Zumwalt Prairie Preserve Steward Assistant

What We Can Achieve Together

The Zumwalt Prairie Preserve (ZPP) Stewardship Assistant is an entry-level, seasonal position starting April 13th, 2026, and ending June 26th, 2026. The stewardship assistant will work closely with TNC stewardship staff to perform daily operations, maintenance, and monitoring of the ZPP. The stewardship assistant will conduct general preserve stewardship duties, while also developing their conservation and stewardship skills.

This position will work under the supervision of an experienced steward performing field tasks that may include fence and infrastructure maintenance, invasive plant monitoring and control (including the use of herbicides), vegetation monitoring, and wildlife surveys. The stewardship assistant may also assist with site, equipment, and facilities maintenance and repair. They will maintain and preserve records using a computer or mobile device.

The stewardship assistant will work in the field and office alongside TNC staff, partners, and volunteers, while also working independently y may interact with visitors from the public hiking on trails and enforce preserve use guidelines. This position will work in variable weather conditions, at times alone and in remote locations, in difficult hazardous and steep terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances which will require considerable physical exertion.

On-Preserve housing is required from May 15 through June 26 of the employment term and will be provided to the Stewardship Assistant at no charge. Other TNC-provided housing may be offered free of charge outside of this time frame, though if accepted, the value of housing will be non-cash taxable income for the Stewardship Assistant.

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Would you like to gain land stewardship and conservation skills? We are looking for an individual to join our Zumwalt Prairie team who is motivated by the prospect of maintaining and improving the condition of lands, waters and our human communities. The work is focused on the 33,000 acre Zumwalt Prairie Preserve and will be based out of the Enterprise, Oregon TNC office.

Through the efforts of The Nature Conservancy, 547,895 acres in Oregon have been protected and managed for people and nature. From the sagebrush sea to the Pacific Ocean, the Oregon Chapter is dedicated to conserving the natural resources that make Oregon unique. This is an exceptional early career or entry-level opportunity for a highly motivated, capable individual interested in joining the world's leading conservation organization.

• High school diploma or GED and 1 year's training in a science-related field or related experience in land management.

• Experience recognizing plant and animal species in the grassland ecosystem, or willingness to learn.

• Experience operating and maintaining various types of equipment safely and efficiently (e.g. Lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV, herbicide sprayers, or similar equipment).

• Experience working in a team environment.

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

• 1 - 2 years' experience in land management or related field.

• Experience working with or knowledge of perennial grassland natural systems.

• Experience applying herbicide with backpack and/or ATV/UTV sprayers.

• Experience using basic GIS tools and software.

• PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding.

• Current CPR/First-Aid certifications and/or willingness to obtain certifications during onboarding

• Valid Driver's License

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 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!

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $ 20.50- $22.50/ hr. 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…