.

The Preserve Technician will be expected to live and work at the Santa Cruz Island Preserve for 7-10 days at a time with mainland time off in between tours.

WHO WE ARE

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Grounded in science, we develop innovative 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; respect for people, communities, and cultures; and a collaborative, nonpartisan approach. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world.

The California Chapter is TNC’s largest state program and one of the largest, most dynamic conservation organizations in the country. With approximately 275 employees, from financial analysts and fundraisers to ecologists and economists, we are currently invested in 14 strategies to address the biggest challenges facing California and the world, including numerous community-based projects designed to increase the pace, scale, and effectiveness of conservation. Over the past six decades, we have protected 1.4 million acres, 5,000 miles of streams, and 3.8 million acres of ocean habitat in California and off the coast.

The California Chapter believes that we are most effective when we are embedded in our state’s communities, politics, media, and environmental issues. For this reason, and to reduce our carbon footprint when meeting in person, all staff live in California, including those in a home office.

Finally, we are passionate about the middle ground in American politics and life. The hallmark of The Nature Conservancy is its “big tent” approach, engaging people across the political and ideological spectrum to find solutions that last. We ask all employees to embrace this critical strategic position of our organization.

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The Santa Cruz Island Preserve Technician is responsible for supporting the daily operations and management of the Nature Conservancy’s Santa Cruz Island (SCI) Preserve through mechanical knowledge and skills. The Preserve is a 46,000-acre natural preserve that encompasses 76% of Santa Cruz Island, the largest of Southern California’s Channel Islands. Santa Cruz Island is one of the four northern Channel Islands across the Santa Barbara Channel from the cities of Santa Barbara and Ventura, and is wholly contained within Channel Islands National Park.

The Preserve Technician maintains and improves Preserve infrastructure through the operation and care of heavy equipment, machinery and tools. The Preserve Technician will be expected to live and work at the Preserve for 7-10 days at a time with mainland time off in between tours. Tours may also include a day-off while on the Preserve. May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

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. Looking for a way to put your mechanical knowledge and skills to work for conservation? Are you passionate about creating safe, sustainable operations and leading by example?

We’re looking for a passionate, dedicated person who values teamwork, creativity, organizational systems and constantly learning. Come join TNC and apply today!

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.
• Ability to live and work in a remote island setting with fluctuating resource availability
• Must have a valid driver’s license and safe driving record.
• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Experience managing staff or volunteers.
• 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.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Competency operating and maintaining heavy equipment (ex: agricultural tractors, mowers, wheeled loaders, backhoes, tracked dozers, skid steers, forklifts, and trenchers)
• Demonstrated ability to perform routine vehicle maintenance and repairs
• Demonstrated ability to perform general facilities construction, maintenance, and repairs such as timber framing, roofing, plumbing, and electrical (experience with off grid solar and battery energy storage systems, including diesel and propane backup generator operation and maintenance appreciated)
• Demonstrated organizational ability including tools, construction materials, electronic communications, etc.
• Knowledge and experience of dirt road maintenance techniques including competency operating 4WD trucks and SUVs on dirt roads
• Competency with safety techniques and standards including the use of proper PPE, risk assessment, risk mitigation, and effective communication to others about avoiding injury
• Knowledge and experience with fuels transportation, storage, and dispensing (gasoline, diesel, propane, Jet A)
• Knowledge and experience with cargo and crane operations involving ocean going vessels
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated

WHAT WE BRING

Each person who works at TNC contributes to our goal of protecting nature for future generations. Another one of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe feel that their unique contributions are valued. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “You’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.” To learn more, head to YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

We’re proud to support the health and wellbeing of the people we employ. We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare coverage, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, and other benefits that support work-life balance.

If you’re interested in working with us, please apply—we’d love to hear from you.

SALARY INFORMATION

The estimated annual salary range for this position is between $64,480 - 65,775.

APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID 53430, submit your materials (resume and cover letter) online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 8:59 PM PST on Sunday, June 4. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org. 

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.

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 with diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. 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 orientations, gender identities, military or veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.