Pollinator Habitat Management Assistant

The Nature Conservancy • Tecumseh, MI

2d • $20

About The Position

The Pollinator Habitat Management Assistant will be part of a two-person crew that will travel regularly throughout southern Michigan, conducting land management and monitoring activities to help improve pollinator habitat over 1000 acres across TNC and Legacy Land Conservancy (Legacy) preserves. This two-person crew will conduct land management activities to expand and improve pollinator habitat in southern Michigan and conduct necessary monitoring to assess the efficacy of management activities. This team will work alongside TNC and Legacy land managers to enhance, expand and improve pollinator habitat while also monitoring for species of concern. Management and monitoring activities will be conducted throughout prairie fens, oak savannas and similar habitat types. This is a full-time, temporary position starting no earlier than May 4, 2026, with a duration of 5 months. This position is based in Tecumseh, Michigan where lodging is available if necessary. Travel expenses, such as food and lodging, will be covered by The Nature Conservancy. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The Pollinator Habitat Management Assistant will travel to and work on TNC and Legacy preserves throughout southern Michigan. Successful candidates for this position will assist with land management activities through noxious weed control, assist with data collection through use of GIS/GPS, conduct monitoring activities to assess species presence, habitat condition, and record management activities, evaluate pollinator habitat, and document species presence. With this position, the Pollinator Habitat Management Assistant will: Be able to identify native and non-native plant species and be familiar with unique species found throughout the project area. Identify and manage noxious plant populations through mechanical and chemical methods Collect data and conduct monitoring activities with the use of field applications such as GIS and Field Maps. Assist with native seed harvesting, processing, and planting. Develop and assist with volunteer workdays Use various pieces of equipment and conduct regular assessments to determine condition and necessary maintenance. This includes but not limited to brush cutters, backpack sprayers, lawn mower, UTVs, two-way radios or similar equipment. Maintain a motivated and positive working environment for good crew morale. Ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. Work both independently and under close supervision.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and 1 year’s training in a science-related field or related experience in land management.
• Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
• Experience operating various types of equipment safely and efficiently (e.g. Lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).
• Experience working in a team environment.
• Must possess or be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required within 4 to 6 weeks of hiring. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application).
• Experience with communicating via written and spoken English.
• This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers."
• Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Nice To Haves

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• 1 - 2 years’ experience in land management or related field.
• Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
• Ability to obtain driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.
• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
• PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding.
• Familiarity with ESRI's suite of GIS software (e.g. Field Maps and Survey123)

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Capable of identifying native and non-native plant species, and animal species to complete preserve management activ ties.
• May interact with preserve visitors and the public.
• Assist supervisor with administrative tasks.
• Requires use and maintenance of tools and equipment on a regular basis.

Benefits

• TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED