Preserve Management Assistant - Tallgrass Aspen Parklands

Karlstad, Minnesota, USA

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

The Preserve Management Assistant (PMA) will work out of the Tallgrass Aspen Parklands office, located in Karlstad, MN. This position is a great introduction to a conservation career focused on land management. This landscape contains over 300,000 acres of conservation land, including almost 16,000 acres of land directly managed by TNC. The landscape hosts a number of charismatic species, including elk, bear, wolves and others. TNC works closely with partners in land management, including the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service.
Wildland fire is a major part of land management in this area, and the PMA will gain experience operating equipment and working with large interagency teams. Staff in this position will also gain experience in prairie conservation and restoration techniques in the context of large intact natural areas.

The Preserve Management Assistant assists in all aspects of prairie management, including:v

• Prescribed fire
• Invasive species removal using herbicides and other methods.
• Prairie restorations, including seed collection, planting, and maintenance.
• Data collection and monitoring.
• Maintenance of preserve facilities and equipment.

Want to help save the planet? Through the efforts of The Nature Conservancy, 900,000 acres in Minnesota have been preserved for people and nature. From forest to prairie, the Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Chapter is dedicated to conserving the natural resources that make our states unique. This is an exceptional career opportunity for a highly motivated, capable individual interested in joining the world's leading conservation organization!

• High school diploma or GED and 1 year’s training in 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).
• Experience working in a team environment.
• Experience working independently
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide application, Basic federal firefighting certifications).
• Must be able to pass a fitness test (walk 2 miles, with a 25 lb. load within 30 minutes)
• Examples of relevant experience may include: volunteering, farming, foraging, outdoor recreation, landscaping, manual labor, etc.

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into 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 and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

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. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

This position is based on a 40-hour work week, but may require irregular hours, long days, and travel on short notice.

Dorm style housing is provided in possibly mixed gender facilities for the full term of employment. Transportation from TNC office to the various preserves will be provided by TNC.

TNC also fosters an environment supportive of empowering our employees, amplifying an equitable workforce, and creating opportunities to participate in our nine Employee Resource Groups.

In alignment with the global organization, the Tri-State chapter is making an intentional effort to creating a community of inclusivity and belonging through collaboration and feedback. We’re committed to building a culture based on trust, transparency, empathy, and accountability. We value individuality and difference of backgrounds and ideas, and we encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

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.

This position is based in Karlstad, MN. The salary range is $16.50-$18.00 per hour and is benefits eligible. Work will be performed in variable weather conditions, in remote locations and under physically demanding circumstances. This longer term, seasonal position will start April 7, 2025 and end October 31, 2025.

To apply for job ID 56177, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org

For position specific questions, contact Jacob Anderson janderson@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.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

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.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.