NRES Career Information

Resources related to careers in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. 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. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. Whether it’s career development, work/life balance, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all of our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued.

Although you’ll see requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Passion, innovation, and diversity are all key components to advancing our Mission and we encourage you to apply.

The Conservation Program Associate will serve as an essential member of TNC’s Conservation team in Michigan, supporting a variety of projects and activities related to the Michigan Chapter’s efforts to (1) conserve the Great Lakes region’s freshwater and lands; and (2) mitigate and adapt to climate change. This position provides administrative, project management, research, outreach, and other general assistance to program staff working toward the advancement of our mission.

The Conservation Program Associate will work towards meeting the strategic priorities of the program by implementing tactics for approved conservation plans and completing day-to-day tasks and activities.

• They will support program staff in the execution of project plans.
• They will collect, maintain, track and research various types of data, produce and review reports and perform analysis.
• They will communicate or distribute information to assist staff in making decisions, solving problems and improving workflow.
• They may perform administrative tasks including processing funding proposals, processing invoices, monitoring and preparing budgets and providing support to conservation department directors.
• They will be responsible for coordinating logistics for meetings, workshops or special events with both internal and external stakeholders.
• They will assist with development of project management deliverables, planning and executing project meetings and maintaining a document management system for teams supported.
• They will respond to inquiries about program activities, create program materials, and draft correspondence.
• They will be well versed in the systems and resources utilized by the team to execute assigned tasks including Microsoft Office suite, Zoom, Box, Concur, Deltek, information systems designed to track progress against conservation outcomes and/or external affairs activity or similar tools.
• They will provide guidance to project teams in satisfying administrative requirements based on knowledge of policies and procedures.
• They may assist with the recruitment & onboarding of program volunteers or interns and may direct the activities of volunteers.
• The Associate will communicate with staff of all levels, as well as with donors, volunteers, vendors, and business partners.
• They may implement processes and practices in order to improve effectiveness.      

The compensation range begins at $48,700 and is commensurate with experience.

• Work within scope of program’s strategic goals;
• Act independently on assigned tasks and exercise independent judgment based on analysis and experience, referring difficult questions and unusual problems to supervisor or program director;
• Coordinate projects with several variables, working within a defined timeline and budget;
• Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information;
• Perform non-routine analysis, research and follow-through;
• Ensure compliance with Conservancy policies and procedures, and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements;
• Financial responsibility includes processing funding proposals and invoices, following contract development procedures, and assisting with budget preparation;
• May act as a resource to others to solve problems and act in supervisor’s stead when instructed;
• May supervise administrative and/or volunteer staff, including training and professional development;
• Provide input through project teams for the improvement of existing programs;
• Travel and work flexible hours as needed;
• Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain; and
• Work is diversified and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines.

• Bachelor’s degree and 2 years related experience or equivalent combination;
• Experience, coursework or other training in natural resource management, biology or related field;
• Experience coordinating administrative processes;
• Experience generating reports and interpreting data;
• Experience in business writing, editing, and proofreading;
• Experience organizing time and managing diverse activities to meet deadlines; and
• Experience working across teams and communicating with a wide range of people.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated;
• Ability to analyze information for the purpose of coordinating and planning activities, and solving problems;
• Ability to use existing technology to achieve desired results;
• Experience coordinating multiple projects;
• Excellent customer service skills and focus;
• Experience interpreting guidelines to achieve desired results;
• Knowledge of current trends in specific field; and/or
• Strong organization skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.