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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.

At over 8,000 acres, the Efroymson Restoration at Kankakee Sands is among the largest grassland restorations in the United States.  It’s the most diverse planting in North America, part of a larger bi-state conservation area that exceeds 25,000 acres, and home to the Conservancy’s newest bison herd established in 2016.  The Kankakee Sands Field Technicians are essential members of a highly motivated and skilled team of staff that use a variety of conservation and restoration tools to maintain this beautiful landscape.  They work as a multi-person crew, under the supervision of the Kankakee Sands Land Steward and other staff, to carry out preserve operations at the Kankakee Sands Macrosite in Morocco, Indiana.

Two offers will be made to fill out our Field Technician crew.  These are full-time, temporary positions with a duration of approximately 6-months starting early May 2021.  Optional, shared housing may be available depending on current or future TNC and/or government guidelines concerning COVID-19.

The Kankakee Sands Field Technician has three core functions: help conduct prescribed fire, control invasive species, and collect/process native seed.  High-quality implementation of each of these tasks is critical to the success of the Kankakee Sands projects.  The Field Techs will perform as part of our burn crew to implement prescribed fire.  They will control invasive species using brush cutters, chainsaws, and herbicide applied from UTV’s and backpack sprayers and learn how to use GPS and GIS to map those applications.  They will transplant native plants and harvest, clean, and process seed.  They will also assist with preserve site management including upkeep of trails, fencing, signs, and bison viewing area. They may participate in outreach events, interact with visitors, and work with volunteers.

This position may require irregular work hours and long days, particularly during spring and fall fire seasons.  While the position will work primarily on the Kankakee Sands macrosite, there may be infrequent travel requiring overnight stays to other locations.

• Works under close or infrequent supervision.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations for long periods of time, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
• Will work as part of a team and may interact with visitors and volunteers.

• High school diploma or GED and 6 months of related experience.
• Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).
• Must either currently possess or be able to obtain Wildland Firefighter qualifications, including Introduction to ICS (I-100); Intro to the National Incident Management System (IS-700); Human Factors on the Fireline (L-180); Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190); and Firefighting Training (S-130).  See http://www.tncfiremanual.org/firefighter.htm.
• Must achieve physical fitness standard as determined by local Fire Program Manager and the TNC Fire Manual.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Already qualified at the Fire Fighter Type 2 level.
• Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete management activities.
• 1-2 years’ experience in land management.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy'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." Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers.

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.