The Land Management Tech (Technican) will work in the Agassiz Beach Ridges Landscape in the Northern Tallgrass Prairie Ecoregion (western Minnesota) as part of a crew managing prairie tracts and restorations as well as being responsible for preparation and implementation of prescribed fire at various nature preserves in this landscape. The Technician must use safety equipment and must maintain a safety-conscious attitude at all times. Technician duties will include vegetation management (herbicide applications, brush removal, tree removal, mowing, biological control, etc.), equipment maintenance and organization, hand collecting native prairie seed, firebreak installation, boundary posting, fencing and assist with controlled burns. This position requires irregular hours and long days. Transportation from The Nature Conservancy office to the various sites will be provided by The Nature Conservancy. This is a seasonal position from June 10 to August 9, 2019).
- Supervises no staff, but may help plan and direct preserve work groups, including staff or volunteers.
- Makes day to day decisions as delegated by supervisor.
- May work under infrequent supervision.
- Control of exotic species by biocontrol measures or through herbicide application with back-pack sprayer and wick applicator, 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.
- 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
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross cultural experience are appreciated.
- 1 - 2 years’ experience in land management.
- Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
- Ability to recognize plant and animal species as required to complete preserve management activities.
- Ability to perform physical work, sometime under adverse conditions or in inclement weather
- Ability to function productively as a member or leader of a work team.
- Housing provided.
- This is a 40 hour work week position.
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.
- Requires long hours in isolated settings.
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.