A LITTLE ABOUT US
Founded in 1951, the Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we strive for a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Working in 79 countries, including all 50 United States, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.
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.
YOUR POSITION WITH TNC
The Habitat Technician (HT) will be supervised by the Field Steward but will work under the daily direction of the long-term Range Technician. Duties will include daily conversations with supervisor(s) to receive assignments and report on results. Personal organization and excellent communication skills are a must for this position. The Habitat Technician will be expected to travel individually or with a crew to perform various grazing program and habitat maintenance duties on Nature Conservancy preserves throughout the Prairie Coteau in South Dakota and Minnesota. This position is based on a 40 hour work week, but may require irregular hours, long days, and travel on short notice. This position runs approximately May 17, 2021 through August 1, 2021.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Habitat Technician must use safety equipment and maintain a safety-conscious attitude at all times. Tasks primarily include fence construction and maintenance, vegetation management (herbicide applications, brush removal, tree removal, mowing, biological control, etc.), equipment maintenance and organization, identifying management needs for preserves, reporting, and miscellaneous duties as assigned. Duties will also include installation of firebreaks for prescribed fire and prescribed fire implementation as part of a prescribed burn crew. As part of the burn crew the HT will participate in wildland fire operations which include ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring, etc. All TNC staff actively participating on a prescribed burn must be qualified as a FFT2. The Habitat Technician will participate in preparing fire lines, maintaining equipment, post-burn monitoring and other tasks. Occasional overnight or extended periods away from base office may be required.
Housing facilities will be provided for the full term of employment. Employees are required to live in TNC provided housing due to the remote setting of this work location and the need to report to duty on short notice. If an employee already lives in the area or is able to obtain housing within a close proximity to this work location, and the employee is able to report for duty within 30 minutes, then the employee may live offsite. Transportation from The Nature Conservancy office to the various preserves will be provided by The Nature Conservancy.
RESPONSIBILITIES & 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.
- Coordination of short-term seasonal staff and communication of assignments between supervisors and seasonal staff.
- Accurate dissemination of information, record keeping, and daily communication.
- Prescribed burn preparation, implementation with TNC, MN Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR), and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) staff.
- Assist with fireline construction, preparation for and implementation of prescribed burns and mop-up activities.
- Mow firebreaks and clear trees where necessary for prescribed burn management. Repair and organize burn equipment.
- Use safety equipment and maintain safety conscious attitude at all times.
- Maintain and install barbed wire and electric fencing for grazing programs
- Control of exotic species by biocontrol measures or through herbicide application with back-pack and ATV type sprayers, 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.
- Seed harvest.
- Install and maintain preserve boundary signs.
- Identify observed management needs in and communicate information to supervisor verbally or in writing.
- Maintain daily journal and work log, summarizing daily work completed.
- Discuss calendar of proposed activities with supervisor daily.
- Other preserve management activities as assigned.
- Ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- High school diploma and 6 months of related experience.
- Must be qualified, or able to become 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 (NWCG arduous level “pack test” (3 mile walk with 45 lb pack in 45 minutes).
- Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
- Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, DOT Health Card, 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 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.
- Experience recognizing plant and animal species in Northern Tallgrass Prairie is preferred.
- 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.
AUTO SAFETY POLICY
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy's Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers.
Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.
SALARY INFORMATION
Salary is $12.50 to $15.50 per hour depending on experience. Housing is provided.
To apply to position number 49242, submit resume (required) and cover letter separately using the upload buttons. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on January 17, 2021. AFTER January 18, application will remain open and RESUMES WILL BE REVIEWED AS THEY ARE RECEIVED. This job will remain open until all positions are filled.
Click “submit” to apply for the position or “save for later” to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited. Failure to complete required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration.
If you experience technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
