Conservation Practitioner II

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’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube  or on Glassdoor.  

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. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Conservation Practitioner II performs and participates in preserve operations, maintenance and management that encompasses 8,015 acres in south-central Oklahoma. The Conservation Practitioner II (CPII) maintains preserve areas and removes exotic species by chemical or mechanical means.  CPII operates power tools, equipment, ATV’s and vehicles in a safe manner.  CPII maintains and repairs equipment including lawn mower, trimmer, brush cutter, chainsaw, tractor, ATV’s, UTV’s, spray tanks, pumps, and vehicles.  The CPII assists with forest, woodland, prairie and savanna stewardship practices and management, surveying and monitoring flora and fauna, and assisting with prescribed fire. The CPII maintains facilities and grounds including mowing, trimming, fence and gate repair, installation of signage, and building maintenance. CPII may assist in data collection of monitoring plots. Follows processes of data collection utilizing GIS databases on mobile and PC devices. May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations for long periods of time in isolated settings, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.  This position will be stationed at Pontotoc Ridge Preserve near Stonewall, Oklahoma. Housing will be provided (no pets). This is a regular full-time position (40 hours per week) lasting through July 18th, 2025. This role has the potential to evolve into a permanent full-time position.

We’re Looking for You:

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. 

From grasslands to forests, rivers to mesas, we envision an Oklahoma where our rich natural heritage is valued and protected, and people are inspired to conserve nature for future generations. If you envision nature the same way we do, we’d love to have you join our team! 

What You’ll Bring:

• High school diploma or GED and 1 year’s training in science-related field or related experience in land management.
• Experience recognizing plant and animal species.       
• Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. Lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).                       
• Experience working in a team environment.                                           
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application).

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• AA/AS and/or BA/BS degrees ecological land management.
• 1 - 2 years’ experience in land management or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.                   
• Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.   
• Ability to obtain driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.
• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
• PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding.
• Willingness to learn Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) or willingness to achieve in a short timeframe, including Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fire line (L-180), Introduction to Wild land Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130), and one training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2.  See http://www.tncfiremanual.org/firefighter.htm 
• Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete preserve management activities. 
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers). 
• Willingness to learn about best management practices that entail prescribe fire, grazing management, and invasive species management. 
• Willingness to learn fire line construction 
• Willingness to learn about maintaining and repairing preserves infrastructures. 
• Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means .
• Willingness to become S-212 wildland chainsaw certified and become basic faller. 
• Some welding experience. 
• Some experience with monitoring plots. 

What We Bring:

We provide a competitive benefits package which includes: comprehensive health care plans (3 options to fit your needs,) flexible spending accounts (medical and dependent care,) a 401(k) plan including employer match (8% after 1 year!) 8 weeks paid parental leave, up to 10 days of accrued paid time off in the first year, 2 personal days, 10 holidays, and 10 days to attend to health needs, life insurance (2x salary,) short and long-term disability coverage, employee assistance program, and other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.  

We also offer an environment supportive of empowering our employees, amplifying an equitable workforce, and creating opportunities to participate Employee Resource Groups. We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.  

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!  

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!  

 Salary Information: 

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $16.00 to $ 18.00 hourly salary. 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.