The Western Iowa Assistant Land Steward performs and participates in preserve operations and maintenance under the direction of the Western Iowa Land Steward. Tasks include building and repairing fence; invasive species control; preserve and easement monitoring; prescribed fire; and assisting with the bison herd at Broken Kettle Grasslands Preserve. This position will also assist with maintenance of preserve infrastructure, tools, and power equipment. The Assistant Land Steward will assist with training and directing seasonal employees and interns and may also lead volunteer workdays. The position is based at Broken Kettle Grasslands Preserve; however, work will entail overnight or longer travel to other preserves in western Iowa and occasionally to other locations in the region. Irregular hours including nights and weekends may be occasionally required. This is a full-time year-round position.
The Assistant Land Steward maintains preserve areas frequented by the visiting public and performs land stewardship activities. S/he removes exotic species; maintains/builds fence; conducts preserve and easement monitoring and assists with livestock. S/he may assist in prescribed burns and maintain tools, equipment and land. S/he should be familiar with various types of equipment including but not limited to chainsaws; tractors; trailers; fire equipment such as drip torches, water tanks, and pumps; and herbicide handling equipment such as backpack and ATV mounted spray tanks. The Assistant Land Steward will maintain preserve records using a database or PC.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Supervises no staff, but may help plan and direct preserve work groups, including staff, interns, 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.
- Requires long hours in isolated settings.
- Makes day to day decisions as delegated by supervisor.
- May work under infrequent supervision.
- Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
- Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. Lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, experience hauling trailers, or similar equipment).
- Experience working in a team environment.
- Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application, and driver’s license).
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 1 - 2 years’ experience in land stewardship activities.
- College course-work towards an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree, in Natural Resources Management, Biology, Environmental Sciences or related area of study.
- 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 and to convey work instructions to other preserve management team members, including volunteers.
- Ability to interact with preserve visitors and to convey basic preserve information.
- Ability to function productively as a member or leader of a work team.
- Ability to hold crew to high quality work standards.
- Ability to perform physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather.
- PC familiarity.
- Completion of NWCG Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190) and Firefighting Training (S-130)
- The Nature Conservancy has adopted the Work Capacity Test (WCT) as the method for assessing fitness for fire qualifications. The WCT for moderate level consists of completing a two-mile hike, within thirty minutes, while carrying a twenty-five pound pack. The person selected for this position is required to pass the moderate WCT within 1 week after starting employment.