Habitat Technician - Prairie Coteau

Clear Lake, South Dakota (SD)

The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in more than 30 countries, all 50 United States, and your backyard. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Visit www.nature.org/aboutus to learn more.
TNC

The Habitat Technician will be supervised by the Land 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 in South Dakota and Minnesota.  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 Burn Crew 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. This position is based on a 40 hr work week, but may require irregular hours, long days, and travel on short notice. 

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. This is a seasonal position from April 1 to  September 7, 2014.
TNC

• Communication of assignments, including progress reports.
• Accurate dissemination of information, record keeping, and daily communication. 
• Maintain and install barbed wire and electric fencing for grazing programs.
• Control of exotic species by biocontrol measures or through herbicide application (e.g. Tordon 22K, Krenite S, Roundup, Plateau, 2,4-D) 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 with fireline construction, preparation for and implementation of prescribed burns and mop-up activities. 
• Use safety equipment and maintain safety conscious attitude at all times.
  8. Assist on prairie reconstruction projects including seed collecting, post seeding mowing management and spot treatment of noxious weed patches.
• Mow firebreaks and clear trees where necessary for prescribed burn management.  Repair and organize burn equipment.
• 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.

• High school diploma and 1 year’s training in science-related field or related experience in land management.
• Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
• Experience operating various types of equipment.
• Experience performing physical work.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent physical condition.  May include formal test to carry 45 lb. pack over 3 miles over even terrain in 45 minutes or less (test will only apply to those scheduled to participate in prescribed fire).
• Experience in fence installation and maintenance.
• Mechanical aptitude and knowledge of ATV’s, 4-wheel drives, manual transmission vehicles, farm machinery, chainsaws, shop tools, and experience in general maintenance of equipment.
• Ability to work cooperatively with a wide variety of people in potentially stressful or fatigued conditions and maintain a positive attitude, follow assignments closely and work independently of supervisor.
• Strong communication skills including interpersonal communication and writing.
• Training in range management, land management, farm and ranch management, or biology is preferred.
• Ability to keep organized and accurate records and work efficiently without supervision.
• Innovative and creative problem solving skills when working independently.
• Ability to perform hard physical work for extended and irregular periods, under adverse conditions and in all extremes of weather.
• Restricted use herbicide application license and application experience. Candidates lacking elements of this training may be considered and training opportunities afforded if selected for one of the crews.

Individuals with Range Management or Wildlife coursework and/or those with practical farm and ranch experience are encouraged to apply.
TNC

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.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT

The Habitat Technician may work 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
• require long hours in isolated settings

The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, a 401k plan, 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.

To apply to position number 41779, submit resume and cover letter as one document. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on April 8, 2014.

Failure to complete all of the required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration.

You must click “submit” to apply for the position. You may select “save for later” if you prefer to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited.

If you are experiencing technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.