Glacial Lakes Site Steward

What We Can Achieve Together:

As the Glacial Lakes Site Steward, you will perform and participate in stewardship, preserve management, and restoration operations in the Ordway-Glacial Lakes landscape, situated in the Prairie Forest Border Ecoregion of west-central Minnesota. You will assist with operational supervision of land management crews, contract crews, volunteers, and interns in conducting work on lands managed by The Nature Conservancy and partnering agencies.

You will be responsible for maintaining preserve areas frequented by the visiting public, removing exotic species, monitoring and/or researching species, maintaining tools and equipment, operating heavy machinery, and supporting prescribed fire operations on preserves and partner lands. Additionally, you will develop and implement conservation strategies, assists with habitat protection, and implement a variety of strategies to secure public and private support for TNC conservation priorities.

As a Site Steward, you will work to secure community support by networking with various groups, including landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members, and the general public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy programs/preserves.

You will coordinate multiple projects, set deadlines, and manage completion for work to achieve land management goals throughout the Ordway-Glacial Lakes Landscape. You will also supervise the daily logistics, safety, and productivity of TNC staff, interns, volunteers, and contractors.

This position is based at the Central Minnesota office located near Cushing, MN, but will primarily work remotely in the field on preserves located between Willmar, MN and Alexandria, MN. As such, remote office locations within 70 miles of Brooten, MN are also acceptable. Frequent travel and regular overnight stays throughout the Prairie Forest Border Ecoregion of Minnesota may be required. This is a full-time, hourly position.

Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Directing prescribed fire crews; maintaining, and organizing fire equipment for prescribed burns.
  
• Overseeing operation, maintenance, and management of stewardship equipment fleet consisting of tractors, trucks, trailers, UTVs/ATVs, chainsaws, mowers, pumps, and other tools and equipment.
  
• Financial responsibility may include working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development and fundraising targets.
  
• May work under minimal and/or distant supervision; may supervise staff; may make some independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
  
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
  
• Frequently requires long and irregular hours in independent and group settings.
  

We're Looking for You:

Want to help save the planet? Through the efforts of The Nature Conservancy, over 1 million acres in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota have been preserved for people and nature. From the mountains to the sea, the MNDK Chapter is dedicated to conserving the natural resources that make Minnesota unique. 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/AS/Technical or vocational degree in a science-related field and 1-year related experience in custodial and ecological land management or a similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  
• Experience with natural systems.
  
• Experience in ecological land management principles.
  
• Experience operating and or repairing various types of equipment and machinery.
  
• Qualified as a Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) per NWCG guidelines, including coursework and experience requirements. See the Conservancy's Fire Management Manual for a full explanation of qualification requirements: http://www.tncfiremanual.org/personnel.htm
  
• Must achieve physical fitness standard as determined by local Prescribed Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Management Manual.
  
  

Desired Qualifications:

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience are appreciated.
  
• 1 - 2 years related experience in custodial and ecological land management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  
• Some experience managing volunteers or entry-level staff.
  
• Ability to recognize plant and animal s