Missouri Coteau Conservation Technician

Office Location:

Huron, South Dakota, USA

This is a full-time, non-exempt position and will work primarily from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service workstation in Huron, SD.

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:

As our Missouri Coteau Conservation Technician, you will provide conservation program support and deliverables to staff and partners (specifically the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS,) by working toward the achievement of protection and stewardship goals. This includes grassland and wetland easements. You will be responsible for establishing contact with private landowners interested in conserving native prairie and wetlands with conservation easements. You will develop written evaluations, including maps using GIS, for lands to be considered in the easement program. Overall supervision will be provided by TNC. Day-to-day direction and training regarding easement work will be provided by the USFWS.

You may also assist The Nature Conservancy with biological surveys, data management, conservation planning and GIS mapping, prescribed fire, land management practices, and outreach/education programs. You may work with a variety of partners to develop proposals and implement conservation projects focused on priority conservation goals identified in the Missouri Coteau conservation area of South Dakota. This is a two-year term position with the opportunity to extend employment pending securement of long-term funding.

We’re Looking for You:

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone with strong communication and collaboration skills as well as a desire to learn and grow professionally.  Come join TNC and apply today!

What You’ll Bring:

• BA/BS/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 with natural systems.        
• Experience in ecological land management principles.
• Experience operating and or repairing various types of equipment and machinery.
• Must have a valid driver’s license. Please indicate this in your resume.                    

In addition, the following skills and/or experiences would be needed for this role. For applicants without these, please view these as areas or skillsets where you will have opportunities for growth and professional development:

• Knowledge of wetland/grassland ecology of the Prairie Pothole Region, habitat management techniques, and knowledge of migratory birds and local wildlife.
• Working knowledge of GIS programs.
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers.)
• Ability to operate ATVs/UTVs and 4×4 pickup trucks with trailers.
• Ability to plan, administer and record or present results of work-team.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, with assignments coming from multiple sources.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Experience managing volunteers or entry level staff.
• Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete surveys.
• Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timelines.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal.)

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:

This is a full-time, non-exempt position and will work primarily from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service workstation in Huron, SD.

Work hours average between 35-40 hours/week with the occasional need to work over 40 hours per week to meet the goals of the position. Though rare, evening and weekend hours may be necessary to work with landowners based on their availability and when conditions are conducive for activities. This position is eligible for overtime.

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 $22.75 – $25.00 per hour (35-40 hours/week). 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.