Prairie Recovery Specialist at The Nature Conservancy in Morris, Minnesota

Job Description:

OFFICE LOCATION

Morris, Minnesota, USA

The position will be based out of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wetland Management District office in Morris, Minnesota.

#Li-onsite

WHO WE ARE

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."

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The Prairie Recovery Specialist (PRS) develops, manages, and advances conservation programs for small to medium scale geographic areas. The PRS provides technical leadership and support to the Tri-State chapter (MN, ND, SD) and plans and directs habitat management programs and stewardship. The PRS addresses critical threats to natural systems and individual species, fosters cross-site learning among conservation community, and supplies conservation planning teams with site or landscape level information relevant to the planning process. The PRS develops and implements conservation strategies and employs a full range of protection tools and strategies to acquire varying degrees of legal interest in land and to secure public and private support for TNC conservation priorities.

This may include the following functions:

• Design and implement prairie enhancement and restoration projects in coordination with federal and state partners.
• Coordinate with private contractors, seasonal habitat staff, and Conservation Corps of MN and IA crews to implement land management activities including prescribed fire, woody removal, invasive species treatment and conservation grazing.
• Assess the effectiveness of land management practices in meeting conservation objectives as determined by Conservancy science staff; adapt and revise practices as needed.
• Prepare, negotiate, and execute contracts with vendors.
• Perform tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
• Provide leadership role among conservation partners in the landscape.
• Ensure program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• Manage financial responsibilities such as working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, and assisting with budget development.
• Prescribed fire implementation with conservation partners.

WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU

As our Prairie Recovery Specialist, you will work to accelerate the implementation (planning and directing) of grassland management and restoration on state and federally owned conservation lands, as well as select privately-owned, permanently protected lands. You will work closely with public agency partners to develop, manage, and implement conservation programs for small-scale ecoregions.

You will also coordinate community support and ensure the maintenance of preserve areas frequented by the visiting public. You feel comfortable coordinating multiple projects respecting their varying deadlines. You will work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
The position will be based out of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wetland Management District office in Morris, Minnesota.

If you're looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join our Chapter as the Prairie Recovery Specialist! Not only will you fulfill conservation objectives in the beautiful state of Minnesota, but you'll contribute to conservation goals through many networks!

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• Bachelor's degree and 3 years' experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing staff or volunteers.
• Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal scientists.
• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timelines.
• Experience with communication via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
• Experience in training others in conservation principles and stewardship techniques.

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

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• 3-5 years' experience in natural resource management, similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
• Knowledge of ecological land management principles.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in prairie conservation, natural resource management, and land protection.
• Ability to operate and maintain various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. engine, pump, chainsaw, UTV, ATV, two-way radio, or similar equipment.)
• All TNC staff actively participating on a prescribed burn must be qualified as a FFT2. Qualified as or able to meet qualifications for FFT2, including Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fireline (L-180), Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130), National Incident Management System (IS-700), and one training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2. See https://www.tncfiremanual.org/Firefighter.html
• Ability to pass US Forest Service work capacity test at arduous level (3 mile walk with 45 lb. pack in 45 minutes.)
• Valid driver's license with a good driving record.
• Able to pass the DOT federal medical exam (https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/section/391.41.)

WHAT WE BRING

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.

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION

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 - $53,000 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.

APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID 55170, 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.

Our recruiting process is a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.Our recruiting process is a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

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.

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