The Stewardship/Burn Crew Technician (SBCT) will assist with various prairie stewardship activities including: prescribed fire operations (including ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, and monitoring), tree/brush removal, noxious weed control, fencing, firebreak installation and other and other tasks as assigned. This is a full-time (40 hours/week) short-term position. There are three positions of different durations. Two positions will be from April 15 to August 30 and one position from April 15 to July 31. Housing is provided.
SBCT will serve on a crew of 6 to 8 people. The crew travels throughout the Prairie Coteau (northeast 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 and other land management activities which may include some or all of the tasks listed in the following Responsibilities and Scope section. The SBCT will work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- 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.
- Will perform other preserve management duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire.
- Remove and chemically treat herbaceous and woody exotic species.
- Maintain tools and equipment.
- Post and sign properties.
- Seed harvest.
- Works in a high stress team environment.
- Works under close supervision.
- Ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
- 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 skills and multicultural or cross cultural experience appreciated.
- 6 months -1 year of related experience.
- 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.
- Qualified or able to obtain SD Pesticide Applicator license. Have valid DOT health card or the ability to obtain a health card.
- Must have valid driver’s license and good driving record.
- Ability and willingness to follow instructions from colleagues.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.