Grassland Conservation Fellow

WHO WE ARE

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the 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. The Fellow participates in conservation operations in central North Dakota primarily at the Cross Ranch Preserve. The Fellow will also work with partners and other programs/departments throughout North Dakota and the MN-ND-SD Chapter.

The primary duties of the Fellow will be to assist 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 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 main workstation will be at the Cross Ranch preserve near Center, North Dakota where housing, (shared with employees, volunteers, and partners,) is provided. Living onsite is a critical part of the position.    

This is a term position anticipated to end around December 1, 2026 (there is some flexibility with start/end dates.)  It 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, herd monitoring, and roundup.  
• Contribute to outreach – giving presentations, leading field trips, and developing written materials.
• May collaborate with other teams (philanthropy, marketing, science, etc).
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

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, communication, 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.
• 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.
• Ability to identify local flora and fauna including grassland birds, butterflies, and key plant species
• 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, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into 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 and partners, we impact conservation around the world! 

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.