What We Can Achieve Together:

The Western Iowa Assistant Land Steward performs and participates in preserve operations, maintenance and management, under the direction of the Western Iowa Land Steward. Tasks include maintenance of preserve infrastructure, tools, and power equipment, invasive species control, preserve and easement monitoring, prescribed fire, and assisting with the bison herd at Broken Kettle Grasslands Preserve in Westfield, Iowa. This position assists with public outreach and answering visitors’ questions. The Assistant Land Steward assists with training and directing seasonal employees, interns, and may lead volunteer workdays. Work entails overnight or longer travel to preserves in Western Iowa and occasionally to other locations in the region. Irregular hours, including nights and weekends may be occasionally required. This is a full-time, year-round position.                                                               

We’re Looking for You:

The Western Iowa Assistant land Steward maintains preserve areas frequented by the visiting public and performs land management activities. They treat and document invasive species, maintain/build fence, conduct preserve and easement monitoring, and assist with livestock. The Western Iowa Assistant Land Steward participates in prescribed fire and wildfire operations. They will maintain tools, equipment, and preserve records. 

The Western Iowa Assistant Land Steward should be familiar with:

• Various types of equipment including chainsaws, brush cutters, tractors, ATVs/UTVs, skid loaders, and trailers of various sizes.
• Wildland fire equipment such as drip torches, radios, both UTV and truck mounted skid units
• Safe handling of pesticides and equipment such as backpack and ATV/UTV mounted sprayers.

Responsibilities & Scope:

• Supervises no staff, but may help plan and direct preserve work groups, including staff, interns, or volunteers.    
• Will work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.                                         
• May require long hours in isolated settings.                                                       
• Makes day to day decisions as delegated by supervisor.                                          
• May work under infrequent supervision.

What You’ll Bring:

• High school diploma or GED and 1 year’s training in science-related field or related experience in land management activities.
• Ability to perform physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather.
• Must have problem solving skills.
• Experience recognizing plant and animal species to complete preserve management activities.       
• Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, experience hauling trailers, tractors, skid loaders, or similar equipment).                       
• Experience working in a team environment and independently.
• Must possess valid driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.       
• Must obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, and pesticide application).
• Completion of NWCG Introduction to Wildland Fire Fighter Type 2.
• The Nature Conservancy has adopted the Work Capacity Test (WCT) as the method for assessing fitness for fire qualifications. The WCT for moderate level consists of completing a two-mile hike, within thirty minutes, while carrying a twenty-five-pound pack. The person selected for this position is required to pass the moderate WCT within 1 week after starting employment.
• PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding. 

Desired Qualifications

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• 1-2 years’ experience in land management, natural resources management, biology, environmental sciences, and/or related area of study.
• Working knowledge of ArcGIS Pro or other GIS-based mapping program
• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues and convey work instructions to team members, including volunteers.
• Ability to interact with preserve visitors and to convey basic preserve information.
• Ability to function productively as a member or leader of a work team.
• Ability to hold crew to high quality work standards.
• Possession of a commercial drone license or cdl a plus.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $17.50 - $19.25 per hour, based on a 40 hour work week. 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.