The Grassland Conservation Fellow participates primarily in conservation operations in central North Dakota primarily at the Cross Ranch Preserve. The Fellow will also work with partners and other programs/departments throughout North Dakota and the MN-ND-SD Chapter.
The ideal candidate will be a college graduate with some experience in conservation (restoration, land management, etc) and is looking for opportunities to learn and grow as a professional in the field of conservation by gaining hands-on experience. The Fellow will be provided with opportunities to network with other agencies, attend professional conferences, and work independently. While participating in various aspects of conservation land management from planning and budgeting to maintenance and ecological monitoring, the Fellow will practice skills such as: decision-making, problem solving, project management; public speaking; and leadership.
This position requires irregular hours, long days, and some travel on short notice. The Fellow maintains preserve areas, removes exotic species and/or monitors and researches species, maintains tools and equipment, and operates heavy machinery. Housing is shared with employees, volunteers, and partners will be provided at the Cross Ranch Prairie Preserve Office near Center, North Dakota. The Fellow is required to live on the preserve. Transportation from the Cross Ranch office to work sites will be provided by The Nature Conservancy. This is a 18-month position starting April 16th, 2018 and ending October 31, 2019. This is a full-time, benefited position. Work hours vary from 35-50+ hours per week with possible evening, weekend, or holiday work required depending on the season, associated projects, and training opportunities.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- May lead or monitor work groups consisting of staff, interns, and volunteers covering a wide geographic area.
- Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, assisting with budget development.
- Networks with diverse groups, including land owners, conservation partners, government officials, and the general public to recruit support for the Conservancy.
- Works under minimal supervision; must make independent decisions based on experience and judgments.
- Performs ecological management tasks such as biological monitoring, invasive species control, and prescribed burning.
- Implements maintenance of buildings, fence/corrals, and equipment.
- Data collection, entry, analysis, and reporting for research and monitoring projects
- Assist with interviewing, leading and training work teams.
- Assist with land management planning
- Assist with annual bison management and research
- Develop outreach, including giving presentations, leading field trips, and developing written materials.
- May assist finance, philanthropy, and marketing.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with natural systems.
- Experience in ecological land management principles.
- Experience operating and or repairing various types of equipment and machinery.
- Must have a valid driver's license and good driving record.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross cultural experience appreciated.
- 1 – 2 years related experience in custodial and ecological land management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.
- Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
- Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers), GIS, GPS, and databases.
- Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English.
- Ability to obtain required licenses or certifications, such as first aid, CPR, herbicide application, and driver’s license. Must maintain a good driving record.
- Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) qualified or ability to pass fire training courses and provide copy of certificate indicating completion of S-130, S-190, I-100, and IS-700 by start date (online courses available).
- Ability to pass annual physical fitness test (carry a 45-pound pack over 3 miles of level terrain in 45 minutes or less).
- Experience with safe operation and general maintenance of pumps, small engines, sprayers, tractors, ATV/UTVs, 4x4 vehicles, trailers, power tools, and mowers.
- Ability to maintain accurate records, such as daily work logs, herbicide treatments, and other monitoring data.
- Experience with monitoring/research techniques and applying scientific principles.
- Ability to identify local flora and fauna with minimal training, including grassland birds, butterflies, and key plant species.
- Ability to follow instructions and work cooperatively with others.
- Experience in the safe handling and use of herbicides.
- Experience working with livestock and observing animal behavior
Salary: $14.00 to $16.00 per hour DOE; housing and utilities at not cost to employee. Eligible for TNC benefit package.