NVP Land Steward

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancys 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 worlds toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. Were rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values which include a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People Communities and Cultures.

Our 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. We know well only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we addition to the requirements in our postings we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply wed love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members youll join for our mission and youll stay for our people.

The Nebraska Sandhills are among the largest intact temperate grasslands on earth covering over 12 million acres of prairie. The Nature Conservancys Niobrara Valley Preserve (NVP) located in the Sandhills is one of the largest TNC preserves in the U.S. and a model for grassland management using bison cattle and fire. It encompasses majestic pine-clad canyons extensive grasslands and a 25-mile stretch of the Niobrara River.

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Niobrara Valley Preserve Land Steward (Land Steward) develops manages and implements conservation programs plans and strategies at the Niobrara Valley Preserve. The Land Steward provides technical leadership and support to the Nebraska Chapter and plans and directs some aspects of preserve management programs and stewardship. They address critical threats to natural systems and individual species foster cross-site learning among conservation communities and supply conservation planning teams with site or landscape-level information relevant to the planning process.

The Land Steward maintains areas frequented by the visiting public assists with fleet facilities tool and equipment maintenance removes exotic species operates heavy machinery and oversees bison and cattle grazing infrastructure such as water and fencing. The Land Steward may oversee technicians and volunteers to accomplish conservation programs and preserve maintenance and they may assist with outreach and education events on and off the preserve.

Responsibilities and scope

• Coordinate and implement stewardship tasks that support conservation goals such as invasive plant management livestock grazing maintaining trails and restoration projects.

• Assist with contract management (including fencing and cedar removal) partner and vendor coordination and project implementation. May assist with grant reporting tasks.

• Maintain and operate tools and equipment (e.g. chain saw tractor skid steer two-way radio ATV UTV lawn mowers sprayers etc.)

• Assist with prescribed fire operations under guidance of burn boss

• Monitor and maintain bison and cattle fences and water sources (solar and windmills).

• Identify map treat and monitor invasive plants especially eastern redcedar

• Use GPS technology (field tablet) to support mapping and monitoring projects

• Assist with data collection and other evaluation related to land stewardship activities

• Maintain preserve areas frequented by the visiting public including mowing and snow removal

• May oversee seasonal technicians and volunteer groups

• Assist with basic maintenance and management of the NVP Field Campus and facilities

• May occasionally assist at other TNC sites

• Interface professionally and effectively with preserve neighbors private landowners partners and volunteers to garner trust and support for grazing restoration and fire programs in the community.

Work Environment and Schedule

• May work under minimal and/or distant supervision; may make some independent decisions based on analysis experience and context.

• Schedule is flexible and weekend and evening work is necessary at times

• On-site housing is NOT available on the preserve

• Responsible for addressing and/or coordinating maintenance and repairs at the field campus.

• Infrequent travel (up to 10%)

• Will work in variable weather conditions at remote locations on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

What Youll Bring:

• Bachelors degree and 3 years experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience managing staff or volunteers.

• Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners i.e. media government officials internal scientists.

• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).

• 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.

• Experience in training.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 1 2 years of related experience in ecological land management or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment and heavy machinery e.g. lawn mowers 4-wheel drive vehicles power tools grass trimmers tractors tracked loader trailers etc.

• Able to recognize plant and animal species of Nebraska and northern great plains ecosystems to complete preserve management activities.

• Interest in livestock grazing systems/management.

• Qualified as a Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) including 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 OR willingness to obtain the position of FFT2. See with prescribed burning and/or wildfire suppression

• Experience using common software applications such as Word Excel web browsers etc.

• Experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS).

• Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in Sandhills and Riparian conservation land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field.

• Able to complete tasks independently and on time.

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated.

• Able to act in accordance with our code of conduct be respectful of differences of identity and/or beliefs and successfully work across those differences to meet work objectives.