Ramsey Canyon Preserve Steward

The Nature Conservancy•Hereford, AZ

3d•$21 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

The Ramsey Canyon Preserve Steward (RCPS) performs and participates in preserve operations including the maintenance, management, and coordination of conservation programs for TNC-owned fee lands in the Upper San Pedro River Basin. Areas of responsibility for this position include two preserves of small to medium size (Ramsey Canyon and the Canelo Hills Cienega) along with several other small isolated TNC properties in the region. The position also includes providing regular stewardship support to the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve. The position reports to the Ramsey Canyon Preserve Manager and is based at the Ramsey Canyon Preserve in Herford, Arizona. The position involves interactions with nearby agencies such as the USFS and the Ft. Huachuca Military Base, and requires frequent interaction with visiting public.

Requirements

AS/Technical or vocational degree in science-related field and 1-year related experience in custodial and ecological land management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience with natural systems.
Experience in ecological land management principles.
Experience operating and or repairing various types of equipment and machinery (such as tractor, lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).
Experience working with computers and related software, such as Windows, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel and Word), Box, Teams, web browsers and internet research.
Ability to be youth certified (completes TNC training within initial 30 days of employment; annually thereafter).
Valid driver’s license.
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

Experience with forest, wetland, and grassland ecosystems.
Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
1-2 years related experience in custodial and ecological land management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Some experience managing volunteers or entry-level staff.
Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete preserve management activities.
Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field.
Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.

Responsibilities

Monitors and maintains facilities and related systems.
Maintains preserve areas frequented by the visiting public including trails, footbridges, fences, and seating.
Maintains tools and equipment, operates heavy machinery.
Performs monitoring of ecological processes and human visitation (e.g., streamflow readings, vegetation surveys).
Executes ecological restoration strategies that lead to ecosystem improvements; strategies may include use of herbicide, power tools and machinery, and hand tools.
Works with TNC Science staff to support and coordinate TNC’s science and ecological research initiatives.
In partnership with the Ramsey Canyon Public Programs Steward, assists with coordinating stewardship volunteer workdays and volunteer projects.
Assists with volunteer orientation, training, scheduling, and appreciation.
Educates audiences about the preserve’s history, ecological significance, and the TNC mission; supports positive experiences for visitors.
Supports field trips and group visits.
Completes miscellaneous administrative tasks such as training, employee objective-setting and self-evaluations, expense reports, and timecards in a timely manner.
Make day-to-day decisions within the scope of work assignments and prioritize work independently.
Provides ad hoc coverage for the preserve visitor center, including performing opening and closing procedures, and supporting visitor center volunteers.
Oversight of work groups, consisting of staff, interns, volunteer staff with the support of the Preserve Manager.
Coordinates with Youth Safety Office to assure compliance with TNC’s Youth Safety Policy when activities may include youth.
Networks with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the visiting public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy programs/preserves.