Grassland Conservation Fellow

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 includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube or 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 know 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.”

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Grassland Conservation Fellowship program is designed to provide talented individuals with opportunities to advance their skills for conservation. The Fellow participates in conservation operations in central North Dakota primarily at the Cross Ranch Preserve. The Fellow will also work with partners and other programs/departments throughout North Dakota and the MN-ND-SD Chapter.
The primary duties of the Fellow will be to assist with prescribed fire management, invasive species management, woody encroachment/fuels reduction, ecological monitoring, maintenance/management of equipment/facilities, care of livestock (including assisting with bison and roundup) and maintaining grazing infrastructure (fence, water, corrals), outreach, and leading projects/crews.

This position requires irregular hours, long days, and some travel on short notice. You may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

The main workstation will be at the Cross Ranch preserve near Center, North Dakota where housing , (shared with employees, volunteers, and partners,) is provided. Living onsite is a critical part of the position.

This is a term position anticipated to end around December 1, 2026 (there is some flexibility with start/end dates.) It is a full-time, benefits eligible position. Work hours will vary from 35-50+ hours per week (averaging 40 hours/week) with possible evening, weekend, or holiday work required depending on the season, associated projects, and training opportunities.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• May lead work groups consisting of staff, interns, or volunteers.
• Network with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, donors, board members and the general public.
• Financial responsibility may include working within a budget to complete projects.
• Perform ecological management tasks such as biological monitoring, invasive species control, prescribed burning, and grazing management.
• Implement maintenance of buildings, fence/corrals, livestock water systems, and equipment.
• Data collection, entry, analysis, and reporting for research and monitoring projects.
• Assist with planning and project management.
• Assist with care of bison, herd monitoring, and roundup.
• Contribute to outreach - giving presentations, leading field trips, and developing written materials.
• May collaborate with other teams (philanthropy, marketing, science, etc).

• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

We’re Looking for You:

The ideal candidate will be a college graduate (Associates, Technical/vocational, or Bachelors) with some experience in conservation land management who is looking for opportunities to learn and grow as a professional in the field of conservation by gaining hands-on experience. As a Fellow, you will be provided opportunities to network with partnering agencies and attend professional conferences.

You will be expected to work collaboratively with others as well as independently. While participating in various aspects of conservation land management, you will practice skills such as: decision-making, problem solving, project management, communication, and leadership.

If this sounds like you, and you’re inspired to help people and nature, join TNC and apply today! Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together.

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 in ecological land management principles.
• Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment.

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In addition, the following DESIRED skills and/or experiences would be an asset for this role but are not required to apply. For applicants without these, please view these as areas or skillsets as growth and professional development opportunities that you will achieve on the job.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete preserve management or monitoring activities.
• Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation.
• Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers, ArcGIS).
• Qualified as or able to meet qualifications for Prescribed Fire Crew Member by completing S-130, S-190, I-100, and IS-700 by start date (online courses available). Additional information about qualifications can be found at: http://www.tncfiremanual.org  
• Ability to pass annual physical fitness test (carry a 45-pound pack over 3 miles of level terrain in 45 minutes or less).
• Experience with safe operation and general maintenance of pumps, small engines, sprayers, tractors, ATV/UTVs, 4x4 vehicles, trailers, power tools, and mowers.
• Ability to identify local flora and fauna including grassland birds, butterflies, and key plant species
• Experience with monitoring/research techniques and applying scientific principles.
• Ability to follow instructions and work cooperatively with others.
• Experience in the safe handling and use of herbicides.
• Experience working with livestock and/or observing animal behavior.
• Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

What We Bring:

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!