Assistant Preserve Manager

The Assistant Preserve Manager (APM) is stationed at the 7800-acre Ordway Prairie Preserve which lies in the heart of the Prairie Pothole Region; also referred to as North America’s “Duck Factory” because of its significant breeding habitat for waterfowl. Ordway Prairie is also home to one of the Conservancy’s many bison herds and serves as the hub for our conservation work in north-central South Dakota.

The Assistant Preserve Manager plays a key role in implementing management on the Ordway Prairie Preserve by assisting with management of invasive plant species, grazing management, fire management, as well as research and monitoring projects. They will assist with care of the bison herd and annual roundups. The APM will assist with developing and implementing processes for data management using technology such mobile devices, ArcGIS online, or databases. The APM will assist the MN-ND-SD Chapter’s Stewardship team by assisting with administrative support, outreach, information management, or filling capacity gaps on specific projects as needed.

While this position will work primarily from the Ordway Prairie Preserve office, there will be occasional opportunities to travel and stay overnight at other work locations, especially as needed to assist with prescribed fire and for trainings or conferences. Occasionally, the APM will be required to work irregular hours and long days.

In order to effectively conduct the essential functions of the position, the Assistant Preserve Manager will live within a reasonable distance of the preserve, agreed upon with the supervisor, in order to respond to urgent and routine issues and events on the preserve including but not limited to cattle and bison management, security, equipment failures, and visitors. Housing for the Assistant Preserve Manager may be available for lease on the preserve.

• BA/BS/AS/Technical or vocational degree in a science-related field and 1-year related experience in custodial and ecological land management or a 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.

In addition, the following skills and/or experiences would be an asset for this role but are not required. For applicants without these, please view these as areas or skillsets where you will have opportunities for growth and professional development :

Desired Qualifications

• Experience applying herbicides, utilizing a variety of application methods and equipment.

• Must be qualified as or able to become 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 work capacity test at arduous level (3 mile walk with 45 lb pack in 45 minutes). See http://www.tncfiremanual.org/firefighter.htm

• Some experience managing volunteers or entry-level staff.

• Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete preserve management activities.

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

• Ability to managing time and diverse activities while delivering quality results when working independently and collaboratively with a team.

• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers) and GIS (e.g. ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS online)

• Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.

• Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience are appreciated.

• Experience performing basic maintenance on facilities.

• Must have ability to obtain required licenses or certifications, such as first aid/CPR, herbicide applicators license, and valid driver’s license. Must maintain a good driving record.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $20-$25.75/hour or hourly rate . 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 candidate's 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 Conservancy’s 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 world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube or on Glassdoor .

Our 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 valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our 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.

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

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 Conservancy's 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 [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.