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What We Can Achieve Together:

The Muleshoe Ranch Preserve Steward performs and coordinates construction and maintenance of Preserve buildings, infrastructure, and equipment, assists with restoration projects, and may work with other Conservation staff as part of a team at other Arizona preserves. 2 seasonal positions: Starting on or about Oct. 14, 2025 for approx 6 months - ending on or about April 10, 2026. .

We’re Looking for You:

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone who is passionate, motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today!

Required to live on-site; housing provided by TNC. The Muleshoe Ranch Preserve Steward is responsible for maintaining Preserve headquarters, including historic buildings, and assists with daily operations of the Preserve. The position supports the implementation of management plans, ecological restoration projects, and data collection, which may involve coordination with agency personnel, researchers or others. The Steward is also responsible for maintaining clean and functional housing and facilities for Preserve visitors and may assist with event preparation and execution. Position may supervise interns and volunteers.

Duties are anticipated in the percentages below, and may fluctuate based on the business needs:

Maintenance, 50%

Building maintenance and repair (painting, plumbing, electrical, landscaping, etc.). Road and trail maintenance (remove fallen trees, road repair, mowing, etc.). Equipment maintenance (service vehicles and equipment, such as tractor, truck and chain saw). Fence monitoring and repair. Coordination and monitoring of maintenance activities with contractors, volunteers, work groups, or staff.

Land Management, 40%

Manipulation of soil, rock, and vegetation using power and hand tools to enhance ecosystem function. Propagation and outplanting of native plants and collection of native seeds. Implement Preserve management plans, which may include wildlife/vegetation surveys and restoration. Fire prevention, fuel reduction, including chainsaw and heavy equipment work. Control and removal of exotic flora/fauna, invasive or incompatible vegetation, and feral livestock (primarily cattle). Collect monitoring data; for example, streamflow, rare species, and precipitation. May collect and compile GIS (Geographic Information Systems) information and databases for the Muleshoe Cooperative Management Area. Coordination and monitoring of land management activities with contractors, volunteers, interns, work groups, or staff.

General Public and Partner Activities, 5%

Coordinate and lead field trips for visitors, partners, volunteers, or staff. Assist in facilitation of events, meetings, and workshops held at Preserve. Keep guest housing clean, including sweeping, mopping, laundry, etc. Open and close Preserve as needed.

Administration, 5%

Accurate and timely completion of required reports and other items such as timesheet and expense reports. Maintain accurate Preserve records using a PC or mobile device. May supervise interns and volunteers.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

Position executes all duties within the Conservancy’s Policies, Standard Operating Procedures, business practices, processes and guidelines and Business Unit (BU) practices. Work is diverse and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines. Works individually or with other TNC staff, volunteers, interns and partners Makes day-to-day decisions as delegated by supervisor. May work under infrequent supervision and make sound on-the-spot decisions. Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain. Resides and works in remote location around venomous animals (rattlesnakes, scorpions etc.). Requires long hours in isolated settings. Works in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain. Works under physically demanding circumstances. Coordination of some aspects of management and operation of the Preserve with governmental and other partners. Travel (AZ and occasionally in U.S. for training, etc.); work overtime; work evenings, weekends and holidays as needed. Assist/travel to/from other preserves/programs as needed. Regularly lift, carry, push, pull 25 pounds – occasionally 50 pounds. Valid driver’s license. Other duties as required.

What You’ll Bring:

  • High school diploma or GED and 1 year’s training in science-related field or related experience in land management. (such as ranch work, landscaping, vegetation thinning, etc.).
  • Operating and repairing various types of equipment and machinery (e.g., weed eater, chainsaw, tractor, GPS device, UTV, ATV or OHV, etc.).
  • Basic residential maintenance or construction skills and experience with power tools.
  • Working in backcountry environments (e.g., fence construction/repair, wildland fire, field research, etc.).
  • Recognizing plant and animal species.
  • Working in a team environment.
  • Working with computers and related software, such as Windows, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, and Word), “Box,” web browsers and internet research.
  • Must be able to obtain related licenses and/or certifications as required (e.g., First Aid, CPR, etc.)
  • Youth certified (completes TNC training within initial 30 days of employment).

Desired Qualifications

  • AS/Technical or vocational degree in science-related field and related experience in custodial and ecological land management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience with natural systems (e.g., propagating plants, stream restoration, ecosystem monitoring, etc.).
  • 1 - 2 years’ experience in land management or related field.
  • Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
  • Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
  • Ability and willingness to learn new skills and adapt to unconventional circumstances imposed by remoteness and conservation priorities (for example, minimizing disturbance to streams or nesting birds).
  • Experience with riparian or upland restoration to improve habitat and ecological function.
  • General experience in agriculture or land management gained through working on a farm, ranch, or remote field station (including working with livestock such as cattle and horses).
  • General experience in construction, landscaping, building maintenance, excavation, or similar work including troubleshooting and solving basic electrical wiring, plumbing water systems, building fence, and/or other mechanical systems.
  • Experience in wildland firefighting, trail-building, forestry, and/or wildlife management field work.
  • Ability to recognize plant and animal species.
  • Ability to independently manage time and diverse activities under deadlines while delivering quality results.
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • Experience supervising volunteers, interns, or entry level staff.
  • Demonstrated ability to live, work and navigate, alone or with a crew, in remote or backcountry areas unsupervised for several days at a time.
  • Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field.
  • Ability to accurately complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
  • Wilderness First Aid or basic First Aid Training
  • Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English.
  • Experience working in a metrics driven culture

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 $17.47 - $20.00 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.

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 include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor .

One 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. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the 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 equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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.