Zumwalt Prairie Preserve Steward Assistant
About The Position
The Zumwalt Prairie Preserve (ZPP) Stewardship Assistant is an entry-level, seasonal position starting April 13th , 2026, and ending June 26th, 2026 . The stewardship assistant will work closely with TNC stewardship staff to perform daily operations, maintenance, and monitoring of the ZPP. The stewardship assistant will conduct general preserve stewardship duties, while also developing their conservation and stewardship skills. This position will work under the supervision of an experienced steward performing field tasks that may include fence and infrastructure maintenance, invasive plant monitoring and control (including the use of herbicides), vegetation monitoring, and wildlife surveys. The stewardship assistant may also assist with site, equipment, and facilities maintenance and repair. They will maintain and preserve records using a computer or mobile device. The stewardship assistant will work in the field and office alongside TNC staff, partners, and volunteers, while also working independently at times. They may interact with visitors from the public hiking on trails and enforce preserve use guidelines. This position will work in variable weather conditions, at times alone and in remote locations, in difficult hazardous and steep terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances which will require considerable physical exertion. On-Preserve housing is required from May 15 through June 26 of the employment term and will be provided to the Stewardship Assistant at no charge. Other TNC-provided housing may be offered free of charge outside of this time frame, though if accepted, the value of housing will be non-cash taxable income for the Stewardship Assistant.
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 in the grassland ecosystem, or willingness to learn.
- Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment safely and efficiently (e.g. Lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV, herbicide sprayers, or similar equipment).
- Experience working in a team environment.
- Valid Driver's License
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 perennial grassland natural systems.
- Experience applying herbicide with backpack and/or ATV/UTV sprayers.
- Experience using basic GIS tools and software.
- PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding.
- Current CPR/First-Aid certifications and/or willingness to obtain certifications during onboarding
Responsibilities
- fence and infrastructure maintenance
- invasive plant monitoring and control (including the use of herbicides)
- vegetation monitoring
- wildlife surveys
- site, equipment, and facilities maintenance and repair
- maintain and preserve records using a computer or mobile device
- interact with visitors from the public hiking on trails and enforce preserve use guidelines
Benefits
- health care benefits
- flexible spending accounts
- 401(k) plan including employer match
- parental leave
- accrued paid time off
- life insurance
- disability coverage
- employee assistance program
- other life and work wellbeing benefits
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
