Indiana Kankakee Sands Field & Maintenance Technician
The Nature Conservancy
What We Can Achieve Together:
The Kankakee Sands Field and Maintenance Technician main duties include controlling invasive plant species, using such equipment as backpack/UTV sprayers, brush cutters, and/or chainsaws; equipment maintenance, prep, and repair; and facilities and preserve infrastructure maintenance and repair, including upkeep of trails, fencing, signs, corral. They will participate as part of our burn crew to implement prescribed fire; assist with monitoring, recordkeeping, and surveys; and use Field Maps/GIS to collect and map data. May participate in events, interact with visitors, and work with volunteers.
Responsibilities & Scope:
Work under close or infrequent supervision, in a team environment.
Work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations for long periods of time in isolated settings, on difficult/ hazardous terrain, under physically demanding circumstances requiring considerable physical exertion/muscular strain.
May interact with visitors and volunteers.
Occasionally irregular work hours and long days, particularly during spring and fall fire season.
Infrequent travel to other project areas to assist with stewardship and fire related activities.
This is a temporary, full-time (40 hours per week), field position based at our Kankakee Sands Field Office in Morocco, Indiana, lasting approximately 7 months starting May 2026. Shared on-site housing may be available.
We’re Looking for You:
The Nature Conservancy in Indiana is looking for a Kankakee Sands Field and Maintenance Technician to work with our dedicated team to protect and manage one of the largest grassland restorations in the US. Started over 25 years ago, the Efroymson Restoration at Kankakee Sands has grown to over 8,000 acres of prairie, wetland, and savanna habitat. It is part of a larger bi-state conservation area that exceeds 25,000 acres. Kankakee Sands is also home to a bison herd that contribute to the function of the prairie. With recent infrastructure improvements, the preserve is becoming a destination spot for visitors. You’ll assist our team in maintaining this beautiful landscape while building a solid foundation of skills and knowledge for the next steps in your conservation career!
What You’ll Bring:
Minimum Qualifications:
High school diploma or GED; and 6 months of related experience.
Experience performing physical work, including lifting up to 50lbs, preferably outdoors.
Experience working in a team environment.
Experience operating various types of equipment (e.g. sprayers, brushcutters, UTV’s, etc).
Able to obtain and/or maintain related licenses or certifications as required (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application).
Experience with plant identification.
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 for a candidate selected for this position is $17.00 to $18.00 an hour (subject to required tax withholdings). 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.
