The Stewardship/Burn Crew Technician (SBCT) will assist with various prairie stewardship activities including: prescribed fire, tree/brush removal, noxious weed control, fencing, firebreak installation and other duties as assigned. SBCT will serve on a crew of 6 to 8 people. The crew travels throughout the Prairie Coteau (north east SD/southwest MN) landscape. This crew is responsible for preparation and implementation of prescribed fire at various preserves in the landscape. Under the direction of a Burn Boss, the SBCT will assist with controlled burns. These are short-term, full-time (40 hours/week) seasonal positions from April 2 – June 1, 2018. Housing is provided.
The Stewardship/burn crew technician will travel throughout the Prairie Coteau in north east South Dakota and south west Minnesota participating in land management activities which may include some or all of the following functions:
- Assist with maintaining TNC land as well as public lands including state-owned Wildlife Management Areas (WMA's) and federally-owned Waterfowl Production Areas (WPA's), as well as other protected lands.
- Prescribed burn preparation, implementation with TNC, MN Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR), and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) staff.
- Remove and chemically treat herbaceous and woody exotic species.
- Maintain tools and equipment.
- Post and sign properties.
- Seed harvest.
- Other preserve management activities as assigned.
- Experience recognizing plant and animal species in Northern Tallgrass Prairie is preferred.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
- Ability to pass US Forest Service work capacity test at arduous level (3 mile walk with 45 lb pack in 45 minutes).
- Ability to operate and maintain various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. ATV, engine, pumps, chainsaw, brush-cutter, and two-way radio).
- Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems. Ability to recognize plant and animal species as required completing preserve management activities.
- Will perform other preserve management duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire.
- Works in a high stress team environment.
- Works under close supervision.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Must be qualified as or able to meet qualifications of a Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2), including Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fire line (L-180), Introduction to Wild land Fire Behavior (S-190), and Firefighting Training (S-130). See http://www.tncfiremanual.org/firefighter.htm
- Must have the ability to pass the NWCG “Pack Test” at the arduous level. Walk 3 miles in 45 minutes or less carrying a 45 pound pack on level terrain.
- Experience operating various types of equipment.
- Experience recognizing plant and animal native and exotic species in Minnesota.
- Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
- Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, and driver’s license).
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- High school diploma and 1 year training in science-related field or related experience in land management.
- Ability and willingness to follow instructions from colleagues.
- Qualified as or able to meet qualifications for FFT2 (must be completed before employment), including Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fireline (L-180), Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130),IS-700 NIMS (National Incident Management System) http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/is700a.asp. Candidates lacking elements of this training may be considered and training opportunities afforded if selected for the crew.
- Technicians will be required to attend and pass TNC sponsored fire and equipment training during the first full week of employment. Training time is paid at normal salary rate.
- Must have or be able to readily obtain a valid driver’s license; requires good driving record.
- Must have or be able to obtain a DOT health card.
- Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
- Ability to follow instructions from colleagues
- Experience and ability to perform physical work, sometime under adverse conditions or in inclement weather or darkness.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT
Ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions:
- require considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain
- require long and irregular hours in isolated settings
- require independent and group efforts
- present frequent possibility of injury
SALARY INFORMATION
- $12.50 to $15.50 per hour, depending on experience (plus housing for duration of employment).
There are similar short-term positions available in MN, SD and ND. Please search by state to find other such positions.