Field Steward
About the position The Prairie Coteau Field Steward will play a crucial role in managing and conserving the natural resources of the Prairie Coteau Program, which encompasses twelve TNC sites across Eastern South Dakota and Southwest Minnesota. This position involves collaborating with the Prairie Coteau Program Manager to set goals and objectives, implementing conservation management techniques, and leading seasonal employees in various ecological management projects. The Field Steward will work in a dynamic and challenging environment, contributing to the mission of The Nature Conservancy to conserve vital lands and waters. Responsibilities • Identify goals and objectives in collaboration with the program manager and others. • Effectively utilize resources, including seasonal employees, to achieve identified goals and complete project work plans. • Develop and implement various conservation management techniques such as grazing, prescribed fire, and invasive species management practices. • Assist with planning and implementing ecological management plans and projects on TNC lands in SD and MN. • Lead work teams to address critical threats to natural systems and individual species. • Foster cross-site learning among the conservation community. • Supply conservation planning with site level information relevant to the planning process. Requirements • Associates degree with 5 years of experience or a Bachelor's degree with 3 years' experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience. • Experience in operating/maintaining various farm equipment and maintaining facilities. • Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, including landowners, media, government employees, and scientists. • Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s). • Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages. • Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc. • Leadership experience - managing and training staff and/or volunteers. Nice-to-haves • Must acquire a DOT medical certificate within 3 months of starting date. • Must achieve physical fitness standards as determined by the local Fire Program Manager and the TNC Fire Manual before March 2025. • Must be qualified, or able to become qualified, as a Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) by March 2025. • Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities. • Familiarity with principles of land acquisition or similar asset acquisition. • Knowledge of ecological land management principles. • Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation. • Ability to obtain related licenses or certifications as required including: First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application. • Experience controlling invasive species in prairie ecosystems via herbicide application from UTVs, ATVs, and backpack sprayers. • Experience working with or around livestock (cattle) and working with grazing practices and fencing systems. • Experience with plant identification in the Great Plains. • Experience with natural systems and ecological land management principles. • Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated. Benefits • 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 Apply tot his job