NVP Land Steward

Who We Are

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. 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 are rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures.

Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. Because we believe people bring talent and experiences beyond a job, diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion.

The Niobrara Valley Preserve Land Steward (Land Steward) develops, manages, and implements conservation programs, plans, and strategies at the Niobrara Valley Preserve. The Land Steward provides technical leadership and support to the Nebraska Chapter, plans, and directs some aspects of preserve management programs and stewardship, and supplies conservation planning teams with site- or landscape-level information relevant to the planning process.

The Land Steward maintains areas frequented by the visiting public, assists with fleet, facilities, tool, and equipment maintenance, removes exotic species, operates heavy machinery, and oversees bison and cattle grazing infrastructure such as water and fencing. The Land Steward may oversee technicians and volunteers to accomplish conservation programs and preserve maintenance and may assist with outreach and education events on and off the preserve.

• Coordinate and implement stewardship tasks that support conservation goals, such as invasive plant management, livestock grazing, maintaining trails, and restoration projects.
• Assist with contract management (including fencing and cedar removal), partner and vendor coordination, and project implementation. May assist with grant reporting tasks.
• Maintain and operate tools and equipment (e.g., chain saw, tractor, skid steer, two-way radio, ATV, UTV, lawn mowers, sprayers, etc.).
• Assist with prescribed fire operations under guidance of burn boss.
• Monitor and maintain bison and cattle fences and water sources (solar and windmills).
• Identify, map, treat, and monitor invasive plants, especially eastern redcedar.
• Use GPS technology (field tablet) to support mapping and monitoring projects.
• Assist with data collection and other evaluation related to land stewardship activities.
• Maintain preserve areas frequented by the visiting public, including mowing and snow removal.
• May oversee seasonal technicians and volunteer groups.
• Assist with basic maintenance and management of the NVP Field Campus and facilities.
• May occasionally assist at other TNC sites.
• Interface professionally and effectively with preserve neighbors, private landowners, partners, and volunteers to garner trust and support for grazing, restoration, and fire programs in the community.

• May work under minimal and/or distant supervision; may make some independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.
• Schedule is flexible and weekend and evening work is necessary at times.
• On-site housing is NOT available on the preserve.
• Responsible for addressing and/or coordinating maintenance and repairs at the field campus.
• Infrequent travel (up to 10%).
• Will work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or a similar field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing staff or volunteers.
• Relationship-building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal scientists.
• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timelines.
• Experience with communication via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant…