Overview

Office Location:
Leola, SD, USA

Onsite

The Fellow’s main workstation will be at the Ordway Prairie preserve near Leola, SD where housing, (shared with employees, volunteers, and partners,) is available. You will be expected to travel between the main workstation and other project areas across the MN-ND-SD Chapter.

We offer relocation assistance/reimbursement depending on eligibility. This position also qualifies for a performance bonus.

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 Grassland Conservation Fellowship program is designed to provide talented individuals with opportunities to advance their skills for conservation.  As a Fellow, you will assist with conservation projects focusing on conservation land management and ecological monitoring while learning from and networking with professionals throughout MN-ND-SD chapter.

The primary duties of the Fellow will be to assist programs across the MN-ND-SD Chapter with prescribed fire management, invasive species management, woody encroachment/fuels reduction, ecological monitoring, maintenance/management of equipment/facilities, care of livestock (including assisting with bison care and roundup) and maintaining grazing infrastructure (fence, water, corrals,) outreach, and leading projects/crews.

This position requires irregular hours, long days, and some travel on short notice. You may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

The Fellow’s main workstation will be at the Ordway Prairie preserve near Leola, SD where housing, (shared with employees, volunteers, and partners,) is available. You will be expected to travel between the main workstation and other project areas across the MN-ND-SD Chapter (dependent on the needs of the business). You will be eligible to drive a company vehicle for work-related travel or TNC provides mileage reimbursement when necessary to drive a personal vehicle.

This is a term position anticipated to end around December 1, 2026 (there is flexibility with start/end dates.)  This is a full-time, benefits eligible position. Work hours will vary from 35-50+ hours per week (averaging 40 hours/week) with possible evening, weekend, or holiday work required depending on the season, associated projects, and training opportunities.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

  • May lead work groups consisting of staff, interns, or volunteers.
  •   Network with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, donors, board members and the general public.
  • Financial responsibility may include working within a budget to complete projects.
  • Perform ecological management tasks such as biological monitoring, invasive species control, prescribed burning, and grazing management.
  •  Implement maintenance of buildings, fence/corrals, livestock water systems, and equipment.
  • Data collection, entry, analysis, and reporting for research and monitoring projects.
  • Assist with planning and project management.
  • Assist with care of bison, monitoring, and roundup.
  • Contribute to outreach – giving presentations, leading field trips, and developing written materials.
  • May collaborate with other teams (philanthropy, marketing, science, etc).

We’re Looking for You:
The ideal candidate will be a college graduate (Associates, Technical/vocational, or Bachelors) with some experience in conservation land management who is looking for opportunities to learn and grow as a professional in the field of conservation by gaining hands-on experience. As a Fellow, you will be provided opportunities to network with partnering agencies and attend professional conferences.

You will be expected to work collaboratively with others as well as independently. While participating in various aspects of conservation land management, you will practice skills such as: decision-making, problem solving, project management, public speaking, and leadership.

If this sounds like you, and you’re inspired to help people and nature, join TNC and apply today! Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together.

 

What You’ll Bring:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • AS/Technical or vocational degree in science-related field and 1-year related experience in custodial and ecological land management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience in ecological land management principles.
  • Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment.

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 as growth and professional development opportunities that you will achieve on the job. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete preserve management or monitoring activities.
  • Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field.
  • Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
  • Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers, ArcGIS).
  • Qualified as or able to meet qualifications for Prescribed Fire Crew Member by completing S-130, S-190, I-100, and IS-700 by start date (online courses available). Additional information about qualifications can be found at: http://www.tncfiremanual.org
  •  Ability to pass annual physical fitness test (carry a 45-pound pack over 3 miles of level terrain in 45 minutes or less).
  • Experience with safe operation and general maintenance of pumps, small engines, sprayers, tractors, ATV/UTVs, 4×4 vehicles, trailers, power tools, and mowers.
  •   Experience with monitoring/research techniques and applying scientific principles.
  • Ability to follow instructions and work cooperatively with others.
  • Experience in the safe handling and use of herbicides.
  • Experience working with livestock and/or observing animal behavior.
  • Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

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 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 $19 – $21 hour. 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 55913, 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.

Candidates are encouraged to apply by 1/3/25. We review applications as they are received. As long as the posting is active we are accepting applications. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the job description will be removed from the website.

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.

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.