Sycan Marsh Stewardship Assistant

The Nature Conservancy

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sycan Marsh Stewardship Assistant will be working at Sycan Marsh Preserve as part of a team performing operations and maintenance and conducting general preserve stewardship duties supporting priority projects while developing their conservation and stewardship skills. During the stewardship assistant’s term, they will work under the supervision of an experienced steward performing field tasks such as fence and infrastructure maintenance, invasive plant monitoring and control (including herbicide use), vegetation monitoring, wildlife surveys, prescribed fire burn unit preparation, trail work, and data collection. The stewardship assistant will also assist with site, equipment, and facilities maintenance, and repair. They will maintain and preserve records using a computer, or mobile devices. The stewardship assistant will work in the field and office alongside TNC staff, partners, and volunteers, including youth volunteers, and independently. They may interact with visitors from the public hiking on the trail and enforce preserve use guidelines. Will work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances, and requiring considerable physical exertion. We’re Looking for You: The Sycan Marsh Stewardship Assistant is a member of a team that implements conservation work on a high profile 30,000 acre preserve in South Central Oregon, including fence repair, facilities maintenance, invasive plant control, and conducting pre-burn preparation for prescribed fire. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The Sycan stewardship assistant is an entry level, seasonal position starting early July and late September 2026. The stewardship assistant will be a member of teams that perform operations, maintenance, and monitoring of an important conservation site in Oregon. The stewardship assistant will conduct general preserve stewardship duties in support of priority projects.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED and 1-year's training in science-related field or related experience in land management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience recognizing plants and/or animals.
Experience operating various types of hand and power tools and equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. chainsaw, ATV, UTV, backpack sprayer, two-way radio, or similar equipment).
Experience working in a team environment with high collaboration to deliver work.
Experience following instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
Experience conducting physical labor.
Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, Youth Safety, herbicide or pesticide application).
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

Lived experience working with Indigenous communities, multi-lingual skills, and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
Work, volunteer, or educational experience in land management, environmental education, public outreach, or related fields.
Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Computer and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding.

Responsibilities

Perform barbed wire fence maintenance and repair.
Assist with site, equipment, and facilities maintenance, and repair.
May lead and work with volunteers.
Invasive plant monitoring and control, including herbicide use.
Networks with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members, and the general public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy programs/preserves.
Assist in vegetation monitoring, wildlife surveys, and other field data collection, as needed.
Works under minimal and/or distant supervision; must make independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
Works in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances often walking 5-8 miles per day while carrying loads up to 30 pounds.
Travel often involves driving on narrow, hazardous gravel or dirt roads.
Possible travel to other preserves as needed to help with projects there.
Possible work on evenings and weekends.