Job Type: Full-time, on-site
Location: The Nature Conservancy - Westfield, IA
Pay: $20-22/hour
The Western Iowa Assistant Land Steward performs and participates in preserve operations including the maintenance, management, and coordination of conservation programs, under the direction of the Western Iowa Land Steward. Tasks include biologically based land management activities including prescribed fire, livestock (including bison) management, and invasive species control; maintenance of preserve infrastructure, tools, and equipment, and preserve and easement monitoring. This position is based at Broken Kettle Grasslands near Westfield, Iowa and covers all western Iowa preserves.
The Western Iowa Assistant Land Steward should have experience, coursework, or training in the use of:
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 Include:
May monitor work groups consisting of staff, interns, and volunteers covering a wide geographic area.
Supervises no staff, but may help plan and direct preserve work groups, including staff, interns, and/or volunteers.
Networks with varied groups, including landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members, and the public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy programs/preserves.
May work under minimal and/or distant supervision; may make some self-directed decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
Will work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. Irregular hours, including nights and weekends may be occasionally required.
May require long hours in isolated settings.
Required Qualifications:
AS/Technical or vocational degree in science-related field and 1-year related experience in land management activities or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience with natural systems.
Experience in ecological land management standards.
Experience working in a team environment and independently.
Experience operating and/or repairing various types of equipment and machinery 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 performing 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.
Completion of NWCG Introduction to Wildland Fire Fighter Type 2.
Experience with PC and/or mobile devices, including database knowledge or understanding.
Desired Qualifications:
1 – 2 years related experience in custodial and ecological land management, natural resources management, biology, environmental sciences, and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g., First Aid, CPR, and pesticide application).
Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field.
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.
Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
Ability to function productively as a member or coordinator of a work team.
Ability to hold crew to high quality work standards.
Working knowledge of ArcGIS Pro or other GIS-based mapping program.
Working knowledge of common software applications (Word, Excel, Web browsers).
Ability to follow instructions from colleagues and convey work instructions to team members, including volunteers.
Communicate clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English.
Ability to interact with preserve visitors and to convey basic preserve information.
Possession of a commercial drone license or cdl a plus.
Some experience managing volunteers or entry level staff.
Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
This position requires a valid driver's 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 the Auto Safety information page. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.
