Cross Ranch Field Steward (Steward) is a North Dakota staff member within the Cross Ranch program. The position works under the supervision of Cross Ranch Land Steward/Burn Boss and is based at the Cross Ranch office near Center, ND. The Steward performs and participates in preserve operations including the maintenance, management, development and coordination of conservation programs.
The Steward leads work teams to ensure implementation of preserve management plans across the three TNC preserves in central North Dakota (Cross Ranch, John E. Williams, and Davis Ranch). Management activities include assisting in the planning and implementation of prescribed fires, mowing firebreaks, bison roundup, treatment of non-native invasive species and conducts monitoring of species with the use of mobile devices. Also required is the daily maintenance and up-keep of tools, equipment and facilities, fence construction and maintenance (barb and electric), operation of tractors and skid steers, hiring of seasonal staff, identifying management needs for preserves, assisting with field trips, working with volunteers and contractors, and other land management tasks as needed. This position will require irregular work hours and long days. While the position will work primarily from the Cross Ranch office, it will require occasional travel and overnight stays at other work locations. To provide a general security presence for TNC’s equipment/facilities, the Steward is required to live on-site. This is a regular, full-time position with an expected end date of December 2021 (with the possibility of extension).
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Assist with the hiring, training, and field supervision seasonal staff. Organize logistics, promote crew cohesion, and ensure a safe working environment.
- Financial responsibility may include working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development and fundraising targets.
- Networks with diverse groups, including land owners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the general public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy programs/preserves.
- May work under minimal and/or distant supervision; may make some independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Experience in prescribed burning and/or wildfire suppression, qualified as a FFT2.
- Experience with natural systems.
- Experience with plant identification in the Great Plains
- Experience operating and/or repairing various types of equipment and machinery.
- Experience supervising staff or volunteers is required.
- Must have a valid driver's license and good driving record. Ability to pass DOT health physical.
- Must achieve physical fitness standards as determined by the local Fire Program Manager and the TNC Fire Manual.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 1 – 2 years related experience in custodial and ecological land management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Fire Fighter Type 1 qualified.
- Desire to advance in NWCG fire qualifications.
- 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 controlling invasive species in prairie ecosystems via herbicide application from UTVs, ATVs, and backpack sprayers. Ability to become ND Commercial Applicator certified.
- Experience working with or around livestock and working with grazing practices and fencing systems.
- Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field.
- Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
- Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers, Collector, ArcMap).
- Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.