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.
This position 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.
This position will be based out of Nashville, Indiana, require frequent travel throughout southern Indiana, and occasional over-night travel to assist with projects in other areas of the state and region.
The Southern IN Land Stewardship Assistant will assist with preserve management plans on sites throughout southern Indiana. They will remove exotic species and/or monitor and research species; assist with prescribe fire as a management tool; install signs, gates, and boundary markers; use power equipment to maintain roads, fire lines, trails, and ecological integrity of preserves; maintain tools and equipment; operate off road vehicles (e.g. ATV), company vehicle, heavy machinery; and open and close preserves to the visiting public.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Supervises no staff, but may help plan and direct preserve work groups, including staff or volunteers.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
- May require long hours in isolated settings.
- Makes day to day decisions as delegated by supervisor.
- May work under infrequent supervision.
- Responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of assigned fleet vehicles and equipment.
- Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
- Experience working in a team environment.
- Experience operating various types of tools and equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. Lawn mower, chainsaw, vehicles, 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 or pesticide application).
- Ability to obtain Wildland Firefighter certification and pass the fitness pack test (3 mile walk with a 45lb pack in 45 min or under).
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 1 - 2 years’ experience in land management or related field.
- Experience working with, or knowledge of natural systems.
- Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete preserve management activities.
- Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
- PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding.
- 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.