Nonprofit OPT Jobs in Arizona

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Ramsey Canyon Preserve Steward (RCPS) performs and participates in preserve operations including the maintenance, management, and coordination of conservation programs for TNC-owned fee lands in the Upper San Pedro River Basin. Areas of responsibility for this position include two preserves of small to medium size (Ramsey Canyon and the Canelo Hills Cienega) along with several other small isolated TNC properties in the region. The position also includes providing regular stewardship support to the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve. The position reports to the Ramsey Canyon Preserve Manager and is based at the Ramsey Canyon Preserve in Herford, Arizona. The position involves interactions with nearby agencies such as the USFS and the Ft. Huachuca Military Base, and requires frequent interaction with visiting public.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Duties are anticipated in the percentages below, and may fluctuate based on the business need:

Facilities & Equipment Maintenance (approximately 30%):

• Monitors and maintains facilities and related systems.
• Maintains preserve areas frequented by the visiting public including trails, footbridges, fences, and seating.
• Maintains tools and equipment, operates heavy machinery.

Conservation at the Preserve (approximately 30%):

• Performs monitoring of ecological processes and human visitation (e.g., streamflow readings, vegetation surveys).
• Executes ecological restoration strategies that lead to ecosystem improvements; strategies may include use of herbicide, power tools and machinery, and hand tools.
• Works with TNC Science staff to support and coordinate TNC’s science and ecological research initiatives.

Volunteer Work Group Coordination (approximately 20%):

• In partnership with the Ramsey Canyon Public Programs Steward, assists with coordinating stewardship volunteer workdays and volunteer projects.
• Assists with volunteer orientation, training, scheduling, and appreciation.

Public Engagement & Programming (approximately 10%):

• Educates audiences about the preserve’s history, ecological significance, and the TNC mission; supports positive experiences for visitors.
• Supports field trips and group visits.

Other (approximately 10%):

• Completes miscellaneous administrative tasks such as training, employee objective-setting and self-evaluations, expense reports, and timecards in a timely manner.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Make day-to-day decisions within the scope of work assignments and prioritize work independently.
• May work under minimal and/or distant supervision; may make some independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
• Provides ad hoc coverage for the preserve visitor center, including performing opening and closing procedures, and supporting visitor center volunteers.
• Oversight of work groups, consisting of staff, interns, volunteer staff with the support of the Preserve Manager.
• Willing and able to work overtime, longer workdays, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• In addition to required travel to various properties throughout Arizona, occasionally requires travel including overnight throughout Arizona for meetings, staff retreat, etc. and occasionally in U.S. for meetings, trainings, retreats, etc.
• Coordinates with Youth Safety Office to assure compliance with TNC’s Youth Safety Policy when activities may include youth.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Occasionally lifts, carries, pushes, or pulls objects or materials weighing up to 45 pounds.
• Work is diverse and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines.
• Networks with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the visiting public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy programs/preserves.
• Valid driver’s license.

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. We’re looking for someone who is passionate, motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today!

What You’ll Bring:

• AS/Technical or vocational degree in science-related field and 1-year related experience in custodial and ecological land management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with natural systems.
• Experience in ecological land management principles.
• Experience operating and or repairing various types of equipment and machinery (such as tractor, lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).
• Experience working with computers and related software, such as Windows, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel and Word), Box, Teams, web browsers and internet research.
• Ability to be youth certified (completes TNC training within initial 30 days of employment; annually thereafter).

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with forest, wetland, and grassland ecosystems.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• 1-2 years related experience in custodial and ecological land management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Some experience managing volunteers or entry-level staff.
• Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete preserve management activities.
• Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field.
• Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.

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. 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.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $21.10 – $22.42 hourly rate. 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.

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 include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One 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. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

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.

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

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may 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 equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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.