The Nature ConservancyStewardship Assistant & Crew Leader in Letts, Iowa
OFFICE LOCATION
Letts, Iowa (IA) IA301
WORK WITH US
The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact for people and nature around the world in 69 countries, all 50 United States, major US cities and in your neighborhood. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we are committed to a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Visit www.nature.org/aboutus to learn more.
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.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Stewardship Assistant & Crew Leader will start on Tuesday, April 25, 2017. S/he primarily serves as Crew Leader for a 6-person volunteer intern crew from May 22 - August 4, 2017. S/he will also perform and participate in preserve operations and maintenance under the direction of the Eastern Iowa Land Steward. This position will end on Friday, October 20, 2017. Housing will be provided as a requirement of this position.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
S/he will assist with preparation of tools, equipment and road gear prior to crew arrival and participate in crew orientation and safety training during the week of May 22nd. Under the direction of the Eastern and Western Land Stewards, the Crew Leader is responsible for overseeing all crew operations, adherence to safety training and guidelines, working with the crew during field activities, and may need to stay onsite to supervise the crew during off hours if needed. This position requires daily outdoor physical labor for extended periods of time in adverse conditions. The crew and crew leader will be responsible for performing stewardship tasks such as: using a chainsaw and other power equipment, building and repairing fence; removing exotic species; monitoring conservation activities, including data collection, input and reporting; assisting with prescribed burns; and maintaining tools and equipment. The intern crew travels throughout the state from May 22nd – August 4th. The crew stays at bunk houses where available but may also camp at State Parks. After the intern program concludes, the Stewardship Assistant & Crew Leader will assist with tree/brush and invasives removal, prescribed burns, bison roundup and other stewardship activities at the Lower Cedar Project Office and/or Broken Kettle Grasslands Preserve as needed.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Under the direction of the Land Stewards, s/he will help plan and direct intern crew & preserve work groups, made up of staff & volunteers.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
- Requires long hours in isolated settings.
- Makes day to day decisions as delegated by supervisor.
- May work under infrequent supervision.
- Monitor crew expenses, work logs and mileage logs.
- Various administrative tasks that may apply to the above.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- High school diploma and 1 year’s training in science-related field or related experience in land management.
- Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
- Experience operating various types of equipment.
- Experience working in a team environment.
- Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide application, and driver’s license).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- High school diploma and 1 - 2 years’ training in science-related field or related experience in land stewardship.
- Prior experience working with a field crew as assistant or crew leader, or other group leader experience.
- Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
- Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete preserve management activities.
- Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g.; lawn mower, chainsaw, tractor, two-way radio, etc.).
- Ability to follow/give instructions from/to colleagues.
- PC familiarity in order to maintain crew records.
- Experience performing physical work.
- Experience leading others in a field setting.
- Completion of Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190) and Firefighting Training (S-130), preferred.
- The Nature Conservancy has adopted the Work Capacity Test (WCT) as the method for assessing fitness for fire qualifications. The WCT for moderate level consists of completing a two-mile hike, within thirty minutes, while carrying a twenty-five pound pack. The person selected for this position is required to pass the moderate WCT within 60 days after starting employment.
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.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply to position number 45011 submit resume and cover letter separately using the upload buttons. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on January 31, 2017.
Click “submit” to apply for the position or “save for later” to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited. Failure to complete required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration.
If you experience technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.*LI-
Any questions related to this specific position may be directed to ccarter@tnc.org.
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 men and women 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.*
Job Title: Stewardship Assistant & Crew Leader
Location: Iowa
Job ID: 45011
Regular/Temporary: Temporary
Full/Part Time: Full-Time