Ramsey Canyon Preserve Steward

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Ramsey Canyon Preserve Steward (RCPS) performs and participates in preserve operations including the maintenance, management, and coordination of conservation programs for TNC-owned fee lands in the Upper San Pedro River Basin. Areas of responsibility for this position include two preserves of small to medium size (Ramsey Canyon and the Canelo Hills Cienega) along with several other small isolated TNC properties in the region.

The position also includes providing regular stewardship support to the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve. The position reports to the Ramsey Canyon Preserve Manager and is based at the Ramsey Canyon Preserve in Herford, Arizona. The position involves interactions with nearby agencies such as the USFS and the Ft. Huachuca Military Base, and requires frequent interaction with visiting public.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION SDuties are anticipated in the percentages below, and may fluctuate based on the business need:

Facilities & Equipment Maintenance (approximately 30%):

Monitors and maintains facilities and related systems.

Maintains preserve areas frequented by the visiting public including trails, footbridges, fences, and seating.

Maintains tools and equipment, operates heavy machinery.

Conservation at the Preserve (approximately 30%):

Performs monitoring of ecological processes and human visitation (e.g., streamflow readings, vegetation surveys).Executes ecological restoration strategies that lead to ecosystem improvements; strategies may include use of herbicide, power tools and machinery, and hand tools.

Works with TNC Science staff to support and coordinate TNC’s science and ecological research initiatives.

Volunteer Work Group Coordination (approximately 20%):

In partnership with the Ramsey Canyon Public Programs Steward, assists with coordinating stewardship volunteer workdays and volunteer projects.

Assists with volunteer orientation, training, scheduling, and appreciation.

Public Engagement & Programming (approximately 10%):

Educates audiences about the preserve’s history, ecological significance, and the TNC mission; supports positive experiences for visitors.

Supports field trips and group visits.

Other (approximately 10%):

Completes miscellaneous administrative tasks such as training, employee objective-setting and self-evaluations, expense reports, and timecards in a timely manner.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOP EMake day-to-day decisions within the scope of work assignments and prioritize work independently.

May work under minimal and/or distant supervision; may make some independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.

Provides ad hoc coverage for the preserve visitor center, including performing opening and closing procedures, and supporting visitor center volunteers.

Oversight of work groups, consisting of staff, interns, volunteer staff with the support of the Preserve Manager.

Willing and able to work overtime, longer workdays, weekends, and holidays as  addition to required travel to various properties throughout Arizona, occasionally requires travel including overnight throughout Arizona for meetings, staff retreat, etc. and occasionally in U.S. for meetings, trainings, retreats, etc.

Coordinates with Youth Safety Office to assure compliance with TNC’s Youth Safety Policy when activities may include youth.

May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

Occasionally lifts, carries, pushes, or pulls objects or materials weighing up to 45 pounds.

Work is diverse and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines.

Networks with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board…