Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. 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. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. Whether it’s career development, work/life balance, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all of our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued.

The Oak Openings Restoration Crew Member performs ecological restoration and management activities on TNC, partner, and private properties in the Oak Openings Region of Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.

The Oak Openings Restoration Crew Member performs ecological restoration and management activities in the Oak Openings Region of Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. This will include invasive plant control using herbicide and mechanical methods, shrub and tree removal, native seed collecting, native seed and seedling planting, and may include mowing and litter clean-up. The Crew Member will be responsible for preparation and maintenance of equipment and tools used in restoration activities. Oak Openings Restoration Crew Members will be supervised by the Oak Openings Restoration Manager and the Kitty Todd Preserve Manager and will also be overseen by a Restoration Crew Leader. This is a full-time (35-40 hr/wk), short-term position (6 months) that involves extensive outdoor physical labor in diverse weather conditions. Preference will be given to applicants with experience applying herbicide to control invasive plants, native seed collecting, and using gas-powered tools such as chainsaws and brushcutters. Willingness to obtain Commercial Pesticide Applicator Licenses in Ohio and Michigan is required. The base of operations is the Kitty Todd Nature Preserve in Swanton, Ohio. However, Crew Members will divide into teams working in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan; please indicate the location in which you prefer to work in your cover letter.

• Supervises no staff but may oversee other crew members, interns, and volunteers.
• Will work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Operates vehicles in a safe manner, including on-road and off-road conditions.
• Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
• Requires long hours in isolated outdoor settings.
• Makes day-to-day decisions as delegated by supervisor.
• May work under infrequent supervision.
• Consults supervisor on unusual or complex issues.
• Ability to convey work instructions to other restoration crew members.
• Ability to interact with the public and to convey basic natural history and restoration information.
• Ability to function productively as a team member.

• High school diploma or GED and 1 year’s training in science-related field or related experience in land management.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Experience performing physical work.
• Experience working in a team environment.
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications (e.g., Commercial Pesticide Applicator License) in the first month of work.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• 1 – 2 years’ experience in land management or related field.
• Experience identifying plants of Ohio and Michigan, with an emphasis on recognizing differences between natives and invasives.
• Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g., chainsaw, brushcutter, 4WD truck, UTV, ATV).
• Ability to follow instructions from supervisors, crew leaders, and co-workers.
• PC and mobile device familiarity, including hand-held GPS units and data collection apps (e.g., ArcGIS Collector).

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.

The compensation range begins at $15 per hour for new seasonal employees. The compensation range for returning seasonal employees begins at $16 per hour.