The Grassland Management and Monitoring Technician (Technician) assists with preserve management and conservation projects at the S. H. Ordway Prairie Preserve. The Technician may also work with partners and other programs/departments throughout South Dakota and the MN-ND-SD Chapter. The Nature Conservancy will provide training, guidance and mentoring for the Technician to assist in the development and advancement of their skills.
The Technician will work as part of a team as well as independently with minimal supervision. Applicants with a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and desire to learn will be preferred over experience alone. Successful applicants will obtain opportunities to advance their training, skills, and experience with range management, wildlife management, and ecological monitoring practices.
The Technician’s responsibilities will include invasive species control and monitoring; maintenance of preserve facilities, equipment, livestock watering stations, corrals, and fences; firebreak preparation and prescribed burning. The Technician may travel to assist as a burn crew member throughout the chapter. Technician will assist with a variety of research and monitoring projects such as grassland bird surveys, butterfly surveys and vegetation transects. The Technician may be involved in a variety of outreach activities including working with local landowners, assisting with field trips, and may have leadership responsibilities for other staff, volunteers, or interns. The Technician may assist with projects, such as bison research,
conducted in cooperation with partners. Technicians will be responsible for carrying out preserve management and research duties independently after a training period.
This position requires irregular hours, long days, work on weekends, and some travel on short notice. The Technician is required to live on the preserve. Housing for Technician will be provided at the Ordway Prairie Preserve Office near Leola, South Dakota. Housing is shared with other team members. Transportation from the Ordway Prairie office to work sites will be provided by The Nature Conservancy. The duration of this position is approximately 18-months starting around April 10, 2018 and ending around October 12, 2019. There is some flexibility with start and end dates. This is a full-time, benefited position. Work hours will average around 40 per week but may vary from 35 to 50+ hours per week with possible evening, weekend, or holiday work required depending on the season, associated projects, and training opportunities
- Supervises no staff, but may help plan and direct preserve work groups, including staff or volunteers.
- Will work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Makes day to day decisions as delegated by supervisor.
- May work under infrequent or remote supervision.
- Performs ecological management tasks such as biological monitoring, invasive species control, and prescribed burning.
- Implements maintenance of facilities, infrastructure, and equipment.
- Data collection, entry, analysis, and reporting for research and monitoring projects
- Assist with recruiting, leading and training work teams.
- Assist with preserve management planning
- Assist with annual bison management and research
- Assist with outreach, including giving presentations, leading field trips, and developing written materials
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- 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, trucks, tractors, pumps, two-way radio, or similar equipment).
- Experience working in a team environment.
- Experience working independently.
- Must have a valid driver's license and good driving record
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to identify local flora and fauna with minimal training, including grassland birds, butterflies, and plant species.
- Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
- Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers), GIS, GPS, and databases.
- Ability to communicate clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English.
- Multi-cultural experience and/or multi-language skills appreciated.
- Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) qualified or ability to pass fire training courses and provide copy of certificate indicating completion of S-130, S-190, I-100, and IS-700 by start date (online courses available).
- Ability to pass annual physical fitness test (carry a 45-pound pack over 3 miles of level terrain in 45 minutes or less).
- Experience in the safe handling and use of herbicides and ability to obtain a South Dakota pesticide applicators license.
- Experience working with livestock, maintaining fence, and observing animal behavior.
Starting Salary: $12.50 - $15.50/hour DOE plus benefits and housing.