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 are lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube 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’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.”

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 18,600-acre, custom-grazed cattle and bison operation that carries 700 cow-calf pairs during a grazing season from March through October, with about 150 bison grazing year-round. The Seasonal Conservation Steward (Conservation Steward) is instrumental in helping the Conservancy meet it management and conservation targets on the ranch by helping with livestock handling, invasive plant control, and maintaining equipment, trails, and buildings.

More specifically, the Steward will:

• 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 design this grazing experiment.