Nonprofit OPT Jobs in Iowa

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Western Iowa Assistant Land Steward performs and participates in preserve operations including the maintenance, management, and coordination of conservation programs, under the direction of the Western Iowa Land Steward. Tasks include biologically based land management activities including prescribed fire, livestock (including bison) management, and invasive species control; maintenance of preserve infrastructure, tools, and equipment, and preserve and easement monitoring. This position is based at Broken Kettle Grasslands near Westfield, Iowa and covers all western Iowa preserves.

The Western Iowa Assistant Land Steward should have experience, coursework, or training in the use of:

• Various types of equipment including chainsaws, brush cutters, tractors, ATVs/UTVs, skid loaders, and trailers of various sizes.
• Wildland fire equipment such as drip torches, radios, both UTV and truck mounted skid units.
• Safe handling of pesticides and equipment such as backpack and ATV/UTV mounted sprayers.

Responsibilities include:

• May monitor work groups consisting of staff, interns, and volunteers covering a wide geographic area.
• Supervises no staff, but may help plan and direct preserve work groups, including staff, interns, and/or volunteers.
• Networks with varied groups, including landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members, and the public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy programs/preserves.
• May work under minimal and/or distant supervision; may make some self-directed 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. Irregular hours, including nights and weekends may be occasionally required.
• May require long hours in isolated settings.

We’re Looking for You:

If you are looking for a hands-on career where your work directly impacts conservation, join the Iowa Chapter as a Western Iowa Assistant Land Steward! Not only will you help fulfill conservation objectives at our Broken Kettle Grasslands Preserve - home to Iowa’s largest remaining prairie and more than two hundred bison - but you will also contribute to conservation efforts throughout the Loess Hills and Little Sioux Watershed, and all across our beautiful state.

We are looking for a dependable, resourceful, and team-oriented person with a strong work ethic and passion for conservation to join our Iowa team. The ideal candidate is self-motivated, adaptable, and enjoys working outdoors. The ability to creatively problem solve, work independently, and communicate effectively are the keys to success in this role. If you are ready to roll up your sleeves and make a tangible impact on Iowa’s natural landscapes, we encourage you to apply today!

What You’ll Bring:

• AS/Technical or vocational degree in science-related field and 1-year related experience in land management activities or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with natural systems.
• Experience in ecological land management standards.
• Experience working in a team environment and independently.
• Experience operating and/or repairing various types of equipment and machinery in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, experience hauling trailers, tractors, skid loaders, or similar equipment).
• Experience performing physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather.
• Must have problem solving skills.
• Experience recognizing plant and animal species to complete preserve management activities.
• Completion of NWCG Introduction to Wildland Fire Fighter Type 2.
• Experience with PC and/or mobile devices, including database knowledge or understanding.

Desired Qualifications:

• 1 – 2 years related experience in custodial and ecological land management, natural resources management, biology, environmental sciences, and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g., First Aid, CPR, and pesticide application).
• Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field.
• The Nature Conservancy has adopted the Work Capacity Test (WCT) as the method for assessing fitness for fire qualifications. The WCT for moderate level consists of completing a two-mile hike, within thirty minutes, while carrying a twenty-five-pound pack. The person selected for this position is required to pass the moderate WCT within 1 week after starting employment.
• Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Ability to function productively as a member or coordinator of a work team.
• Ability to hold crew to high quality work standards.
• Working knowledge of ArcGIS Pro or other GIS-based mapping program.
• Working knowledge of common software applications (Word, Excel, Web browsers).
• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues and convey work instructions to team members, including volunteers.
• Communicate clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English.
• Ability to interact with preserve visitors and to convey basic preserve information.
• Possession of a commercial drone license or cdl a plus.
• Some experience managing volunteers or entry level staff.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

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 $20.00 - $22.00 hourly. 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.