The primary role of the Field Steward is to implement conservation management on S. H. Ordway Prairie Preserve.
The Field Steward plans and directs preserve programs and stewardship for The Nature Conservancy’s 7,800 acre Ordway Prairie Preserve. The Field Steward is responsible for ensuring that all facilities, preserve grounds, and equipment are in good repair and well organized. The Field Steward will implement preserve management plans using an adaptive management process – including chemical, biological, and mechanical control of noxious weeds, grazing management, and fire management as well as participate in research and monitoring programs. The Field Steward will coordinate projects and lead crews consisting of staff, volunteers, interns, and/or contractors. The Field Steward will serve as a community liaison and promote the Conservancy’s mission by assisting visitors and partners on identified projects. The Field Steward may lead education and outreach events for diverse audiences. The Field Steward will assist with livestock management including daily care of the resident bison herd. This is a full-time, benefited position. Work hours can vary from 35 to >50 hours per week with possible evening, weekend, or holiday work required depending on the season and associated work duties.
Housing for the Field Steward and immediate family is available on the preserve. In order to effectively conduct the essential functions of the position, it is strongly suggested the Field Steward live on the preserve or within a reasonable distance agreed upon with the supervisor so that the Steward is able to respond to emergency, urgent and routine issues and events on the preserve including but not limited to cattle and bison management, security, equipment failures and visitors.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
- Recruits and leads diverse teams.
- Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- May work long hours in isolated settings.
- Responsible for building and maintaining grazing infrastructure such as fence, corrals, and watering stations.
- Operates and maintains ATV/UTVs, chainsaws, 4WD vehicles, skid-steers/tractors and attachments.
- Responsible for maintenance and repairs of buildings and facilities.
- Responsible for safely hauling/transporting equipment and/or livestock with trailers.
- Assist with controlled burns and wildfires including performing leadership roles as qualified, preparing burn units and writing burn plans.
- Assist with ecological monitoring.
- Implement invasive species management plans.
- Assist with care of bison (including annual roundup) and work with grazing tenants.
- Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development and assisting with fundraising efforts.
- Assist with outreach, fundraising and marketing.
- Network with diverse groups, including land owners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy projects.
- Perform ecological management tasks such as biological monitoring, invasive species control, and prescribed burning.
- Monitor compliance of leases and other contracts; work with other Conservancy staff to solve non-compliance issues.
- Assist with annual bison management. Provide daily care of bison, assistance with annual roundups, work with bison buyers and sellers, assist with research projects and data collection, and assist with maintenance of herd records.
- Will travel to provide stewardship of other preserves, to assist other programs, and for training or meetings.
- Experience managing staff or volunteers.
- Experience working closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal scientists.
- Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
- Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
- Experience using common software applications such as GIS, Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
- Must have valid driver's license and good driving record.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 3-5 years’ experience in natural resource management, similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated
- Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
- Knowledge of ecological land management principles.
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.
- Must be qualified as or able to meet qualifications of a Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2). See http://www.tncfiremanual.org/firefighter.htm which includes the ability to pass annual fitness test (carrying a 45-pound pack over 3 miles of level terrain in 45 minutes or less).
- Knowledge of invasive species management practices.
- Ability to recognize plant and animal species as required to complete preserve management and monitoring activities.
- Knowledge of ecological land management principles, including prescribed fire, ranch management, livestock husbandry, wildlife management and invasive species control.
- Experience managing time and diverse activities under deadlines while delivering quality results and working independently.
- Working knowledge of software applications such as Word, Outlook, Excel, Access.
- Experience with GIS, GPS, and maintaining databases.
- Ability to operate and maintain various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner, such as: tractors, chainsaws, small engines, pumps, trucks, ATV/UTVs, mowers, etc.
- Experience maintaining facilities.
- Ability to follow instructions and work cooperatively with others.
- Ability to perform physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather.
- Must have ability to obtain required licenses or certifications, such as first aid/CPR, herbicide application, and driver’s license, DOT physical. Must maintain a good driving record.
- This is a salaried position
- Expected starting salary range: $42,00-$45,500 DOEA
- two- story house with 4 bedrooms, 1 bath, and all major appliances (stove, refrigerator, washer/dryer) located on the preserve is available for lease at $500/month (includes electric, heat, and water paid by TNC).