Eastern Iowa Land Steward

Letts, Iowa (IA)

The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in more than 30 countries, all 50 United States, and your backyard. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Visit www.nature.org/aboutus to learn more.

With a presence in 50 states and 30 countries, The Nature Conservancy works at large scales to conserve whole ecological systems that reach beyond political boundaries drawn on a map. The work of the Eastern Iowa Land Steward’s day-to-day duties are highly diverse and provide the possibility to gain and improve upon a wide set of skills necessary for the successful conservation professional. Additionally, the Conservancy supports a full-range of career development and leadership training opportunities. The Eastern Iowa Land Steward can anticipate both a challenging and rewarding work environment – the opportunity to manage and influence one of the most biologically diverse systems in Iowa.
TNC

The Eastern Iowa Land Steward develops and implements management plans and conservation strategies for the Lower Cedar Project Area and satellite preserves in eastern Iowa, located in the Central Tallgrass Prairie and Prairie Forest Border ecoregions.  The ~200,000 acre Lower Cedar Project Area includes 2,308 acres of Conservancy preserves protecting globally rare plant communities including Swamp White Oak savannas and Central Tallgrass fens.  The project area is considered to be the most biologically rich part of Iowa and recently identified as an “Important Reptile and Amphibian Conservation Area” by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The Lower Cedar Project Area has the potential for large scale wetland restoration, stewardship and protection of Swamp White Oak and floodplain savanna, and growing protected acres.   This position also works in the Conservancy’s Driftless Area landscape.  The Driftless Area in northeast Iowa contains striking karst topography, algific talus slopes (home to federally threatened Iowa Pleistocene snail and Northern Monkshood), and warm and cold-water streams.  This position will oversee stewardship of18 preserves in eastern Iowa. Estimated division of time will be 80% Lower Cedar and 20% Eastern Iowa satellite preserves.

The Eastern Iowa Land Steward will lead/participate in the prescribed fire program in Eastern Iowa, working closely with the Conservancy’s Fire Manager for Iowa. This individual will work to implement prescribed fire plans for Eastern Iowa, and participate in and assist with training and qualifications of crew members at the local level.  The Land Steward will supervise seasonal stewardship crews and volunteers in the field.

This position will be supervised by the Iowa Director of Stewardship, and will supervise seasonal interns, and possibly other staff and work crews.  Operations will be based from the Eastern Iowa Field office in Letts. 
TNC

• Bachelor’s degree in ecology, forestry, or a related field and minimum 3 years related experience.
• Experience working with natural systems, especially grasslands, floodplains, and woodland management. 
• Supervisory skills and experience.
• Heavy equipment experience (i.e. tractors, trailers, skid steer with attachments).
• Safe record of using and maintaining preserve tools and equipment (i.e. mowers, chain saws, ATVs, power tools).
• Prescribed fire experience. NWCG qualifications for Squad Boss/FFT1 at a minimum. 
• Experience working and communicating effectively with a diverse group of people, including scientists, other staff, the public, etc.
• Experience performing physical, natural resources management work.
• The Nature Conservancy has adopted the Work Capacity Test (WCT) as the method for assessing fitness for fire qualifications. The WCT for an arduous fitness level consists of completing a three-mile hike, within forty-five minutes, while carrying a forty-five pound pack. The person selected for this position is required to pass the arduous WCT within 60 days after starting employment. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent communication skills, including public speaking.
• Strong computer skills. Experience with GIS, Arcview, and data management.
• Ability to recognize plant and animal species as required to plan and execute ecologically appropriate land management techniques using current trends and practices.Ability to compose management plans.
• Knowledge of agricultural and grazing practices.Experience forming partnerships with public agencies, private companies, non-profit organizations, and agricultural producers.
• Successful leadership experience, particularly in complex and challenging situations. Experience training staff and burn crew members.
• Ability to work with influential officials, especially governmental and local leaders, to improve Conservancy programs’ outcomes.
• Class A CDL or willingness to obtain license within 6 months of hire.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to maintain, perform routine maintenance, and repair minor equipment issues.
• Chemical applicator license or willingness to obtain license within 6 months of hire.
• ATV and power saw certification or willingness to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• First aid and CPR training or willingness to obtain training within 6 months of hire.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license, be insurable under TNC policy, and comply with TNC Auto Safety Program.
• Conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize work,
• Commitment to natural resource conservation.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy'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." Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers.

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.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT

• Travel as needed, usually within Eastern Iowa.
• Work an irregular schedule, including some weekends, evenings and unpredicted schedule changes.
• Work in a remote location, in variable weather conditions, on difficult terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions may require considerable physical exertion, present possibility of injury, require long hours in isolated settings, and the ability to work alone.
• Ability to operate heavy machinery including tractors, skid loaders, with attachments such as mowers, trucks and large trailers.

The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.
TNC

To apply to position number 41236, submit resume and cover letter as one document.  All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 26, 2013.

Failure to complete all of the required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration. The information entered in the education and work experience sections are auto screened by the system based on the basic qualifications of the position.

You must click “submit” to apply for the position. You may select “save for later” if you prefer to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited.

If you are experiencing technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide or contactapplyhelp@tnc.org.

If you have questions about the position, please contact Chelsea Carter at 515-244-5044 or emailiowa@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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