Western Iowa Assistant Land Steward

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.

Were 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 Youll Bring:

• High school diploma or GED and 1 years 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 drivers 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.

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 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.

Employees must submit their application by logging into Workday and applying via the Jobs Hub.

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.