Western Iowa Assistant Land Steward

The Nature Conservancy • Westfield, IA

11d • $18 - $19

About The Position

What We Can Achieve Together: The Western Iowa Assistant Land Steward performs and participates in preserve operations, maintenance and management, under the direction of the Western Iowa Land Steward. Tasks include maintenance of preserve infrastructure, tools, and power equipment, invasive species control, preserve and easement monitoring, prescribed fire, and assisting with the bison herd at Broken Kettle Grasslands Preserve in Westfield, Iowa. This position assists with public outreach and answering visitors’ questions. The Assistant Land Steward assists with training and directing seasonal employees, interns, and may lead volunteer workdays. Work entails overnight or longer travel to preserves in Western Iowa and occasionally to other locations in the region. Irregular hours, including nights and weekends may be occasionally required. This is a full-time, year-round position. We’re Looking for You: The Western Iowa Assistant land Steward maintains preserve areas frequented by the visiting public and performs land management activities. They treat and document invasive species, maintain/build fence, conduct preserve and easement monitoring, and assist with livestock. The Western Iowa Assistant Land Steward participates in prescribed fire and wildfire operations. They will maintain tools, equipment, and preserve records. The Western Iowa Assistant Land Steward should be familiar with: Various types of equipment including chainsaws, brush cutters, tractors, ATVs/UTVs, skid loaders, and trailers of various sizes. Wildland fire equipment such as drip torches, radios, both UTV and truck mounted skid units Safe handling of pesticides and equipment such as backpack and ATV/UTV mounted sprayers. Responsibilities & Scope: Supervises no staff, but may help plan and direct preserve work groups, including staff, interns, or 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. May require long hours in isolated settings. Makes day to day decisions as delegated by supervisor. May work under infrequent supervision.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and 1 year’s training in science-related field or related experience in land management activities.
• Ability to perform physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather.
• Must have problem solving skills.
• Experience recognizing plant and animal species to complete preserve management activities.
• Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, experience hauling trailers, tractors, skid loaders, or similar equipment).
• Experience working in a team environment and independently.
• Must possess valid driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.
• Must obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, and pesticide application).
• Completion of NWCG Introduction to Wildland Fire Fighter Type 2.
• 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 1 week after starting employment.
• PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding.

Nice To Haves

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• 1-2 years’ experience in land management, natural resources management, biology, environmental sciences, and/or related area of study.
• Working knowledge of ArcGIS Pro or other GIS-based mapping program
• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues and convey work instructions to team members, including volunteers.
• Ability to interact with preserve visitors and to convey basic preserve information.
• Ability to function productively as a member or leader of a work team.
• Ability to hold crew to high quality work standards.
• Possession of a commercial drone license or cdl a plus.

Responsibilities

• Maintains preserve areas frequented by the visiting public and performs land management activities.
• Treat and document invasive species, maintain/build fence, conduct preserve and easement monitoring, and assist with livestock.
• Participates in prescribed fire and wildfire operations.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and preserve records.
• Familiar with: Various types of equipment including chainsaws, brush cutters, tractors, ATVs/UTVs, skid loaders, and trailers of various sizes.
• Wildland fire equipment such as drip torches, radios, both UTV and truck mounted skid units
• Safe handling of pesticides and equipment such as backpack and ATV/UTV mounted sprayers.
• Supervises no staff, but may help plan and direct preserve work groups, including staff, interns, or volunteers.
• Makes day to day decisions as delegated by supervisor.

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