Niobrara Valley Preserve Conservation Practitioner II

Johnstown, Nebraska, USA

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC.
The Nature Conservancy’s Niobrara Valley Preserve near Johnstown, Nebraska, is one of the largest TNC preserves in the U.S., and a model for grassland management using bison, cattle, and fire. It encompasses majestic pine-clad canyons, bison grazing the extensive grasslands, and a 25-mile stretch of the Niobrara River, a National Scenic River. The Nebraska Natural Heritage Program identified the Niobrara Valley Preserve as the biological crossroads of the Great Plains. To date, 581 plant, 213 bird, 86 lichen, 70 butterfly, 44 mammal, 25 fish, 17 reptile and 8 amphibian species have been recorded at the Preserve.

The Niobrara Valley Preserve Conservation Practitioner (the Practitioner) will be involved with many aspects of managing approximately 56,000 acres of prairie. The Practitioner will use chemical and mechanical methods to control exotic and invasive species; install, replace, and maintain fences; monitor species; manage livestock; and assist with prescribed fire. The Practitioner will assist with prescribed burns. They may also collect, process, and distribute native seeds and maintain and operate equipment. The Practitioner may have the opportunity to assist with research conducted on the preserve. They will occasionally work with other staff, volunteers, TNC members, and the public.
The Practitioner may work on other TNC preserves and on partner lands, 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.

Are you interested in conserving one of Nebraska’s iconic landscapes? Are you looking for an opportunity to get hands-on experience in conservation? This is a great opportunity to join our team and gain hands-on experience with everything from prairie stewardship to species identification.

This position pays $17.00 - $22.00 per hour for up to 35 hours per will and will run roughly from March 1—December 30, 2025. It is based at the Niobrara Valley Preserve, near Johnstown, NE, where housing is offered if needed.

• 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.
• Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. Lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).
• Currently qualified, or able to obtain qualification, as a Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) as described by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG).
• Experience working in a team environment.
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application).
• Able to obtain driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.

Desired Qualifications

• 1 - 2 years’ experience in land management or related field.
• Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
• Able to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding.

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff, we impact conservation throughout the world!

We offer a competitive compensation package, on-site housing, and work environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!
This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.

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." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

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.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $17.00 – $22.00 hourly rate. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

To apply for job ID 56209 submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on Sunday, February 9, 2025 Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

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TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.