Office Location:

Letts, Iowa, United States

#Li-Hybrid

This position is hybrid, with anticipated time split between working 2-3 days from a home office and 2-3 days from The Land of the Swamp White Oak Office in Letts, Iowa. Anticipated travel will be within Muscatine, Louisa, Washington, and Des Moines counties, with the occasional trip to conferences and meetings. This position will require the ability to work the occasional evening and weekend for events and local evening meetings. This is a full time, 5-year position, with expected end date in September 2029. May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

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 Iowa-Cedar Habitat Specialist develops, advances, and supports conservation programs, plans, and methods for private landowners in Muscatine County and adjacent areas, with a focus on floodplain habitat along the Iowa and Cedar Rivers.

The Iowa-Cedar Habitat Specialist provides technical leadership and support to the Iowa Chapter of The Nature Conservancy and area conservation partners. They address critical threats to natural systems and individual species, foster cross-site learning and collaboration among the conservation community, and supply conservation partners and producers with site or landscape level information relevant to the planning and management process.  They work closely with conservation partners to engage and assist local producers, providing field-based and remote support for protection and stewardship projects in the Muscatine County area, with a focus on floodplain habitat.

This includes tasks such as assessing habitat, gathering site information to inform restoration and management plans, drafting seeding plans and evaluating establishment, and reaching out to area producers. The Iowa-Cedar Habitat Specialist works to improve understanding of local natural resources and best practices through community outreach and coordinated efforts with partners, promoting conservation programs to expand and enhance native habitat in Eastern Iowa.

This position is hybrid, with anticipated time split between working 2-3 days from a home office and 2-3 days from The Land of the Swamp White Oak Office in Letts, Iowa. Anticipated travel will be within Muscatine, Louisa, Washington, and Des Moines counties, with the occasional trip to conferences and meetings. This position will require the ability to work the occasional evening and weekend for events and local evening meetings. This is a full time, 5-year position, with expected end date in September 2029. May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

We’re Looking for You:

If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join our Chapter as the Iowa-Cedar Habitat Specialist! Not only will you fulfil conservation objectives in the beautiful state of Iowa, but you’ll contribute to conservation goals through many networks!

We’re looking for a passionate, dedicated person to lead this work in our Chapter and work within our Division. Self-motivation, creativity, and the ability to influence without authority are key in this role. Come join TNC and apply today!

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal scientists.
• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
• Must have valid driver’s license.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of ecological land management principles.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.
• Knowledge of native plant communities and skills in plant identification.
• Familiarity with Farm Bill and non-Farm Bill conservation programs

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 $43,000 - $50,000 for annual base salary. 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.