College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Forestry

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 Restoration Associate, Keweenaw Forests performs and participates in preserve operations including the maintenance, management, development and coordination of conservation programs and outreach across TNCs ownership in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and specifically in the Keweenaw Peninsula.   

TNC currently holds and manages approximately 35,000 acres in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula. As part of a team responsible for the effective management of our lands and waters across the state, The Restoration Associate, Keweenaw Forests will ensure that TNCs holdings on the Keweenaw Peninsula are effectively managed for the benefit of nature and people. The Restoration Associate will help develop, review, and implement management plans that address the ecological and infrastructure elements of several different preserves. Activities will include 1) inventory and monitoring and mapping of ecological features both forest and natural feature inventory types common in the Keweenaw Peninsula, 2) infrastructure condition and maintenance (roads, trails, signage, and other preserve infrastructure), and 3) ecological restoration  primarily in the form of invasive species surveys and control. Additionally, they will assist our forest managers and forest consultants to ensure the land base enrolled in Michigan’s Commercial Forest Program is in compliance with the state laws of that program.

To undertake these activities, they will use GPS and geographic information systems (GIS) to identify, record and map native and non-native species, and natural feature types. They should be familiar with Michigan Natural Feature Inventory Community types and ranking. The Restoration Associate will use and maintain equipment, power tools, ORVs, vehicles, trailers, and GPS units and be familiar with driving on forest roads. They will navigate around natural areas with map and compass and GPS. The Restoration Associate will help maintain preserve, reserve, and conservation easement records. They will also assist in other projects and meetings related to TNCs protection and management efforts in the Keweenaw Peninsula as needed. They will be knowledgeable of natural resource management tools and techniques to ensure exemplary ecological condition of TNCs lands and waters.

With the deep focus on TNCs holdings, this position requires approximately 85% field work and 15% office work and will be based in the Keweenaw Peninsula, and supervised out of the Marquette, Michigan office. The position is a temporary, up to 6-month, hourly position, beginning in late April or early May through October 2024.

• May inventory and monitor ecological features, infrastructure, and legal requirements.
• May plan, complete, assist, or oversee the maintenance or installation of infrastructure such as gates and barriers, signs, and other preserve management infrastructure.
• May plan, complete, assist, or oversee ecological restoration on TNC’s lands, primarily manual or chemical control of invasive species.
• Assist forest managers and consultants to ensure the land base enrolled in Michigan’s Commercial Forest Program is in compliance with the state laws of that program
• Networks with diverse groups, including land owners, 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; may make some independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.  
• May lead or monitor work groups consisting of staff, interns, consultants, contractors and/or volunteers covering a wide geographic area.
• Engage with the public at the Keweenaw preserves and lands during their most-visited period.
• Create maps using GIS, of features, work areas, and projects on TNC and surrounding land base.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

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!

• 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.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 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 of the Michigan Commercial Forest Program, Michigan’s Forestry Best Management Practices, and common forest management practices in the upper Midwest.
• Knowledge of Michigan Natural Features Community Types and classification in the Keweenaw Peninsula.
• Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field.
• Knowledge of GIS, ArcGIS Online, Field Maps, Survey123 and ability to make maps.
• Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers).  
• Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.

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 position is generally within the range of $19 an hour. 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 54768, 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.

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.