Driftless Ecology Technician

Position details:
• This job posting will be open until filled and will hire up to two individuals.
• This is a seasonal, full-time (40 hours/week) position anticipated to start no earlier than May 4, 2026 and end no later than June 26, 2026.
• This position may require irregular hours and long days.
• Hourly rate range: $20.20 - 22.65/hour dependent on experience.
• The work location is based in Winona, MN.
• Employees are responsible for securing their own housing in the area.
• Transportation from The Nature Conservancy office to the various preserves will also be provided.

As a Driftless Ecology Technician, you will perform a variety of routine tasks surveying and monitoring for insect, plant, bird, or reptile species in small goat/bluff prairies in the southeast Minnesota driftless region. You will closely work in collaboration with Minnesota driftless program Nature Conservancy staff to monitor and evaluate the effects of management on biological communities. You will also support surveying leading to adaptive management of natural resources in the driftless.

• Maintaining project records and participating in data collection, data entry, and data management.
• Using field identification skills to conduct surveys of plants and animals in the southeast Minnesota driftless environment.
• Administrative work related to project and data management, data analysis, and GIS.

You will work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations with limited cell service, on uneven terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone who is passionate, motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today!

• Associates Degree in natural resources; environmental studies or equivalent combination of education and 6 months’ experience.
• Experience managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources.

• Completed at least two years in natural resource management or biological science field of study.
• Knowledge and field experience with plants and non-mammalian animals highly preferred.
• Previous experience surveying and identifying plants and animals in the field is a plus.
• Ability to perform with a minimum of supervision and work cooperatively with a wide range of people.
• Ability to exercise independent judgement.
• Familiarity with ArcGIS pro or a willingness to learn basic functionality to collect and manage spatial data.
• Ability to collect and analyze data and produce written reports.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’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." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page under the FAQ section. 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.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $20.20 - 22.65/hour. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience.

Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

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…