Indiana Restoration Crew Member

Merrillville, Indiana, USA

IN404

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 Restoration Crew Members participate in restoration efforts as part of a Grand Calumet River Restoration Action Team. They assist in maintaining preserve areas and riverine marshes. Work includes controlling exotic invasive species; maintaining tools and equipment; monitoring wildlife; conducting preserve maintenance; learning how to identify native and non-native species; and preparing sites for prescribed burn. Team members also help maintain restoration records using a database, PC and/or tablet.

The scope and responsibilities for this position include teamwork within TNC and across partner organizations; close or infrequent supervision; making day-to-day decisions as delegated by supervisor; leading preserve workgroups of staff and/or volunteers; considerable physical exertion and/or muscle strain; irregular work hours and long days, particularly during spring and fall fire seasons; and variable weather conditions, at remote locations for long periods of time, on difficult and hazardous terrain.

The Nature Conservancy in Indiana is looking for a Restoration Crew Member to join our staff in protecting more than 500 acres, including globally rare dune and swale habitat, across northern Lake County, Indiana. Restoration efforts are geared toward reinstating beneficial uses related to wildlife and wildlife habitat. The oak savanna and wetlands located here harbor the greatest per acre species diversity anywhere in the state of Indiana. Situated within an urban industrial area on the outskirts of Chicago, there are great opportunities here to restore and maintain natural areas that add to the quality of life for the local community.

This is a full-time (40 hours/week), hands-on, field position based at our Southern Lake Michigan Rim Office in Merrillville, Indiana, lasting approximately 15 months starting February 2023. The pay is $20.00 an hour and includes a competitive benefits package.

• High school diploma or GED; and 1 years’ training or experience in related field.
• Experience recognizing Northwest Indiana plants/community types.
• Experience leading a team or group of volunteers.
• Experience performing physical work and ability to carry a 35-pound backpack sprayer.
• Experience working in a team environment.
• Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. lawn mower, chainsaw, brush cutter…).
• Able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application…).
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Additional Qualifications that would be helpful, but not required:

• 1 -2 years’ experience in land management, natural systems, or related field.
• PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding.
• Experience with GIS software.

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 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 https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ 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.

To apply for job ID 52580, submit your application, resume, and cover letter online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on December 26, 2022.

ATTENTION Current TNC Employees - please apply through the Careers page within your PeopleSoft account to ensure you are listed as an internal candidate.

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.

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.