The Rangeland Technician will conduct various stewardship and ecological monitoring activities. They will be located at Cross Ranch but may travel extensively to other North and South Dakota preserves.
Primary responsibilities will include but may not be limited to: prescribed burning, fence and corral construction, noxious weed control and monitoring control efforts, assisting with the collection of ecological monitoring data, assisting with firebreak preparation, and maintenance of preserve facilities and equipment. This position will also participate in the spring and fall prescribed burning season and must meet the requirements for prescribed burning. The Seasonal Preserve Assistant supervises no staff. This position requires irregular hours and travel on short notice. 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 17, 2017 and end date of September 15, 2017. (It may be possible to delay start date until May 22 but April 17 is preferred).
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- 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.
- Requires long hours in isolated settings.
- Assist with the construction and maintenance of bison and cattle fences.
- Assist with the control of noxious weeds and monitoring of control effects.
- Assist with maintenance of the trail system, vehicles and equipment, preserve grounds, corrals and buildings.
- Assist with the collection of monitoring data on forest and prairie ecosystems, rare plants, and avian species.
- Assist with firebreak preparation and prescribed burns in both Dakotas.
- Provide information to preserve visitors and act as a local representative for The Nature Conservancy.
- May perform other duties as assigned
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- 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 application).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross cultural experience are appreciated.
- 1 - 2 years’ experience in land management or related field.
- Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
- Completed at least two years in natural resource management and strong knowledge of the flora of the Great Plains and vegetation sampling techniques highly preferred.
- 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 pass US Forest Service work capacity test at arduous level (3 mile walk with 45 lb pack in 45 minutes)
- Ability to do outdoor work using hand tools and ranch equipment with a minimum amount of supervision including chainsaws, tractors, ATVs, 4x4 vehicles, and mowers. Welding skills preferred.
- Experience in the safe handling and use of pesticides. Willingness to obtain a North Dakota pesticide applicators license.
- Ability to follow instructions from colleagues
- Ability to perform physical work, sometime under adverse conditions or in inclement weather
- Willingness to live and work in an isolated rural environment, share living quarters, and travel frequently.
- Ability to function productively as a member or leader of a work team.
SALARY INFORMATION
- $10.00-$14.00 PER HOUR
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy's Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers."