Indiana Kankakee Sands Land Steward

Morocco, 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 Kankakee Sands Land Steward will assist with all aspects of preserve management, including the development and coordination of preserve management plans. They will be one of three land stewards’ coordinating day to day stewardship activities for up to a third of the preserve. In addition, they will help in maintaining preserve areas frequented by the visiting public; removing exotic species; native seed harvest and planting; ecological monitoring and participating in research; and participate in all capacities of the TNC Indiana’s prescribed fire program. The Land Steward also is expected to help maintain tools, fleet vehicles, and equipment; and assist with our outreach, and grazing management programs as needed.

The scope and responsibilities for this position include teamwork and interaction with diverse groups of people; working within a budget and assisting with budget development; leading or monitoring work groups; working under minimal supervision making some independent decisions. Travel occasionally for training or regional meetings. Work requires 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.

This is a full-time (40 hours), field position based at our Kankakee Sands Field Office in Morocco, Indiana. The compensation range begins at $21.75 an hour and may be negotiable depending on experience.

The Nature Conservancy in Indiana is looking for a Kankakee Sands Land Steward to join us in protecting what is becoming a destination spot for visitors in Indiana. Started 25 years ago, the Efroymson Restoration at Kankakee Sands has grown to over 8000 acres of prairie, wetland, and savanna habitat. It’s among the largest grassland restorations in the US, part of a larger bi-state conservation area that exceeds 25,000 acres, and home to a bison herd that not only draws crowds of visitors, but also contribute to the function of the prairie ecosystem. You 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. If you are a highly motivated, capable individual who enjoys working outside, apply now to find a rewarding career with the world’s leading conservation organization working to take care of nature, so nature can take care of us.

• BA/BS/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 handling, storing, and applying herbicide safely for invasive species control.
• Skills to recognize regional plant and animal species and the use of identification tools/resources.
• Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment (e.g. sprayers, brushcutters, UTVs).
• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timelines.
• Experience using common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers, Powerpoint, Google Earth, ArcGIS).
• Meets minimum TNC NWCG training for Basic Wildland Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) at start date or within 6 months, including the physical fitness requirements at the arduous level.
• Willingness to obtain and maintain related licenses or certifications as required (ex: first aid, CPR, herbicide/pesticide application).
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.

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 53699, 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 July 28, 2023.

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.

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.