The Southern Indiana Land Steward performs and participates in preserve operations including the maintenance, management, development, and coordination of conservation programs. As a land steward you will be an integral part of TNC’s mission, values, and goals and will be a key representative of TNC. Your work as a steward is vital for effective conservation.
The Southern Indiana Land Steward is based from our Blue River Project Office in Laconia, IN and reports to the Indiana Director of Stewardship.
The Southern Indiana Land Steward leads work teams to ensure the coordination, community support and implementation of preserve management plans. They maintain preserve areas frequented by the visiting public, remove exotic species and/or monitor and research species, assist with prescribe fire as a management tool, use power equipment to maintain roads, fire lines, trails, ecological integrity of preserves, maintain tools and equipment, operate heavy machinery, and open and close preserves to the visiting public.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- May lead or monitor work groups consisting of staff, interns, and volunteers covering a wide geographic area.
- Financial responsibility may include working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development and fundraising targets.
- Networks with diverse groups, including land owners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the general public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy programs/preserves.
- May work under minimal and/or distant supervision; may make some independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Experience with natural systems.
- Experience in ecological land management principles.
- Experience operating and or repairing various types of equipment and machinery.
- Must have a valid driver's license.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- 1 – 2 years related experience in custodial and ecological land management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Some experience managing volunteers or entry level staff.
- Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete preserve management activities.
- Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field.
- Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
- Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers).
- Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.