Ecological Restoration Technician
What We Can Achieve Together:
The Prairie Forest Border Ecological Restoration Technician (ERT) will participate in tasks relating to the restoration and stewardship of TNC preserves and other conservation lands managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and US Fish and Wildlife Service. The working landscape for this position covers an 8-10 county area of west-central Minnesota but may include periodic travel to other parts of Minnesota. Work will focus on the restoration and maintenance of prairie, savanna, forest, and wetland ecosystems with the majority of the time spent stewarding prairies in West Central MN. Projects will include (in approximate highest to lowest order of proportion of position obligations): brush and tree control, native seed harvest, prescribed fire implementation, noxious weed management, equipment maintenance, and monitoring and data collection. Additional collateral tasks are likely, as well as multiple types of training opportunities. The ERT will regularly work with a 2-8 person crew. The ERT will work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
Responsibilities may include:
- Assist with stewarding TNC preserves and other protected conservation lands public lands including state-owned Wildlife Management Areas (WMA's) and federally-owned Waterfowl Production Areas (WPA's).
- Prescribed burn preparation, implementation, and post-fire monitoring with TNC, MN Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR), U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) staff.
- Remove and chemically treat herbaceous and woody exotic species.
- Maintain tools and equipment.
- Monitor and record data entries for various activity logs, photo points, and biological population monitoring.
- Manage and contribute data to a variety of geodatabases for stewardship tracking and ecological condition assessments.
- Post boundary signs on properties.
- Harvest and process native prairie and savanna seed.
- Function as both leader and member of a work team, in a high stress team environment.
- Maintain a motivated and positive working environment for good crew morale.
- Work both independently and under close supervision.
- Ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Manage and work within a budget to complete projects.
- Network with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, government officials, and the general public to recruit support for the Conservancy.
We’re Looking for You:
This position requires irregular hours, long days, and some travel on short notice. Work hours vary from 35-50+ hours per week with possible evening, weekend, or holiday work required depending on the season, associated projects, and training opportunities.
The Ecological Restoration Technician will travel throughout the Prairie Forest Border Ecoregion in central Minnesota participating in preserve restoration and management activities. Housing is provided with the primary housing location in Wilmar, MN. Housing may be shared with other staff during different periods of the year.
There are two openings for this position with each running from September 1st to December 26th, 2025.
What You’ll Bring:
High school diploma or GED and 1 year’s training in a science-related field or related experience in land management.
Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
Experience operating various types of equipment safely and efficiently (e.g. Lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).
Experience working in a team environment.
Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application).
Desired Qualifications
Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
1 - 2 years’ experience in land management or related field.
Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
Ability to obtain driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.
Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding.
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 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 employee's motor vehicle record.
Salary Information:
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $17.50 – 18.50/hour . 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 applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.