The Preserve Management Assistant will travel within the Tallgrass Aspen Parklands landscape in the Northern Tallgrass Prairie Ecoregion (Northwestern Minnesota and southern Manitoba, Canada) as part of a landscape-based spring and fall prescribed burn crew as well as part of a multi-person crew managing nature preserves during the summer months. As part of the prescribed burn crew, the Preserve Management Assistant will be responsible for preparation and implementation of prescribed fire at various nature preserves under the direction of a Prescribed Burn Leader.
The Preserve Management Assistant (Summer) (PMA) must use safety equipment and maintain a safety-conscious attitude at all times. Tasks include assisting with preserve management activities such as prescribed burning, applying herbicides, clearing and mowing firebreaks, boundary posting, repairing and organizing burn equipment, tree and brush cutting, fence construction/removal, constructing parking areas, maintaining vehicles and equipment, meeting with local landowners, identifying management needs for preserves, assisting with field trips, leading volunteers, and other land management tasks as necessary. This position requires irregular hours and travel on short notice. Housing facilities will be provided for the full term of employment. Transportation from The Nature Conservancy office to the various preserves will be provided by The Nature Conservancy. These are seasonal positions. Two (2) positions will have a start date of April 8, 2019 and end date of September 20, 2019. (Note there is another similar position with a longer employment period also available at this location).
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- The PMA participates in preserve operations, maintenance and management.
- Maintain preserve areas frequented by the visiting public
- Remove exotic species and/or species monitoring (including use of herbicides)
- Prescribed burn preparation, implementation, and post-burn monitoring
- Maintain tools and equipment
- Brush and tree removal
- Seed harvest
- Photo and vegetation monitoring
- Other preserve management activities
- All TNC staff actively participating on a prescribed burn must be qualified as a FFT2. The PMA will participate in prescribed burns, preparing fire lines, maintaining equipment, post-burn monitoring and other tasks.
- Makes day to day decisions as delegated by supervisor.
- 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.
- May require long hours in isolated settings.
- Makes day to day decisions as delegated by supervisor.
- May work under infrequent supervision.
- 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.
- Ability to obtain driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.
- 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 recognize plant and animal species to complete preserve management activities.
- Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g.; lawn mower, chainsaw, tractor, two-way radio, etc.).
- Ability to follow instructions from colleagues.
- Ability to perform physical work, sometime under adverse conditions or in inclement weather
- Ability to pass US Forest Service work capacity test at arduous level (3 mile walk with 45 lb pack in 45 minutes)
- Ability to function productively as a member or leader of a work team.
- This position may also require that you are able to cross the US-Canada border without incident.
- PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding.
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.