Peatland Research Technician

Meadowlands, Minnesota, USA

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.”

The Peatland Research Technician will support the Minnesota-North Dakota-South Dakota Chapter of The Nature Conservancy by conducting in-the-field research greenhouse gases, vegetation, and other variables at restored peatland sites in St. Louis County, MN. They will support the organization’s work to understand and promote peatland restoration as a natural climate solution in Minnesota. They will receive direct training and experience in field methods and equipment for monitoring GHG emissions and fluxes in forested and wetland systems.
The Technician will also contribute to larger-scale expansion of Natural Climate Solutions (NCS). As part of a larger learning network at TNC, the NCS Prototyping Network, the Technician will connect and regularly engage with the NCS Prototyping Team and similar projects in multiple global settings to share information and support peer-to-peer learning.
This is a Monday-Friday, flexible schedule role with the main focus to assist our Peatland Scientist in the field 2-3 days/week at peatland sites in the Sax Zim Bog area (near Meadowlands, MN), the other 2-3 days per week in the office (home or on site) to analyze gas samples collected at field sites. COVID-19 and other TNC safety protocols will be followed. A valid driver’s license is required. Some days in the field may require long hours to accommodate travel time to and from the field site.

The compensation for this position is $20 per hour. Travel expenses and mileage will be covered and some housing assistance may be available. This position will run from late-April to Mid-October 2023, and will require 35 hours per week. This position will require frequent trips to Meadowlands, MN, and will require occasional overnight lodging in the area.

If you are interested in peatland science and climate change mitigation, and have experience in field data collection or lab work - look no further! The Nature Conservancy may be the place for you. Apply today and find a job where you can find meaning and purpose.

We are seeking an upper-level undergraduate student, recent graduate or graduate student who is looking to gain hands-on experience in peatland or wetland restoration or climate mitigation science and field work. Individuals who are detail oriented and skilled in working with high tech equipment are encouraged to apply. All people applying for this position must have the following minimum qualifications.

• Have or be pursuing a degree in natural resources management, environmental science, environmental engineering, conservation biology, hydrology, botany, soil science or related field and 1-year experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience or demonstrated interest in working with scientific data with strong accountability and commitment to accuracy
• Experience in field data collection and/or lab work

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with data sets and basic data management
• Familiarity using GIS for mapping and analysis
• Experience or ability to work independently and with little supervision; as well as with colleague(s)
• Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Interest in temperate peatlands and/or natural climate solutions
• Demonstrated ability to be a proactive problem solver
• Strong organizational skills

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.

To apply for job ID 53122, 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.

This role will be posted until filled.

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.

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.

Where legally permissible, TNC requires all new employees to be fully vaccinated and willing to keep up to date with vaccines that protect against COVID-19. By accepting an offer of employment, you agree to comply with this requirement, unless you are entitled to a legally mandated exemption.

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.