A LITTLE ABOUT US
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.
YOUR POSITION WITH TNC
Become a force for nature and a healthy planet by joining the Michigan Team!
As Restoration Assistant, you will steward some of Michigan’s most beautiful and ecologically critical lands. The Restoration Assistant performs and participates in maintenance, restoration, management, and monitoring on lands in Michigan owned by The Nature Conservancy, primarily in the Upper Peninsula. The Nature Conservancy in Michigan owns and manages more than 30 nature preserves and forest preserves encompassing more than 55,000 acres.
This position is based out of Marquette, MI with frequent travel throughout Michigan (primarily the Upper Peninsula). Travel accommodations will be provided by The Nature Conservancy. When traveling to maintain lands in the Upper Peninsula they may be required to camp during the work week. Housing is not provided. This is a full time, temporary position starting as soon as possible with a duration of 12 months.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Restoration Assistant helps maintain lands in Michigan owned by The Nature Conservancy (primarily in the Upper Peninsula). This position performs land management activities on remote properties, some visited frequently by the public and others only sporadically. This role assists with the management of natural resources, removal of invasive/exotic species using mechanical and/or chemical methods, and species monitoring. The Restoration Assistant assists with installation and maintenance of foot trails, trailheads, and other preserve infrastructure. This position interacts with preserve visitors and volunteers. The role assists with monitoring of conservation easements. The Restoration Assistant will use GPS and geographic information systems (GIS) to identify, record and map native and non-native species and other features. The position will use and maintain equipment, power tools, vehicles, trailers, and GPS units. This position will need to navigate natural areas by using a map, compass and GPS. The individual in this role will help maintain preserve records using a database on a Windows PC.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Help plan and direct preserve work groups, including staff or volunteers.
- Works in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Capable of identifying native and non-native plant species of Michigan.
- Requires long hours in isolated settings, alone and/or working closely with coworkers.
- Requires use and maintenance of restoration equipment (e.g. brush cutter, lawn mower, chainsaw, trailer, hand saw, loppers, etc.)
- Capable of driving long distances and working long days.
- During winter months, this role will spend substantial time in the office assisting with document, database and mapping updates and other projects.
- Makes day to day decisions as delegated by supervisor.
- May work under infrequent supervision.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- High school diploma or GED and 1 year’s training in science-related field or related experience in land management.
- Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
- Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. lawn mower, chainsaw, ATV or similar equipment).
- Experience working in a team environment.
- Experience performing physical work outside.
- Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application).
- Ability to obtain driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- 1 – 2 years’ experience in land management or related field.
- Experience with ArcGIS and GPS units.
- Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
- Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
- Experience using computers with Microsoft office suite and database systems for maintaining accurate daily work logs, herbicide treatments and other monitoring data.
- Capable of sharing lodging with coworkers.
AUTO SAFETY POLICY
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.