What We Can Achieve Together:

The Oregon Stewardship Assistant is an entry-level, seasonal position starting March 16th, 2026 and ending November 27th, 2026. The stewardship assistant will spend time in three Oregon geographies and will work with TNC stewardship staff to perform operations, maintenance, and monitoring of several important conservation sites in Oregon. The stewardship assistant will conduct general preserve stewardship duties, while also supporting priority projects for each site and developing their conservation and stewardship skills.

This position will work under the supervision of an experienced steward performing field tasks such as fence and infrastructure maintenance, invasive plant monitoring and control (including herbicide use), vegetation monitoring, wildlife surveys, prescribed fire preparation, prescribed fire implementation, trail work, and data collection. The stewardship assistant will also assist with site, equipment, and facilities maintenance and repair. They will maintain and preserve records using a computer or mobile devices. The stewardship assistant will work in the field and office alongside TNC staff, partners, and volunteers, including youth volunteers, while also working independently at times. They may interact with visitors from the public hiking on trails and enforce preserve use guidelines. This position will work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances which require considerable physical exertion.

Housing is provided free of charge, though the value of housing will be included as non-cash taxable income in Eugene. Limited overnight travel to TNC Oregon preserves is expected and will be based on planned field activities of TNC Stewardship staff.

Columbia Basin Program

From March 16th to June 14th, 2026, the Western Oregon Stewardship Assistant performs and participates in preserve operations, maintenance, and monitoring primarily at the Boardman Conservation Area (BCA) near Boardman, Oregon. The BCA is a 23,000-acre grassland and shrub-steppe property managed by TNC to provide habitat for sensitive species. The primary objective at the BCA is to protect and improve native plant communities and their associated wildlife species. The stewardship assistant will conduct stewardship duties, including but not limited to infrastructure maintenance, vegetation monitoring, invasive plant treatment, and wildlife surveys at the BCA as well as other preserves in north-central Oregon, which will require some overnight travel. The position requires living in shared housing, provided free of charge by TNC in Ione, Oregon, a small rural community.

Oregon Coast Preserves

From June 15th to August 16th, 2026, the stewardship assistant will be based on the Oregon Coast. The primary duties will occur in the field at the Kilchis Estuary Preserve, a Sitka spruce swamp restoration site near Tillamook, Oregon. While stationed in this region, occasional work will occur at the Cascade Head Preserve, a coastal prairie ecosystem supporting native and rare species near Lincoln City, Oregon. Access to work sites on that Preserve involves a moderately strenuous 4-mile round trip hike with 600 ft of elevation gain at a minimum. Projects will include vegetation monitoring, trail work, brushcutting, and invasive species treatments. Accommodations are offered free of charge at a federal partner’s shared housing facility.

Willamette Valley Preserves

From August 17th, 2026 to November 27th, 2026, the stewardship assistant will be stationed in Eugene, Oregon and assist with project priorities at multiple sites in the south Willamette Valley. Primary duties will occur in the field at Willow Creek Preserve and Coburg Ridge Preserve. Stewardship work includes management of wet and upland prairie and oak woodland and savanna plant communities, with a particular focus on prescribed fire burn unit preparation and implementation. Additionally, the stewardship assistant will travel to other properties as needed. Occasional work at the Cox Island Preserve near Florence, Oregon will involve travel by boat to a high-quality tidal marsh for invasive species surveys and treatments. Fee and Conservation Easement monitoring will occur at multiple additional properties across western Oregon. Private lodging accommodations are provided at the Eugene office, which is shared with other TNC staff. Lodging is provided free of charge, though the value of housing will be included as non-cash taxable income.

This position is open until filled. Apply early to be considered.

We’re Looking for You:

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Do you enjoy working with a diverse team? Would you like to gain land stewardship and conservation skills? We’re looking for someone who is passionate and motivated to make a positive difference for Oregon’s vital habitats. Come join TNC in Oregon and apply today!

What You’ll Bring:

• High school diploma or GED and 1-year related training, work or volunteer experience in outdoor field work, land management, environmental education, public outreach, or related fields or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience recognizing plants and/or animals.

• Experience following instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.

• Experience conducting physical labor with various types of hand and power tools.

• Ability to complete NWCG fire fighter type 2 training and arduous pack test (3-mile hike with 45-pound pack in 45 minutes).

Desired Qualifications

• Lived experience working with Indigenous communities, multi-lingual skills, and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

• Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems, such as shrub steppe, perennial grasslands, tidal wetlands, prairies, oak woodlands, and savannahs.

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

• Valid Drivers License

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!

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, gender identities, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

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 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.

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 include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One 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. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

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 and Perks here.

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

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.