Missouri Coteau Conservation Technician

Huron, South Dakota, USA

#Li-onsite

This is a full-time, non-exempt position and will work primarily from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service workstation in Huron, SD.

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

As our Missouri Coteau Conservation Technician, you will provide conservation program support and deliverables to staff and partners (specifically the U.S. Fish &amp Wildlife Service (USFWS,) by working toward the achievement of protection and stewardship goals. This includes grassland and wetland easements. You will be responsible for establishing contact with private landowners interested in conserving native prairie and wetlands with conservation easements. You will develop written evaluations, including maps using GIS, for lands to be considered in the easement program. Overall supervision will be provided by TNC. Day-to-day direction and training regarding easement work will be provided by the USFWS.

You may also assist The Nature Conservancy with biological surveys, data management, conservation planning and GIS mapping, prescribed fire, land management practices, and outreach/education programs. You may work with a variety of partners to develop proposals and implement conservation projects focused on priority conservation goals identified in the Missouri Coteau conservation area of South Dakota. This is a two-year term position with the opportunity to extend employment pending securement of long-term funding.

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone with strong communication and collaboration skills as well as a desire to learn and grow professionally. Come join TNC and apply today!

• BA/BS/AS/Technical or vocational degree in science-related field and 1 year related experience in custodial and ecological land management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with natural systems.
• Experience in ecological land management principles.
• Experience operating and or repairing various types of equipment and machinery.
• Must have a valid drivers license. Please indicate this in your resume.

In addition, the following skills and/or experiences would be needed for this role. For applicants without these, please view these as areas or skillsets where you will have opportunities for growth and professional development:

• Knowledge of wetland/grassland ecology of the Prairie Pothole Region, habitat management techniques, and knowledge of migratory birds and local wildlife.
• Working knowledge of GIS programs.
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g. Word, Excel, Web browsers.)
• Ability to operate ATVs/UTVs and 4×4 pickup trucks with trailers.
• Ability to plan, administer and record or present results of work-team.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, with assignments coming from multiple sources.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Experience managing volunteers or entry level staff.
• Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete surveys.
• Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timelines.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal.)

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 on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

This is a full-time, non-exempt position and will work primarily from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service workstation in Huron, SD.

Work hours average between 35-40 hours/week with the occasional need to work over 40 hours per week to meet the goals of the position. Though rare, evening and weekend hours may be necessary to work with landowners based on their availability and when conditions are conducive for activities. This position is eligible for overtime.
TNC also fosters an environment supportive of empowering our employees, amplifying an equitable workforce, and creating opportunities to participate in our nine Employee Resource Groups.

In alignment with the global organization, the Tri-State chapter is making an intentional effort to creating a community of inclusivity and belonging through collaboration and feedback. We’re committed to building a culture based on trust, transparency, empathy, and accountability. We value individuality and difference of backgrounds and ideas, and we encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

This position requires a valid drivers license and compliance with TNC’s 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 https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ 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.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $22.75 – $25.00 per hour (35-40 hours/week). This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s 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.

To apply for job ID 54901, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

Our recruiting process is a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we 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 asap.

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 culture. 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 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 applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.