The Range Technician (RT) will assist with various prairie stewardship activities including: prescribed fire, tree/brush removal, noxious weed control, fencing, firebreak installation and other duties as assigned. The RT will serve on a burn 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 RT will assist with controlled burns. The position start date is April 2, 2018.
The second phase of the position will begin directly after the burn season and will continue through approximately November 30, 2018. During this phase the Range Technician will assist in daily coordination and oversight of the summer land management crew (1 – 2 short-term staff) under the direction of the Land Steward. Duties will include daily conversations with supervisor to receive assignments and efficient and concise communication of assignments to the land management crew. Personal organization and excellent communication skills are a must for this position. The Range Technician will be expected to travel individually or with a crew to perform various grazing program and habitat maintenance duties on Nature Conservancy preserves in South Dakota and Minnesota. The Range Technician must use safety equipment and maintain a safety-conscious attitude at all times. Tasks primarily include fence construction and maintenance, implementation/management of various grazing systems, vegetation management (herbicide applications, brush removal, tree removal, mowing, biological control, etc.), equipment maintenance and organization, identifying management needs for preserves, report writing, and miscellaneous duties as assigned. Duties may also include installation of firebreaks for prescribed fire and prescribed fire implementation. The Range Technician position also may include a variety of outreach activities including meeting with local landowners, assisting with field trips, and leading volunteers. Occasional overnight or extended periods away from base office may be required. This position is based on a 40 hr work week, but may require irregular hours, long days, and travel on short notice.
Housing facilities will be provided for the full term of employment. 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 Technician will travel throughout the Prairie Coteau in northeast South Dakota and southwest 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.
- Seed harvest.
- Coordination of short-term seasonal staff and communication of assignments between supervisors and seasonal staff.
- Accurate dissemination of information, record keeping, and daily communication.
- Assist with fireline construction, preparation for and implementation of prescribed burns and mop-up activities.
- Use safety equipment and maintain safety conscious attitude at all times.
- Maintain and install barbed wire and electric fencing for grazing programs
- Control of exotic species by biocontrol measures or through herbicide application (e.g. Tordon 22K, Krenite S, Roundup, Plateau, 2,4-D) with back-pack and ATV type sprayers, mowing, hand cutting with machetes, chainsaws, brush cutters, and other tools.
- Maintain accurate records and maps of herbicide use, biocontrol releases, mowed areas, and species managed.
- Assist on prairie reconstruction projects including seed collecting, post seeding mowing management and spot treatment of noxious weed patches.
- Mow firebreaks and clear trees where necessary for prescribed burn management. Repair and organize burn equipment.
- Install and maintain preserve boundary signs.
- Identify observed management needs in and communicate information to supervisor verbally or in writing.
- Maintain daily journal and work log, summarizing daily work completed.
- Discuss calendar of proposed activities with supervisor daily.
- Other preserve management activities as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Must be qualified as 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), Firefighting Training (S-130), and one training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2. See http://www.tncfiremanual.org/firefighter.htm
- Must achieve physical fitness standard as determined by local Fire Program Manager and the TNC Fire Manual.
- Experience operating various types of equipment.
- Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, and driver's license).
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual and/or multicultural experience appreciated.
- Ability to pass NWCG arduous level “pack test” (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. engine, pumps, ATV, brush-cutter, chainsaw, two-way radio).
- Ability to recognize plant and animal species as required for preserve management activities.
- Experience working with natural systems.
- Ability to follow instructions from colleagues
- Valid driver’s license with a good driving record.
- Qualified or able to obtain SD Pesticide Applicator license.
- Have valid DOT health card or the ability to obtain a health card.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT
- 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.
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.
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."