Community Outreach Specialist

OFFICE LOCATION

Ainsworth, Nebraska, United States of America

#Li-onsite

The location for this position is in a rural part of north-central Nebraska near Johnstown, along the northern edge of the Nebraska Sandhills.

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 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 to hear stories from staff or visit .

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 Community Outreach Specialist (COS) participates in a broad range of duties and opportunities. They support education, outreach, stewardship, fundraising and operations programs, interact frequently with visitors, and help maintain preserve areas frequented by the public at Niobrara Valley Preserve in Nebraska. The COS also collaborates and strategies with other outreach, science, and stewardship staff within Nebraska and other states.

The COS organizes and hosts outreach events that strive to connect people to nature, influence land management by others and promote the work of The Nature Conservancy. They lead tours and workshops, give in-person and virtual presentations, create social media posts and participate in other writing and speaking activities.

This position coordinates housing needs at NVP (for visitors, researchers, and staff) and communicates effectively with those visitors. They schedule and host visitor activities such as bison tours, hiking, canoe / kayak trips and other recreational opportunities on the Preserve. The COS is also responsible for building and organizing a volunteer program at NVP and coordinating with other volunteer efforts within The Nature Conservancy in Nebraska and beyond.

The COS will work with the Director of Science and Stewardship to measure the conservation impact of outreach work at the Niobrara Valley Preserve and statewide. They will track visitors, research projects, and outreach events, but also conduct surveys and use other tools and strategies to evaluate and adapt communication and outreach tactics.

In addition, the COS assists with administrative tasks, as well as prescribed fire and other stewardship activities as needed. This position will require travel and work select evenings and / or weekends, as needed. The outreach coordinator 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 Community Outreach Specialist! Not only will you fulfil conservation objectives in the beautiful state of Nebraska, but you’ll contribute to conservation goals through many networks! Come join TNC and apply today!

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, natural resources, environmental education or related field and a minimum of 3 years related experience or equivalent combination.
• Must meet all TNC Youth Qualification requirements and background checks.
• Writing and editing experience.
• Communication and public speaking experience.
• Project Management experience.
• Experience supervising and managing staff, volunteers and / or teams.
• Experienced in community relations or relationship building.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

WHAT WE BRING

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into 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 and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our on nature.org / careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION

The Niobrara Valley Preserve (NVP) encompasses approximately 56,000 acres along a 25-mile stretch of the Niobrara River in north-central Nebraska. This portion of the Niobrara River is designated as a Wild and Scenic River. Ecosystems on the Preserve include Sandhills and Dakota mixed-grass prairie, tallgrass prairie, bur oak savanna, ponderosa pine savanna, deciduous woodland, and others. Those are managed with a combination of prescribed fire, grazing by two resident bison herds (1000+ animals), cattle grazing through lease arrangements, and various invasive species control efforts.

We manage The Niobrara Valley Preserve to promote biological diversity, mitigate climate change and influence land stewardship around Nebraska and beyond. We encourage staff to find creative and innovative approaches to reach those goals and to help translate lessons learned to a broad variety of audiences.

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 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 $48,500 - $60,500 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.