Assistant Land Steward

Kankakee Sands Preserve

Indiana, 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 Conservation Practitioner III (CPIII) leads work teams to ensure the coordination of preserve management plans. The CPIII maintains preserve areas frequented by the visiting public, removes exotic species and/or monitors and researches species, maintains tools and equipment, operates heavy machinery, and opens and closes preserve to the visiting public.

The Kankakee Sands Land Steward maintains preserve areas frequented by the visiting public and performs land management activities across Kankakee Sands. They will remove exotic species; conduct species monitoring; help with all aspects of native seed collection and processing; assist at the native plant nursery and with prescribed burns; and maintain tools, equipment, and site infrastructure. The Land Steward will also participate in data collection, preserve monitoring, outreach, and ongoing research projects; as well as maintain preserve records using iPads, PC, mobile device, and paper records. This position may require irregular work hours and long days, particularly during spring and fall fire seasons. While the position will work primarily on the Kankakee Sands macrosite, there may be infrequent travel requiring overnight stays to other locations.

The Nature Conservancy in Illinois has a long history of protecting some of Illinois’s best natural habitats. At over 2,000 acres at the Kankakee Sands project in Illinois, it is among the best examples of Black Oak Savannas in the United States. It is part of a larger bi-state
conservation area that exceeds 25,000 acres of prairie, wetlands, and oak savanna. The Kankakee Sands project has many active programs including prescribed fire, invasive species management, and seed collecting, and volunteer and community outreach. The
Kankakee Sands Land Steward will join a passionate and skilled team of staff that use a variety of conservation strategies and restoration tools to maintain, enhance, and advocate for this diverse landscape. They will become members of our fire and
stewardship programs as well as assist with preserve operations.

• 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.

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 position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy'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." Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers.

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.

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including; health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, accrued paid time off (including annual, personal, and sick leave), life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellness benefits. Benefits may be subject to generally applicable eligibility, waiting period, contribution, and other requirements and conditions. Learn more about our benefits at nature.org/careers. We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellness, and flexibility needs of the people we employ.

To apply for job ID 53435, 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.

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 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.