For 30 years The Nature Conservancy has worked to conserve the lands and waters of Kansas permanently protecting 139470 acres including five preserves that are open to the public and are enjoyed by thousands of people each the next five years we plan to double the number of acres protected and increase our work to conserve the water soils wildlife resources and climate health that sustain Kansas communities. For more information visit Valley Ranch (the Ranch) is a 19000-acre custom-grazed cattle and bison operation with a diversity of management goals and conservation targets. The ranch carries 500 cow-calf pairs during a grazing season from March through October with about 150 bison grazing year-round.

The Smoky Valley Ranch Conservation Steward (Steward) works at Smoky Valley Ranch (SVR) located between Oakley and Scott City in Logan County Kansas. They will perform and participate in ranch operations maintenance management and monitoring. This is a full-time entry-level seasonal position with a flexible duration of up to 6 months. The Steward must be willing to learn about conservation issues and priorities. Housing is provided. The position pays $16 20 per hour depending on the candidates experience.

Under the direction of the Ranch Manager and the Smoky Valley Ranch Rangeland Specialist (Rangeland Specialist) the Conservation Steward carries out ranch operations and maintenance tasks:

Works with cattle and bison and attends daily to water fencing salt and mineral.

Organizes and manages ranch inventory.

Maintains preserve infrastructure including roads water systems fences and other facilities.

Keeps vehicles clean and in good working order.

Carries out vegetation and other ecological monitoring and management activities as directed by the Ranch Manager or Rangeland Specialist.

Will require training to assist with prescribed burns under the direction of the designated burn boss.

Performs various ranch work as directed by the Ranch Manager or Rangeland Specialist.

Work with outside entities (universities extension etc.) to advance management on SVR.

Are you excited about hands-on grassland conservation at a working ranch Wed love to hear from you.

The Smoky Valley Ranch Conservation Steward participates in livestock handling invasive plant control maintains tools and equipment maintains trails and headquarters/residence area.

The Conservation Steward works in variable weather conditions at remote locations on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions:

requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.

present frequent possibility of injury

requires irregular hours and occasional weekends.

require long hours in isolated settings.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

May interact with visitors.

Maintains constructive positive relationships on behalf of TNC with staff neighbors partners the community and visitors to the ranch.

Resolves problems at Ranch Manager or Rangeland Specialists direction.

Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.

May require some travel outside Western Kansas (less than 10%) for events like staff retreats.

Works under close or infrequent supervision.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma or GED and 1 years training in science-related field or related experience in land management.

Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. trailer lawn mower chainsaw tractor ATV).

Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid CPR herbicide application).

Experience working with cattle and ranching.

Experience with fence construction and maintenance.

Experience performing physical work sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather.

Must have or be able to obtain a valid drivers license be insurable under TNC policy and comply with TNC Auto Safety Program.

Since 1951 The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action TNC has grown to become 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 we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits flexible spending accounts 401(k) plan including employer match parental leave accrued paid time off life insurance disability coverage employee assistance program other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health wellbeing and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.

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 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 protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

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 with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $16 20 per hour depending on the candidates experience. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidates actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors including for example the candidates 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 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 respect for all people communities and cultures. Whether its career development flexible schedules or a rewarding mission theres 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 addition to the requirements in our job postings we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicants unique experience. Please apply wed love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC youll 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.

Were 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.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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 Conservancys 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 with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.