The Preserve Management Assistant performs and participates in preserve operations, maintenance and management. They will travel within the Sheyenne Delta Landscape throughout the field season and will also be part of a traveling spring prescribed burn crew (April to June). From June to November, the PMA will then continue working with the Sheyenne Delta Land Steward and alone managing nature preserves working out of the Brown Ranch (Milnor, ND) office until the end date November 8, 2019.
As part of the prescribed burn crew, the PMA will be responsible for preparation and implementation of prescribed fire at various nature preserves under the direction of a Prescribed Burn Leader. The PMA must use safety equipment and maintain a safety-conscious attitude at all times. Tasks include assisting with preserve management activities such as prescribed burning, applying herbicides, clearing and mowing firebreaks, boundary posting, repairing and organizing burn equipment, tree and brush cutting, fence construction/removal, constructing parking areas, maintaining vehicles and equipment, meeting with local landowners, identifying management needs for preserves, assisting with field trips, leading volunteers, and other land management tasks as necessary. This position requires irregular hours, travel on short notice and the ability to work weekends.
Employees are required to live in TNC provided housing due to the remote setting of this work location and the need to report to duty on short notice. If an employee already lives in the area or is able to obtain housing within a close proximity to this work location, and the employee is able to report for duty within 30 minutes, then the employee may live offsite. Transportation from The Nature Conservancy office to the various preserves will be provided by The Nature Conservancy.
This is a seasonal position with a start date of April 15, 2019 and end date of November 8, 2019.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Supervises no staff, but may help plan and direct preserve work groups, including staff or volunteers.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
- May require long hours in isolated settings.
- Makes day to day decisions as delegated by supervisor.
- May work under infrequent supervision.
- 1 year’s training in science-related field or related experience in land management.
- Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
- Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. Lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).
- Experience working in a team environment.
- Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application).
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross cultural experience appreciated.
- 1 - 2 years’ experience in land management or related field.
- Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
- Ability to recognize plant and animal species of the tallgrass prairie as required to complete preserve management activities.
- Qualified as or able to meet qualifications for FFT2, including Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fireline (L-180), Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130), and one training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2. See http://www.tncfiremanual.org/firefighter.htm
- Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g.; lawn mower, chainsaw, tractor, two-way radio, etc)
- Ability to obtain driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.
- Ability to perform physical work, sometime under adverse conditions or in inclement weather
- Ability to pass US Forest Service work capacity test at arduous level (3 mile walk with 45 lb pack in 45 minutes)
- Ability to to follow instructions and function productively as a member or leader of a work team.
- PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding.
Salary is $12.50 to 15.50 per hour, depending on experience (plus housing for duration of employment)