For 30 years The Nature Conservancy has worked to conserve the lands and waters of Kansas, permanently protecting 139,470 acres, including five preserves that are open to the public and are enjoyed by thousands of people each year. In the next five years, we plan to double the number of acres protected and increase our work to conserve the water, soils, wildlife resources, and climate health that sustain Kansas communities. For more information visit www.nature.org/kansas.

Smoky Valley Ranch (the Ranch) is a 19,000-acre, custom-grazed cattle and bison operation with a diversity of management goals and conservation targets. The ranch carries 500 cow-calf pairs during a grazing season from March through October, with about 150 bison grazing year-round.

The Smoky Valley Ranch Conservation Steward (Steward) works at Smoky Valley Ranch (SVR), located between Oakley and Scott City, in Logan County, Kansas. They will perform and participate in ranch operations, maintenance, management, and monitoring. This is a full-time, entry-level, seasonal position with a flexible duration of up to 6 months. The Steward must be willing to learn about conservation issues and priorities. Housing is provided. The position pays $16 – 20 per hour, depending on the candidate’s experience.

Under the direction of the Ranch Manager and the Smoky Valley Ranch Rangeland Specialist (Rangeland Specialist), the Conservation Steward carries out ranch operations and maintenance tasks:

• Works with cattle and bison and attends daily to water, fencing, salt, and mineral.

• Organizes and manages ranch inventory.

• Maintains preserve infrastructure, including roads, water systems, fences, and other facilities.

• Keeps vehicles clean and in good working order.

• Carries out vegetation and other ecological monitoring and management activities as directed by the Ranch Manager or Rangeland Specialist.

• Will require training to assist with prescribed burns, under the direction of the designated burn boss.

• Performs various ranch work as directed by the Ranch Manager or Rangeland Specialist.

• Work with outside entities (universities, extension, etc.) to advance management on SVR.

Are you excited about hands-on grassland conservation at a working ranch? We'd love to hear from you.

The Smoky Valley Ranch Conservation Steward participates in livestock handling, invasive plant control, maintains tools and equipment, maintains trails and headquarters/residence area.

The Conservation Steward works in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions:

• requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.

• present frequent possibility of injury

• requires irregular hours and occasional weekends.

• require long hours in isolated settings.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• May interact with visitors.

• Maintains constructive, positive relationships on behalf of TNC, with staff, neighbors, partners, the community, and visitors to the ranch.

• Resolves problems at Ranch Manager or Rangeland Specialist’s direction.

• Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.

• May require some travel outside Western Kansas (less than 10%) for events like staff retreats.

• Works under close or infrequent supervision.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED and 1 year’s training in science-related field or related experience in land management.

• Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. trailer, lawn mower, chainsaw, tractor, ATV).

• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide application).

• Experience working with cattle and ranching.

• Experience with fence construction and maintenance.

• Experience performing physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather.

• Must have or be able to obtain a valid driver’s license, be insurable under TNC policy, and comply with TNC Auto Safety Program.

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become 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, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

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

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.

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 cultures. 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 orientations, gender identities, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

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.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $16 – 20 per hour, depending on the candidate’s experience. 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. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

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.