Illinois, USA

Dixon, IL

Franklin Grove, IL

This is an onsite role and the preserve is located outside Franklin Grove, IL

#LI-onsite

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world's toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC's primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we'll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply - we'd love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, "you'll join for the mission, and you'll stay for the people."

The Nachusa Grasslands Restoration Ecologist (Conservation Practitioner V) develops, manages, and advances conservation programs, plans and methods for small to medium scale geographic areas. They provide technical leadership and support to a business unit and plans and directs preserve management programs and stewardship. The Ecologist addresses critical threats to natural systems and individual species, fosters cross-site learning among conservation community, and supplies conservation planning teams with site or landscape level information relevant to the planning process. The Ecologist develops and implements conservation strategies and employs a full range of protection tools to acquire varying degrees of legal interest in land and implements a variety of strategies to secure public and private support for TNC conservation priorities. The Ecologist coordinates community support, ensures the maintenance of preserve areas frequented by the visiting public and coordinates multiple projects, sets deadlines and manages completion.

The Nachusa Grasslands Restoration Ecologist will work to be a leader in the field of Restoration Ecology. They will come up with strategies to thin brush and operate a chainsaw, a track loader, a dedicated 200 hp brush mower, and tractors with implements. The Ecologist will support the prescribed fire program by being a line boss on prescribed fires, preparing maps, assembling fire rosters, and inputting data in IQCS. During the summer and fall, the Ecologist will lead the seasonal crew in prairie management and invasive species management and hand-collecting a high diversity of native seeds. Additional tasks include activities associated with bison management, interfacing with scientific research, along with maintaining and setting up for events for visitors and members, repairing and towing equipment, and mentoring others in various tasks.

The Restoration Ecologist works at all aspects of natural areas management at Nachusa Grasslands, a 4,000 acre preserve near Franklin Grove, IL. This is a full-time job.

This position will require up to 10% travel, a fitness pack test for fire work, and compliance with The Nature Conservancy's auto safety program.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Financial responsibility may include working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development and fundraising targets.
• Networks with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the general public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy programs/preserves.
• May work under minimal and/or distant supervision; supervise staff; make some independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
• Will work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Supervises technical, administrative and professional staff with responsibility for performance management, training and development.
• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• Assist with managing the Nachusa bison herd.

If you're looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join our Chapter as the Nachusa Grasslands Restoration Ecologist! Not only will you fulfil conservation objectives in the beautiful state of Illinois, but you'll contribute to conservation goals through many networks!

We're looking for a passionate, dedicated person to lead within our Chapter and our Division. Systems Leadership, creativity, and the ability to influence without authority are key in this role. Come join TNC and apply today!

• Bachelor's degree and 3 years' experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Various fire coursework and qualifications on the fire leadership path to NWCG's Burn Boss Type 2.
• Ability and experience operating, maintaining and towing skid loaders, tractors, chainsaws and such tools used for natural areas management.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.
• 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 timeline(s).
• Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
• Experience managing staff or volunteers. Experience in training.

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We're proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

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 https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ 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 non-exempt position is generally within the range of $27.00 - $29.00/hour based on 37.5 hour week (annualized to approximately $52,600 - $56,500). 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.

To apply for job ID 55855, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

Our recruiting process is a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC's value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we're registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we're unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.