Forest Monitoring Technician
The Nature Conservancy
Position Details:
• This job posting will be open until filled and will hire one individual.
• This is a full-time (40 hours/week,) short-term position and is anticipated to start May 11, 2026 and end on August 7, 2026 (may be flexibility in start and end dates.)
• This position is based out of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Division of Resource Management office in Cass Lake, MN.
• Housing is not provided. Employee must secure own local housing.
• Hourly rate range: $20.20-22.45/hour dependent on experience.
What We Can Achieve Together:
As our Forest Monitoring Technician (FMT,) you will assist in measuring forest vegetation and site conditions in North – Central Minnesota, primarily within the Chippewa National Forest and Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Landscape. You will focus on collecting baseline forest vegetation data as well as pre-treatment data on sites to be managed using a variety of silvicultural techniques. You will work with other Conservancy staff as well as work closely with Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Division of Resource Management staff members.
Other responsibilities include:
• Setting up plots within designated stands for monitoring changes in vegetation and site conditions pre/post treatment.
• Entering and managing forest survey data using ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, and other GIS web applications.
• Coordinating GIS-based survey data collection with TNC Staff and other conservation partners, including the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe.
• Providing GIS-Based data processing and analysis.
• Compiling data, resolve data disparities, and conduct analyses to support assessment and planning.
• Working with a small group of staff, interns or volunteers on a project basis, including students from Leech Lake Tribal College.
• Working in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
We’re Looking for You:
Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone who is passionate, motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today!
What You’ll Bring:
Associates Degree in natural resources; environmental studies or equivalent combination of education and 6 months’ experience.
Experience managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources.
Desired Qualifications:
Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
Field experience.
Ability to assist with program budget development and monitoring.
Ability to work independently and exercise independent judgment.
Basic supervisory skills.
Time management skills.
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 the Auto Safety information page 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 $20.20-22.45/hour. 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.

