The Cross Ranch - Rangeland Technician (RT) will conduct various stewardship and ecological monitoring activities out of the Cross Ranch office located along the Missouri River. The Rangeland Tech will work on the 3 preserves managed from this office- Cross Ranch (5,000 acres), John E. Williams (3,000 acres) and Davis Ranch (7,000 acres). The Rangeland Tech will work alongside the 2 bison herds on the Cross Ranch property.
The Rangeland Tech (RT) maintains preserve areas frequented by the visiting public and performs land management activities. The RT will serve as a member of an 8-person prescribed burn crew. This crew generally burns 10-15 units for 1,000-1500 acres which is about 20% of the position. They will also spend about 40% of their time monitoring and controlling noxious weeds as well as some (10%) bison fence construction and repair and about 10% of their time will be ecological monitoring data collection.
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. The Range Tech has a start date of April 15, 2019 and end date of August 30, 2019. Start and end dates can be a bit flexible.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Prescribed burning (20%) Range Tech (RT) serves as a member of an 8-person Prescribed Fire Team that burns 10-15 units for 1,000-1,500 acres.
- Noxious weed control and monitoring control efforts (40%) RT treats noxious/invasive plants with herbicides using an UTV and maps infestations with a tablet.
- Fence and corral repairs/construction (20%) Rebuild ½ mile of bison perimeter fence.
- Assisting with the collection of ecological monitoring data (10%)
- Maintenance of preserve facilities and equipment (10%).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- Ability to obtain driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.
- Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
- PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding.
SALARY INFORMATION: $12.50 to 15.50 per hour, depending on experience (plus housing for duration of employment)