Overview

Founded in 1951, the Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable.  One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we strive for a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Working in 72 countries, including all 50 United States, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.

YOUR POSITION WITH TNC

The Stewardship Assistant & Crew Leader will start on April 22, 2019. They primarily serve as Crew Leader for a 5-person volunteer intern crew from May 28 – August 9, 2019. They will also perform and participate in preserve operations and maintenance under the direction of the Western Iowa Land Steward. This position will end on October 18, 2019.  Housing will be provided as a requirement of this position. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Stewardship Assistant & Crew Leader will assist with preparation of tools, equipment and road gear prior to crew arrival and participate in intern crew orientation and safety training during the week of May 28th. Under the direction of the Western and Eastern Iowa Land Stewards, the Crew Leader is responsible for overseeing all intern crew operations, adherence to safety training and guidelines, working with the crew during field activities, and may need to stay onsite to supervise the crew during off hours if needed. This position requires daily outdoor physical labor for extended periods of time in adverse conditions. The crew and crew leader will be responsible for performing stewardship tasks such as: using a chainsaw and other power equipment, building and repairing fence; removing exotic species; monitoring conservation activities, including data collection, input and reporting; assisting with prescribed burns; and maintaining tools and equipment.  The intern crew travels throughout the state from May 28th – August 9th.  The crew stays at bunk houses where available but may also camp at State Parks. After the intern program concludes, the Stewardship Assistant & Crew Leader will assist with tree/brush and invasives removal, prescribed burns, bison roundup and other stewardship activities at Broken Kettle Grasslands Preserve and/or the Land of the Swamp White Oak Preserve as needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Under the direction of the Land Stewards, they will help plan and direct intern crew and preserve work groups, made up of staff and volunteers.
• Will 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.
• Monitor crew expenses, work logs and mileage logs.
• Various administrative tasks that may apply to the above. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED and 1 year’s training in science-related field or related experience in land management.
• 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, or similar equipment).
• Experience working in a team environment.
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. Driver’s license, First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application). 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma and 1 – 2 years’ training in science-related field or related experience in land stewardship.
• Prior experience working with a field crew as assistant or crew leader, or other group leader experience.
• Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
• Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete preserve management activities.
• Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g.; lawn mower, chainsaw, tractor, two-way radio, etc.).
• Ability to follow/give instructions from/to colleagues.
• PC familiarity to maintain crew records.
• Experience performing physical work.
• Experience leading others in a field setting.
• Completion of Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190) and Firefighting Training (S-130), preferred.
• 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 60 days after starting employment. 

HOW TO APPLY 

Apply online at nature.org/careers. Application Deadline: February 15, 2019

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter through The Nature Conservancy’s online application system.
• All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on February 15, 2019.
• If you are having technical problems with the site or application process, contact applyhelp@tnc.org and include the job opening ID. Any questions related to this specific position may be directed to ccarter@tnc.org. 

ORGANIZATIONAL COMPETENCIES

Builds Relationships	Builds productive relationships by interacting with others in ways that enhance mutual trust and commitment.
Collaboration & Teamwork	Works collaboratively with stakeholders across levels, geographies, backgrounds, and cultures to improve decisions, strengthen commitment, and be more effective.
Communicates Authentically	Communicates proactively and in a timely manner to share information, persuade, and influence with the appropriate level of detail, tone, and opportunities for feedback.
Develops Others	Takes ownership to help develop others’ skills, behaviors, and mindsets to help them maximize their workplace contributions.
Leverages Difference	Demonstrates commitment to harnessing the power of differences strategically; consistently sees, learns from, and takes strategic action related to difference; and demonstrates the self-awareness and behaviors to work across differences of identity and power respectfully and effectively with all stakeholder. Actively seeks to build and retain a diverse workforce and fosters an equitable inclusive workplace by drawing upon diverse perspectives.
Systems Leadership	Thinks and acts from a broad perspective with a long-term view and an understanding of 1) the dynamic nature of large-scale challenges and 2) the need for integrating five key practices: skillfully engaging appropriate people; providing a clear process for change; taking a holistic view of situations; focusing on a small number of strategic actions, while learning from and adapting them over time; and being aware of how one’s own thinking or patterns of behavior may be limiting change.