The Nature Conservancy owns and manages roughly 13,500 acres of land in the stewardship program across southern Indiana. The Stewardship program helps restore and maintain TNC’s high priority biodiversity conservation sites identified within Indiana. This work focuses not only on the long-term survival of viable native species and community types, but also developing partnerships with public and private entities for successful conservation. Most of the work in southern Indiana is in the Interior Low Plateau Ecoregion, which is noted for its extensive large tract forests, limestone glade and barren complexes and karst systems. This area is characterized by rolling limestone plains with regions of rugged topography with 250 feet of relative topographic relief common.
The Seasonal Land Steward will assist TNC to conserve biodiversity and preserve opportunities for recreation, wildlife habitat, natural beauty, and solitude. The work performed contributes to the protection and maintenance of biodiversity in Indiana by the restoration of declining forest community types and glade and barren complexes, and control of non-native invasive plants.
The position will require travel throughout southern Indiana frequently and occasional overnight travel to assist with projects in other areas of the state and region. This is a 6-month position with an approximate start date of mid-July. The position will be based out of the Conservancy’s Blue River office in Laconia, Indiana.
The Seasonal Land Steward will assist with preserve management plans on sites throughout southern Indiana. They will remove exotic species and/or monitor and research species; install signs, gates, and boundary markers; use power equipment to maintain roads, fire lines, trails, and ecological integrity of preserves; and maintain tools and equipment.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- May interact with visitors and volunteers.
- Works under close or infrequent supervision.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations for extended periods of time in isolated settings, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
- Some overnight and instate travel will be required
- Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).
- Must have valid driver’s license.
- Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide/pesticide application).
- Experience performing physical work, oftentimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Access to a personal vehicle.
- Ability to follow instructions from colleagues and work in a team environment.
- Interest and ability to communicate and work within a rural area.
- Ability to interact with visitors and volunteers to convey basic project information.
- Experience and interest in natural areas restoration, ecology, or other natural resource fields.
- Ability to keep organized and accurate records and work efficiently without supervision.
- Ability to safely use herbicides to control invasive plant species.
- Ability to safely use and maintain tools and equipment, including chainsaw, power, and construction tools.
- Ability to safely use vehicles such as trucks, trailers, UTV/ATVs, and mowers.
- Knowledge of Midwest flora and fauna.
- PC familiarity, including database knowledge.
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
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.