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
The Oak Openings Restoration Crew Leader will perform and oversee ecological restoration and land management on TNC’s Kitty Todd Nature Preserve, partner properties, and private lands in the Oak Openings Region of Ohio and Michigan.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Ohio Oak Openings Restoration Crew Leader will perform ecological restoration, and oversee restoration crew members, in the Oak Openings Region of Ohio and Michigan. This may include performing, and overseeing, invasive plant control using herbicide and mechanical methods; tree and brush removal; grass and forestry mowing; seed collecting, processing, and spreading; planting native plants; completing veg. assessment plots; and litter clean-up. They will drive farm machinery (e.g., tractor, skid-steer) and operate gas-powered, hand-held equipment such as chainsaws and brushcutters. They will be responsible for preparation and maintenance of equipment, tools, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). They will be supervised by the Kitty Todd Preserve Manager and will work closely with the Oak Openings Restoration Manager and the other Restoration Crew Leader. This is a 9-month position (with possibility of extension, if funding allows), 3 days per week until mid-May and full-time (up to 40 hours/week) from mid-May until the end of the contract. Preference will be given to applicants with experience using large farm equipment (e.g., tractor, skid-steer) and hand-held equipment such as chainsaws and brushcutters. Current Commercial or Registered Pesticide Applicator Licenses in Ohio and Michigan, or willingness to obtain these licenses within the first month, is required.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
Makes day-to-day decisions, as delegated by the Kitty Todd Preserve Manager.
Does not directly supervise staff but will oversee restoration work by leading the restoration crew (3 members).
May oversee staff or volunteer work groups outside of daily crew restoration work.
Work in variable weather conditions on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
May require long hours in isolated settings under infrequent supervision.
May interact with the public at restoration sites.
May require working some Saturdays.
Operates within project budgets.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
High school diploma or GED and 1 year’s training in science-related field or related experience in land management.
Experience understanding of the negative impacts of invasive species. Has a desire to learn how to identify non-native plant species in Oak Openings Region and how they differ from native species.
Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. UTV, ATV, 4-wheel drive trucks).
Experience working in a team environment, where positive, direct and efficient communication is expected, daily.
Experience following instructions from supervisor/colleagues/coworkers/team members.
Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g., Commercial Pesticide Applicator License).
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
1- 2 years’/seasons’ experience in field-based conservation w/ focus on land management or native / invasive plant species restoration projects (or similar).
Ability to differentiate btw native and non-native vegetation in the Oak Openings Region (i.e. ability to identify worst weeds in NW OH).
Experience driving and mowing/cutting with farm equipment such as tractors and skid-steer.
Experience with other specialty equipment (i.e. chainsaws, bruschcutters).
PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database and data collection app knowledge or experience (e.g. Collector, Survey123).
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.
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.