High Divide Conservation Crew Lead

What We Can Achieve Together:

The High Divide Conservation Crew Lead will lead four crew members on a variety of land stewardship projects throughout remote portions of the High Divide region of southwest Montana and Idaho. As crew lead you will help train and supervise crew members as they develop conservation work skills outdoor living skills and improve their understanding of the natural world. Conservation projects include stream restoration invasive species mapping and management conifer encroachment removal and fence removal or modification to allow wildlife movement through important migration corridors. Other duties include helping develop field schedules coordinating travel to remote locations ensuring data quality maintaining tools and equipment and completing high quality implementation work while in the field. This position offers a unique opportunity to be involved in a collaborative applied conservation program and to gain experience in a wide variety of rangeland and water issues. The High Divide Conservation Crew Lead should expect to work in variable weather conditions at remote locations on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. The crew will be based out of Dillon Montana and will generally work four ten-hour days almost exclusively outdoors. Many of the stewardship projects are accessible by day trips from Dillon but camping will be required at the more remote field sites. This is a great opportunity to prepare for a career in the natural sciences and/or in natural resource management with public agencies and non-profit conservation organizations.

Responsibilities and Scope:

• Lead and help train and supervise a crew of four during land stewardship projects which will include stream and wet meadow restoration (willow planting building beaver dam analogs post assisted log structures and Zeedyk rock structures) invasive plant mapping and treatment using herbicide conifer encroachment removal and fence removal or modification to allow wildlife movement through important migration corridors.

• Once training is complete work under minimal supervision and make independent decisions based on experience and context

• Organize and implement data collection efforts using ArcGIS platforms

• Create and implement a tool maintenance plan

• Work alongside and help direct other conservation corps crews staff agency partners and volunteers during land stewardship projects

• Work long hours in variable weather conditions at remote locations on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

• Network with diverse groups including landowners conservation partners government officials donors board members and the general public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy programs.

Were Looking for You:

The High Divide Conservation Crew Lead will work with local Nature Conservancy and agency partners to ensure the coordination and completion of land stewardship projects across the High Divide region of Montana and Idaho. This position will be the point of contact for a crew of four seasonal staff tasked with restoration project implementation and associated logistical work. Duties include helping develop field schedules coordinating travel to remote locations ensuring data quality maintaining tools and equipment and completing high quality implementation work while in the field.

This is a full-time seasonal position based in Dillon MT USA with an anticipated start date of May 2026 and ending in October 2026.

Minimum Qualifications:

• AS/Technical or vocational degree in a science-related field and 1-year related experience in ecological land management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience working long hours in harsh environments and challenging weather conditions

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

• Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. post pounder chainsaw UTV ATV or OHV two-way radio or similar equipment).

• Experience with GPS and GIS applications

Desired Qualifications

• 1 years of experience working on land stewardship projects including stream and wet meadow restoration (willow planting building beaver dam analogs post assisted log structures and Zeedyk rock structures) fence removal or modification to allow wildlife movement through important migration corridors invasive plant mapping and treatment using herbicide and/or conifer encroachment removal

• Experience driving and maintaining 4WD trucks and other vehicles especially in off-road situations

• 2 years of experience working in a physically demanding outdoor setting

• 2 years of experience working in a science-related field or equivalent combination of education and experience

• Experience managing volunteers or entry level staff

• Ability to recognize plant and animal species found in sagebrush ecosystems

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

• Ability to complete tasks independently and exercise independent judgement

• Communicating clearly via written spoken and graphical means

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

This position requires a valid drivers license and compliance with TNCs Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles rental cars or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered high risk drivers. To learn more about the Auto Safety Program visit the Auto Safety information page under the FAQ section. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement which may include a review of the prospective employees motor vehicle record.

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.