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 | The Nature Conservancy is the world’s leading conservation organization, working in all 50 states and more than 33 countries. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. |
| POSITION SUMMARY |
| This position will work closely with Nature Conservancy staff on natural areas restoration and management projects throughout Southeastern Michigan and will be funded by a combination of private and grant dollars. Duties will include: invasive species removal (60%), native seed collection (20%), prescribed burning activities (15%), and miscellaneous other duties (5%). In addition to working with stewardship staff, the restoration assistant may work with and supervise volunteers. There are several Conservancy preserves in Southeast Michigan as well as privately owned properties on which the restoration assistant will work. There may also be opportunities for paid travel to work on restoration activities around the state. Travel around SE Michigan will be required on a daily basis. The position may also require some travel throughout the state necessitating nights away from home. Training on equipment safety, hand tools, and herbicide application will be provided. On site housing may be provided as part of compensation package. |
| ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS |
| - Removal of invasive plant species
- Participation in prescribed fire operations
- Native seed collection, propagation and planting
- Repair and maintenance of Conservancy property including equipment, vehicles and
preserves
- Assisting with biological inventory and monitoring
- Work in close cooperation with Land Steward and other project staff during this project
- Must be able to pass physical fitness test (test will be either “run” 1.5 miles under 11.5
5 minutes, or “pack” (walk) 3 miles under 45 minutes carrying a 45-lbs pack) |
| BASIC QUALIFICATIONS |
| - High school diploma and 6 months of related experience
- Experience operating various types of equipment.
- Experience performing physical work. |
| ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION |
| KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:
- Demonstrated experience in related fieldwork.
- NWCG Red-card certification preferred but not required.
- Commercial pesticide certification preferred but not required.
- Willingness to work long and sometimes irregular hours.
- Willingness to travel, sometimes for periods of up to 4 days preferred.
- Ability to provide own transportation to and from the home base (Tecumseh, MI).
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and independently complete tasks within assigned time
frames.
- Ability and willingness to do vigorous work under sometimes difficult weather conditions.
- Desire to continue learning about biological diversity and ecological restoration.
- Willingness to participate in special training as needed (provided on site by The Nature
Conservancy).
- Knowledge of conservation biology, ecology, fisheries and wildlife or natural resource related
field.
COMPLEXITY/PROBLEM SOLVING:
- Prioritize tasks in the absence of specific instructions.
- Resolve day-to-day challenges within specific guidelines and parameters of position.
- Complete multiple and varied assignments in a timely manner or under deadlines.
- Track progress on tasks and perform follow-up as needed.
- Identify routine problems and utilize existing resources for resolution.
- Resolve routine problems independently.
- Consult with supervisor to develop plans for resolution of unusual or complex problems.
DISCRETION/LATITUDE/DECISION-MAKING:
- Perform duties under general supervision and established guidelines.
- Prioritize work independently, working with supervisor as needed.
- Make day-to-day decisions within scope of work assignments.
- Consult with supervisor in event of any unusual circumstance, problem or question that
affects the work of others or may have impact on the program as a whole.
RESPONSIBILITY/OVERSIGHT –FINANCIAL & SUPERVISORY:
- Supervises no staff but may help plan and direct the work of volunteers.
- Limited financial responsibilities.
COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS:
- Work with and communicate effectively with a wide range of people, including other
other Conservancy staff, private landowners, and some partners, in order to complete project
work and goals in a timely manner.
- Communicate with internal and external contacts to seek or convey information and
coordinate arrangements.
- Formulate and clearly communicate ideas to others. Applicant may be asked to make
presentations in a small group setting.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:
- Work performed in a field setting sometimes in inclement (winter/summer) weather and
harsh conditions.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Work requires physical exertion and/or muscular strain. |
| BENEFITS |
| The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 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. |
| HOW TO APPLY |
| Please submit resume and cover letter as one document.
All sections of online application must be completed (e.g. work experience and education, even if information is included in resume) to be considered for a position.
Please apply at: nature.org/careers |
| EOE STATEMENT |
| The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. |
