Conservation Practitioner

Conservation Practitioner

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 Conservation Practitioner III performs and participates in preserve operations including the maintenance, management, development and coordination of conservation and land management programs. The CPIII surveys and maps invasive species, applies invasive species control methods, and tracks progress.  The CPIII operates and maintains tools and equipment including heavy machinery. The CPIII may oversee volunteers to accomplish conservation projects and preserve maintenance.  May assist with outreach and education events on and off the preserve.

Responsibilities and scope

• Assist with coordination and implementation of stewardship tasks that support conservation goals of the preserve, such as invasive species management, trail maintenance, Rx fire preparation and operations, and prairie or woodland restoration projects.

• Maintain and operate tools and equipment (e.g. lawn mower, chain saw, tractor, skid steer, two-way radio, ATV, UTV, sprayers, fire equipment, etc.)

• Identify, map, treat, and monitor invasive plants and animals. Identify and monitor other target species.

• Use GPS technology (field tablet, handheld GPS unit, Field Maps) to support fire, invasive species treatment, and other restoration practices.

• Maintain preserve areas frequented by the visiting public including mowing and road maintenance

• May oversee volunteer groups

• Assist with basic maintenance and management of the Preserve building, shops, and ranch house.

• Interface professionally and effectively with preserve neighbors, private landowners, partners, and volunteers to garner trust and support of grazing, restoration, and fire programs within the community.

• Assist with Rx fire preparations and operations under guidance of Burn Boss. If qualified, use ignition devices and operate 4WD trucks, ATV’s, UTV’s, portable pumps, pump engines, port-a-tanks, tractors, backpack blowers, brush cutters, chain saws, and hand tools.

Work Environment and Schedule

• May work under minimal and/or distant supervision; 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.

• Schedule is flexible, weekend and evening work is necessary at times

• On-site housing is NOT available on the preserve at this time

We’re Looking for You:

Want to help save the planet? Through the efforts of The Nature Conservancy, 100,000 acres in Oklahoma have been preserved for people and nature.  From the rivers to the plains the Oklahoma Chapter is dedicated to conserving the natural resources that make Oklahoma 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:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• One (1) year related experience in ecological land management or similar field, BA/BS/AS/Technical or vocational degree in science-related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience

• Ability to act in accordance with our code of conduct; be respectful of differences of identity and/or beliefs, and successfully work across those differences to meet work objectives.

• Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment and heavy machinery, e.g. lawn mowers, 4-wheel drive vehicles, power tools, grass trimmers, tractors, tracked loader, trailers, etc.

• Must have a valid driver’s license.

• Ability to hike multiple miles a day on a regular basis in inclement weather and hazardous terrain.

• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.

• Experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS).

• Willing to meet minimum requirements to obtain RXCM within the first 6 months of hire. Information on requirements can be found here Fire Management Personnel

• Desire to advance in NWCG fire qualifications.

• Must achieve physical fitness standards as set by local Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Manual.

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.

FIREARMS USAGE 

• Firearm possession/use is permitted under the following instances:

• Euthanasia

• Preserve Stewardship and Management: Control of certain animals.

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. We strongly encourage those interested who bring new perspective to apply.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 1 – 2 years related experience in ecological land management or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated.

• Some experience managing volunteers

• Ability to recognize plant and animal species of Oklahoma and Southern Great Plains ecosystems to complete preserve management activities.

• Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in Crosstimbers/ Riparian conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field.

• Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).

• Qualified as a Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2), including Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fire line (L-180), Introduction to Wild Land Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130), and one training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2 OR willingness to obtain the position of FFT2.  See http://www.tncfiremanual.org/firefighter.htm