Zumwalt Prairie Preserve Steward Assistant

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Zumwalt Prairie Preserve (ZPP) Stewardship Assistant is an entry-level seasonal position starting April 13th 2026 and ending June 26th 2026. The stewardship assistant will work closely with TNC stewardship staff to perform daily operations maintenance and monitoring of the ZPP. The stewardship assistant will conduct general preserve stewardship duties while also developing their conservation and stewardship skills.

This position will work under the supervision of an experienced steward performing field tasks that may include fence and infrastructure maintenance invasive plant monitoring and control (including the use of herbicides) vegetation monitoring and wildlife surveys. The stewardship assistant may also assist with site equipment and facilities maintenance and repair. They will maintain and preserve records using a computer or mobile device. The stewardship assistant will work in the field and office alongside TNC staff partners and volunteers while also working independently at times. They may interact with visitors from the public hiking on trails and enforce preserve use guidelines. This position will work in variable weather conditions at times alone and in remote locations in difficult hazardous and steep terrain and under physically demanding circumstances which will require considerable physical exertion.

On-Preserve housing is required from May 15 through June 26 of the employment term and will be provided to the Stewardship Assistant at no charge. Other TNC-provided housing may be offered free of charge outside of this time frame though if accepted the value of housing will be non-cash taxable income for the Stewardship Assistant.

Were Looking for You:

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature Would you like to gain land stewardship and conservation skills We are looking for an individual to join our Zumwalt Prairie team who is motivated by the prospect of maintaining and improving the condition of lands waters and our human communities. The work is focused on the 33000 acre Zumwalt Prairie Preserve and will be based out of the Enterprise Oregon TNC office.

Through the efforts of The Nature Conservancy 547895 acres in Oregon have been protected and managed for people and nature. From the sagebrush sea to the Pacific Ocean the Oregon Chapter is dedicated to conserving the natural resources that make Oregon unique. This is an exceptional early career or entry- level opportunity for a highly motivated capable individual interested in joining the worlds leading conservation organization.

What Youll Bring:

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

• Experience recognizing plant and animal species in the grassland ecosystem or willingness to learn.

• Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment safely and efficiently (e.g. Lawn mower chainsaw UTV ATV herbicide sprayers or similar equipment).

• Experience working in a team environment.

Desired Qualifications

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

• 1 - 2 years experience in land management or related field.

• Experience working with or knowledge of perennial grassland natural systems.

• Experience applying herbicide with backpack and/or ATV/UTV sprayers.

• Experience using basic GIS tools and software.

• PC and/or mobile device familiarity including database knowledge or understanding.

• Current CPR/First-Aid certifications and/or willingness to obtain certifications during onboarding

• Valid Drivers License

What We Bring

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!

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $ 20.50- $22.50/ hr. 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.