SE MN Preserve Management Assistant

The Nature Conservancy•Kellogg, MN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The SE MN Preserve Management Assistant works throughout the Driftless region of southeast Minnesota as part of a 3–5-person crew carrying out stewardship activities on public and private lands. The role works closely with nonprofit organizations and state and federal government employees, and coordinates, leads, and manages other Nature Conservancy employees, volunteers, and partners. The assistant may work with minimal or distant supervision and make some independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context. Work includes preparing for prescribed burns, implementing fires and monitoring post-fire conditions; removing and chemically treating invasive species; maintaining tools and equipment; and conducting monitoring and data collection. Other activities may include plant and animal surveys, native seed harvest, tree and shrub planting, and preserve maintenance such as boundary posting. The job requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain. The position is based at Weaver Dunes Preserve near Kellogg, Minnesota. Shared housing is available but not required; if elected, its value is included as taxable income, with details covered in a housing agreement. This is a regular, benefits-eligible, fixed-term position anticipated to end in December 2027.

Requirements

Associate, technical, or vocational degree in a science-related field and one year of related experience in custodial and ecological land management or a similar field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience with natural systems.
Experience with ecological land management principles.
Experience operating and/or repairing equipment and machinery, including UTVs, chainsaws, trailers, and skid steers.
Qualified Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2).
Ability to meet physical fitness standards set by the local Prescribed Fire Manager and TNC Fire Management Manual.
Qualified Faller 3 (FAL3) or completion of S-212.
Valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.
Successful completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a motor vehicle record review.
Ability to complete TNC’s background screening process.

Nice To Haves

Two to three years of related experience in ecological land management or a similar field.
Qualified Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1).
Qualified Faller 2 (FAL2).
Multilingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience.
Ability to recognize plant and animal species for preserve management activities.
Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and natural resource preservation or conservation.
Ability to complete tasks independently within established timelines.
Working knowledge of common software applications such as Fieldmaps, Avenza, OnX, and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

Carry out stewardship activities on public and private lands as part of a 3–5-person crew.
Coordinate, lead, and manage other employees, volunteers, and partners.
Prepare for prescribed burns, implement fires, and conduct post-fire monitoring.
Remove and chemically treat invasive species.
Maintain tools, equipment, and machinery.
Conduct monitoring and collect data.
Assist with plant and animal surveys, native seed harvest, and tree and shrub planting.
Perform preserve maintenance duties, including boundary posting.
Assist with prescribed burn operations and installation of burn breaks.

Benefits

Competitive, comprehensive benefits package.
Health care benefits.
Flexible spending accounts.
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.
Shared housing is available but not required; if elected, its value is included as taxable income.