Stewardship Technician, The Nature Conservancy

Wood River, NE

Position Title: Stewardship Technician

Organization: The Nature Conservancy

Location: Wood River, NE

Organization Overview: Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. As a science-based organization, they create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that there can be a world in which people and nature thrive.

Position Overview: The Conservation Stewardship Technician (CST) performs and participates in preserve operations, maintenance, and management.  This position will be involved with many aspects of managing approximately 3,500 acres of prairies, wet meadows, and wetlands of the Platte River Prairies Preserve along the Central Platte River Valley just south of Wood River, Nebraska.

This preserve is a part of a complex of private (both non-profits & private citizens), federal, and state-owned lands that are of international importance to migratory birds, such as the endangered whooping cranes, and more abundant sandhill cranes.  Furthermore, they are some of the last remaining grasslands in the Central Platte River Valley.  On Preserve TNC staff continues to restore croplands to prairies, wet meadows, and wetlands, and maintain remnant and restored prairies, wet meadows, and wetlands to promote habitat heterogeneity, ecological resiliency, and habitat connectivity.  They promote habitat heterogeneity through use of management methods and tools such as cattle, fire, and chemical & mechanical removal of exotic/invasive plant species.  TNC in Nebraska is always attempting to innovate and impact private landowners in Nebraska and the Great Plains to use best practices in conservation and improved management of grasslands to promote biodiversity and resiliency.

This is an opportunity for an individual to advance their skills and understanding of conservation practices from the ground up.  While out in the field one will learn species identification of plant and animal species along the way.  The CST will potentially work on other preserves and partner lands, as well as with the larger Nebraska Chapter team.  This temporary term-limited position will run from February 21st, 2022 to August 19th, 2022, primarily based at the Platte River Prairies Preserve, near Wood River, Nebraska, where housing will be provided.  

The Development Coordinator may be responsible for various activities, including drafting correspondence and acknowledgements, assisting donors with asset transfer, processing and recording gifts, planning logistics of meetings, and assisting with the planning of special events for prospects and donors. The Coordinator uses the available fundraising management system to produce donor reports and perform analysis and research. They apply established processes and practices in order to improve effectiveness. The Coordinator may have substantial contact with staff, donors, legal and financial professionals. They will provide other staff with information they need to make decisions and solve problems. They will perform administrative functions as required, including but not limited to, processing accounts payable, organizing and maintaining the electronic and paper files, and assisting with mailings.

Duties: The Conservation Stewardship Technician (CST) maintains preserve infrastructure & performs land management activities by controlling exotic & invasive species (chemically & mechanically), maintaining, replacing, and installing fencing and other equipment, as well as preparing for and participating in prescribed burns.  Other tasks may include but are not limited to, species monitoring, livestock management, native seed collection, processing, and distribution, general equipment maintenance.  May have the opportunity to be a part of data collection and other research conducted on preserve.  Will occasionally work with other staff, volunteers, and assist the public and TNC members.

Responsibilities:

  • May lead or monitor work groups consisting of staff, interns, and volunteers covering a wide geographic area.   
  • May 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.
  • Works under minimal, infrequent, and distant supervision; must make independent decisions based on experience and judgments.
  • Requires long hours in isolated settings.
  • Coordinates multiple projects with several variables, setting realistic deadlines and managing timeframes.
  • Resolves routine issues independently, consulting with supervisor to develop plans for resolution of complex and unusual problems.
  • Cultivates and develops creative ideas to improve conservation strategies.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or GED and 1 year’s training in science-related field or related experience in land management.
  • Experience recognizing plant and animal species.       
  • Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. Lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).                       
  • Experience working in a team environment.                                           
  • Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application).

Desired Qualifications:

  • Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
  • 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.  See http://www.tncfiremanual.org/firefighter.htm     
  • Able to achieve physical fitness standard as determined by the TNC Fire Manual.
  • 1 – 2 years’ experience in land management or related field.                     
  • Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.  
  • Ability to obtain driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.
  • Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
  • PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding. 

Salary/pay: $15.50-$17.50 per hour, dependent on qualifications and experience

Application Deadline: January 7

How to Apply: To apply for job ID 50693, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button here. Need help applying? Visit the recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

 

 

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