The Seasonal Conservation Ranch Hand works at Smoky Valley Ranch, 17,000 acres of shortgrass prairie in Logan County, Kansas. At Smoky Valley Ranch, the Conservancy's fundamental grassland conservation strategy is a moderately-stocked, rest/rotation grazing system. On about 90% of the ranch, the Conservancy is gradually improving plant community conditions, increasing habitat for wildlife and forage for cattle. Areas of improved forage also serve as ideal habitat for upland nesting birds, such as prairie-chickens, that require tall, residual grass. Black-tailed prairie dogs and black-footed ferrets (one of North America's most endangered mammals) can be found in a small, interior portion of the ranch. To learn more about Smokey Valley Ranch visit: https://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/...
S/he will perform and participate in preserve operations, maintenance and management. This is a part-time entry-level seasonal position running for about 6 months beginning in late May 2018. The Seasonal Conservation Ranch Hand must have a willingness to learn about conservation issues and priorities.
- Under the direction of the Smoky Valley Ranch Project Manager and the Smoky Valley Ranch Rangeland Specialist, the Ranch Hand carries out ranch operations and maintenance tasks:
- Works with livestock, both cattle and bison.
- Organizes and manages ranch inventory.
- Maintains preserve infrastructure, including roads, water systems, fences, and other facilities.
- Keeps vehicles clean and in good working order.
- Carries out prairie dog monitoring and control activities as directed by the Ranch Project Manager or Ranch Rangeland Specialist.
- Will require training to assist with prescribed burns, under the direction of the designated burn boss.
- Performs various ranch work as directed by the Ranch Project Manager or Ranch Rangeland Specialist.
The Seasonal Conservation Ranch Hand participates in livestock handling, invasive plant control, maintains tools and equipment, maintains trails and headquarters/residence area.
The Ranch Hand works in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions:
- require considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain
- present frequent possibility of injury
- requires irregular hours and occasional weekends
- require long hours in isolated settings
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Maintains constructive, positive relationships on behalf of TNC, with staff, neighbors, partners, the community, and visitors to the ranch.
- Resolve problems at Ranch Project Manager’s or Ranch Rangeland Specialist’s direction.
- Works under close or infrequent supervision.
- Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. Lawn mower, chainsaw, tractor, ATV).
- Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide application).
- Experience working with cattle and ranching.
- Experience with fence construction and maintenance.
- Experience performing physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather.
- Must have valid driver’s license, be insurable under TNC policy, and comply with TNC Auto Safety Program.
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
- Interest in conservation, or interest in conservation career.
- Experience with welding and torch use.
- First aid certification or knowledge.
- Willingness to work with bison and learn about ranching issues specific to bison.
- Ability to learn and apply prairie dog control strategies and methods.
- Sound interpersonal skills. Ability to work with other ranch staff and various TNC staff.
- Ability to interact with preserve visitors and to convey basic preserve information.
- Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems. Ability to recognize plant and animal species.
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.