Job Description

Office Location:

Leola, South Dakota, USA

Aberdeen, South Dakota, USA

Eureka, South Dakota, USA

Barnard, South Dakota, USA

Ashley, North Dakota, USA

#Li-Onsite

Affordable housing for the Land Steward and immediate family is available for lease on the Samuel H. Ordway, Jr. Memorial Preserve.

Who We Are:

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. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube  or on Glassdoor.

Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Land Steward provides day-to-day project management, leadership, and implementation of conservation projects within and around the Leola Hills landscape including TNC’s 7,800-acre Ordway Prairie Preserve. They will coordinate projects and may supervise crews consisting of staff, volunteers, interns, and/or contractors. They will be responsible for ensuring that all facilities, preserve grounds, and equipment are in good repair and well organized. They will develop and implement plans using an adaptive management process – including chemical, biological, and mechanical control of noxious weeds, grazing management, and fire management as well as participate in research and monitoring programs. The Land Steward will assist with livestock management including daily care of the resident bison herd. The Land Steward addresses critical threats to natural systems and individual species, fosters cross-site learning among the conservation community and local landowners, and supplies conservation planning teams with site or landscape level information relevant to the planning process.  May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

Examples of responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
• Recruits and leads diverse teams.
• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
• May work long hours in isolated settings.
• Responsible for safe operation and maintenance of buildings and grazing infrastructure (such as fence, corrals, and watering stations) and equipment (ATV/UTVs, chainsaws, 4WD vehicles, skid-steers/tractors and attachments)
• Develops and manages a budget, negotiating, and contracting with vendors, and supporting fundraising and donor stewardship efforts.
• Network with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy projects.
• Performs ecological management tasks such as biological monitoring, invasive species control, grazing and fire management.
• Negotiates/writes agreements and leases and handles compliance issues in cooperation with other staff.
• Assist with grazing and livestock management such as daily care of cattle/bison, annual roundups, assistance with research projects and data collection.
• Develops, implements, and delivers local programs/projects that align with TNC’s mission and goals.
• Travel to other sites to provide stewardship of other properties, assist other programs, and for trainings or meetings as needed.

We’re Looking for You:

Want to help save the planet? Through the efforts of The Nature Conservancy, over 188,000 acres in South Dakota have been preserved for people and nature.  From the grasslands to the wetlands, to forests and prairies, the Tri-State Chapter is dedicated to conserving the natural resources that make our regions unique.

As the Leola Hills Land Steward, you will ensure support and collaborate closely with colleagues across the MN, ND, SD Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. You may oversee or lead a team of staff or volunteers dedicated to the management of the Ordway Prairie Preserve, near Leola, SD, and other TNC land interests. As our Land Steward, you thrive in an environment based on learning and are able to adapt and embrace the opportunity for variable work duties. Examples include: office work to field labor, working independently to working with teams, following existing standard protocols to developing new methods and process.  As our Land Steward, you will build relationships and network with diverse groups such as: private landowners, ranchers, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the public to inspire support for the Conservancy’s priorities.

If this sounds like you, this is an exceptional career opportunity for a highly motivated, capable individual interested in joining the world’s leading conservation organization!

What You’ll Bring:

• BA/BS, degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Supervisory or leadership experience.
• Experience building relationships and communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
• Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers.
• Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment and facilities.
• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to deadlines.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License and maintain a good driving record.

In addition, the following DESIRED skills and/or experiences would be an asset for this role but are not required to apply. For applicants without these, please view these as areas or skillsets where you will have opportunities for growth and professional development.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and to guide activities.
• Knowledge of ecological land management/restoration principles, including range management, wildlife management, invasive species ecology, livestock husbandry, and fire management.
• Ability to maintain facilities including, corrals, fence, office, housing, and workshop.
• Must be qualified as or able to meet qualifications of a Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) and work toward qualifications as needed to implement fire strategies. See https://www.tncfiremanual.org/FIrefighter.htm
• Ability to pass annual fitness test (carrying a 45-pound pack over 3 miles of level terrain in 45 minutes or less.)
• Knowledge of flora and fauna of the Northern Great Plains.
• Experience with GPS and GIS and data management.
• Ability to obtain required licenses or certifications, such as first aid, CPR, herbicide application,
• Ability to follow instructions and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to think creatively about how to leverage resources.
• Commitment to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion.

What We Bring:

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!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

Additional Job Information:

The Land Steward develops, manages, and advances conservation programs and plans for the Conservation Area. In order to effectively conduct the essential functions of the position, it is strongly suggested the Land Steward live within a reasonable distance from the Ordway Prairie Preserve, near Leola, SD, as agreed upon with the supervisor. The Land Steward is expected to respond to urgent and routine issues and events on the preserve in a timely manner. Issues and events may include but are not limited to livestock management, security, equipment failures, and visitors.

Housing for the Land Steward and immediate family may be available for lease on the Preserve.

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.

Auto Safety Policy:

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.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $48,600 – $53,720 for annual base salary. 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.

How to Apply

Apply Now:

Job Categories: Equal Opportunities. Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: 40,000 - 60,000.

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