Office Location:

Scott City, KS, USA

Garden CIty, KS, USA 

Hays, KS, USA

Salina, KS, USA

Denver, CO, USA

Boulder, CO, USA

Colorado Springs, CO, USA 

#Li-Hybrid

The Specialist will work in person approximately twice a month with the Southern High Plains Grassland Project Manager in Scott City, KS. The Specialist will work from a home office at other times.

Who We Are:

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.”

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Conservation Operations Specialist (Specialist) is a three-year term position that will work as part of a team within the Southern High Plains Initiative (SHPI) area coordinating tasks related to implementing a conservation stronghold strategy to enhance grassland biodiversity in key Southern High Plains landscapes. This spatially focused, strategic approach of coordinating and leveraging existing conservation programs, private and public resources, and conservation anchor properties is necessary to outpace threats, such as conversion, woodland expansion, and increased drought. The program works in partnership with ranchers and farmers to help sustain and restore ecological goods and services provided by Southern High Plains grasslands. In the longer term, success in stronghold areas will demonstrate a collaborative model that can be transferred to other communities, resulting in large, interconnected blocks of high-quality grasslands with long-term voluntary conservation.

We’re Looking for You:

The Conservation Operations Specialist provides operational and administrative support to help meet the strategic priorities of the Southern High Plains Initiative. This includes assisting with grant development, management, and reporting, contract coordination and management, project tracking and financial management, mapping, and coordination for travel, meetings, and special events, etc. They may be responsible for finance administration tasks, including managing contracts with partners, processing forms, preparing reports and forecasts, and monitoring and preparing budgets. The Specialist will be responsible for managing project and funding databases and may assist with spatial data management using GIS. They may also be responsible for planning and execution of logistics for special events and/or meetings, including meetings with landowners and operators within project areas. They will be well versed in the systems and resources utilized by the team to execute assigned tasks. They will maintain and track ecological, social, and economic data for gap analyses, produce and review reports, and assist with program analysis and reporting. The Specialist will provide guidance in satisfying administrative requirements based on knowledge of policies and procedures. They will implement processes and practices to improve effectiveness. The Specialist will communicate with staff in various programs across the Conservancy, as well as with donors, volunteers, vendors, and business relations. They will communicate or distribute information to assist staff in making decisions, solving problems, and improving workflow.

The Director of Finance and Operations for Kansas and Nebraska supervises the Specialist and provides guidance on process and procedures. The Southern High Plains Grassland Project Manager directs the Specialist’s day-to-day work and is a dotted line supervisor for the Specialist.

The Specialist will work in person approximately twice a month with the Southern High Plains Grassland Project Manager in Scott City, KS. The Specialist will work from a home office at other times.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and 2 years related experience or equivalent combination.
• Experience coordinating administrative processes.
• Experience generating reports and interpreting data.
• Experience in business writing, editing, and proofreading.
• Experience organizing time and managing diverse activities to meet deadlines.
• Experience working across teams and communicating with a wide range of people.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated.
• Ability to analyze information for the purpose of coordinating and planning activities and solving problems.
• Ability to use existing technology to achieve desired results.
• Excellent customer service skills and focus.
• Experience interpreting guidelines to achieve desired results.
• Knowledge of current trends in specific field.
• Strong organization skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.

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!

Auto Safety Policy:

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.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $24.75 - $38.50 hourly rate (yearly salary of $45,000– $70,000) 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.