Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive.

We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. Whether it’s career development, work/life balance, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all of our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued.

In addition to the minimum requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Passion, innovation, and diversity are all key components to advancing our Mission and we encourage you to apply.

All TNC staff based in the U.S. or a U.S. Territory are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of receiving one of the vaccines approved in the U.S. (Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson) shall be condition of employment and must be provided prior to starting work. TNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and reasonable accommodations for candidates who cannot be vaccinated due to a valid medical or religious reason, or claim an exemption under applicable state law will be considered.

The Innovative Restoration Technician (IRT) positions (2) are seasonal positions starting March 22 and ending either October 29 or November 26, with possibility of extension. The IRT positions are based in TNC’s Burns, Oregon field office, at the Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center. Each IRT position will contribute to TNC’s efforts to improve restoration of western dryland ecosystems traditionally dominated by sagebrush plant communities

Specifically, both IRTs will support The Nature Conservancy’s Sagebrush Sea Innovative Restoration program by producing and testing enhanced seed materials in the lab and field, which are designed to increase the success of native perennial vegetation restoration in wildlands across the West prone to invasion by exotic weeds. One technician will serve this program entirely, which will involve preparation and implementation of projects via lab and field work (40%), collection of data in support of field research, monitoring, and assessment (30%), data entry (10%), and other conservation/science project tasks as needed (20%).

The other technician will independently manage and lead data collection and maintenance at the Glass Butte Forb Garden, one of a network of common gardens established by the USDA Forest Service to study native forb populations in order to create seed transfer zones for restoration. This project will occupy approximately 40% of this position’s time and will consist of data collection and coordinating with USFS collaborators. For both positions, other projects may include, but are not limited to, traveling to other states (ID, NV, UT, WY) to install and monitor field experiments, conducting fieldwork on Conservancy preserves, performing controlled germination experiments, and assisting with projects in collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies.

The Innovative Restoration Technician provides administrative, research, project management and/or general assistance to program or preserve staff. This work requires following detailed protocols in the lab and field, including seed sorting and handling, seed germination trials, seedling identification and measurements, repetitive vegetation data collection and entry in the lab and field, constructing/installing experiments, and laboratory cleanup.

• Willingness to live and work in a small and remote location (Burns, OR) and occasionally travel for 4 or up to 8 consecutive days
• Performs field and lab work, both supervised and unsupervised, and maintains project data and records
• Supervises no staff, but may help plan and direct work for other staff on specific projects
• Often works in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain under physically demanding circumstances, and/or in full personal protective equipment inside laboratories for extended periods.
• Requires occasional overnight travel in and out of state, often camping for 2 – 6 consecutive days
• May purchase equipment and supplies as provided for in budget

• Associates Degree in natural resources; environmental studies or equivalent combination of education and 6 months’ experience
• Experience collecting data on seeds or plants in an outdoor or lab or greenhouse setting
• Experience managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated
• Experience in sagebrush ecosystems, and knowledge of common plant species
• Experience handling seeds and conducting germination and seedling growth trials in laboratory settings
• Experience making consistent and repeated observations and recording data accurately
• Ability to follow protocols for using laboratory equipment and/or small machinery, hand tools, and power tools.
• Ability to contribute to and work within a small team
• Ability to work independently and exercise independent judgment
• Ability to safely travel and navigate on primitive roads and trails, and safely perform physical work in remote settings
• Experience with time management when contributing to multiple projects
• Experience with common software applications (Word, Excel, Web browsers)