Stewardship Assistant Southern OR

OFFICE LOCATION

Ashland and Sycan Marsh Preserve in Oregon, United States

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 Stewardship Assistant (SA) is a seasonal position starting February 26 and ending September 20, 2024. The SA will spend time in two Oregon geographies as a member on teams that perform community engagement, operations, maintenance, management and monitoring of two important conservation sites in Oregon. 

Table Rocks and Southwest Oregon Preserves 

From February 26 to June 14, 2024, the SA performs and participates in community engagement, preserve operations, maintenance and management primarily at the Table Rocks, near Medford, Oregon.  The iconic volcanic twin mesas of the Table Rocks protect 4,864 acres of significant and highly diverse natural, cultural, and historic values, and provide environmental education and recreation opportunities for over 50,000 visitors each year.

The Nature Conservancy works here in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management, three federally recognized tribes and many community-based natural resource groups.  The SA will work closely with the Table Rocks Engagement Team to expand opportunities for all people to learn about the natural history and cultural importance of the Table Rocks through educational hikes and events, and stewardship opportunities.  They will also help elevate the importance of oak habitats and restoration through public outreach in partnership with the Klamath-Siskiyou Oak Network.

The SA will also conduct stewardship duties at southwest Oregon preserves in the Rogue and Umpqua Valleys that protect oak woodlands, dry forests and wetlands.

Sycan Marsh Preserve

From June 17 to September 20, 2024 the SA performs and participates in preserve operations, maintenance and management at Sycan Marsh Preserve, south of Silver Lake, Oregon. Sycan Marsh Preserve is a 30,000 acre mile-high verdant wetland in the Upper Klamath Basin surrounded by dry-pine forested hillsides. The ‘Wild and Scenic’ Sycan River flows through the heart of the preserve.

At both locations, the SA will conduct general preserve stewardship duties in support of priority projects. Priority projects during the SA’s term may include fence and other infrastructure maintenance,  invasive plant monitoring and control, vegetation monitoring, monitoring for trespass cattle, prescribed fire burn unit preparation, and data collection and management. At Sycan Marsh Preserve, the SA will also assist with site, equipment and facilities maintenance, and repair. Due to the remote nature of the Sycan Marsh Preserve, the position requires living in housing provided free of charge by the Conservancy onsite.  The housing is in an off-grid field station.

The SA will maintain preserve records using a database, computer or mobile device. The SA will work in the field and office alongside TNC staff, partners, and volunteers, but also independently. May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.  Requires considerable physical exertion.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Would you like to gain land stewardship and community engagement skills while working in beautiful, diverse conservation areas across southern Oregon?  We’re looking for someone who is passionate and motivated to make a positive difference for Oregon’s vital habitats and to inspire all people to care for nature. Come join TNC in Oregon and apply today!

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• High school diploma or GED and 1-year related experience in outdoor field work or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience recognizing plants and/or animals.
• Experience operating various types of hand and power tools and equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g.  lawnmower, chainsaw, ATV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).
• Experience working in a team environment with high collaboration to deliver work.
• Experience following instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
• Experience conducting physical labor.                         
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, Youth Safety, herbicide or pesticide application).
• Must have a valid driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Lived experience working with Indigenous communities, multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Work, volunteer, or educational experience in land management, environmental education, public outreach, or related fields.
• Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Computer and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding.

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!

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

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including; health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, accrued paid time off (including annual, personal, and sick leave), life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellness benefits. Benefits may be subject to generally applicable eligibility, waiting period, contribution, and other requirements and conditions.  Learn more about our benefits at nature.org/careers. We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellness, and flexibility needs of the people we employ.

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 $20.50- $22.50/ 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 54449, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on January 10, 2024. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

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.