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IMPORTANT: This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders. Other applicants need not apply.
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The Nature Conservancy is the world’s leading conservation organization, working in all 50 states and more than 33 countries. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. |
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POSITION SUMMARY |
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The Prairie Restoration/Management Technician will assist with preserve restoration and management activities including prairie restoration work (greenhouse work, seedling care, seed collection, processing, and planting), fence repair, tree removal, prescribed burning, and weed control (including herbicide application). The position will also require field data collection and data entry related to ongoing research and monitoring projects being conducted by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) staff and cooperators, particularly butterfly and nectar plant surveys. The Prairie Restoration/Management Technician will need to work closely with Conservancy staff, cooperating scientists and graduate students. Public relations work, including leading tours and giving programs may also be required. This short-term (full-time) position will require irregular hours and will include extensive outdoor physical labor under adverse conditions. The Prairie Restoration/Management Technician is supervised by the Program Director and Land Steward, does not supervise other staff, but may supervise volunteers. We anticipate hiring two people, for approximately 2.5 months and 6 months, respectively, between May 24 and November 12, 2010. This position is based near Wood River, Nebraska (rural part of central Nebraska). Optional housing is available. |
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ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS |
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The Prairie Restoration/Management Technician participates in preserve operations, maintenance and management. This may include one or more of the following functions:
• Conduct prairie restoration work including seed collection (over 200 species) as well as processing seed, monitoring plants, and planting.
• Assist with the operation of a prairie seed production facility. Plant, water, weed, and provide other care for seedlings both in the greenhouse and in the field.
• Assist with invasive species control work using various techniques, including herbicide application.
• Assist with data collection, entry, and analysis on various research and monitoring projects, particularly butterfly and nectar plant surveys.
• Assist with preserve maintenance and monitoring duties such as fence repair, livestock handling, prescribed fire, woody plant control (chain-saw work), and lease compliance. |
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BASIC QUALIFICATIONS |
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• 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. |
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ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION |
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JOB KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
• High school diploma and 1-2 years training in science-related field or related experience in land management.
• Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems. Familiarity of Great Plains plant and animal species as required 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, ATV, etc.)
• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues
• Ability to perform physical work, sometime under adverse conditions or in inclement weather
• Current valid driver’s license.
• Experience with prairie restoration techniques, including seed harvest (desired, but not required).
• Proven field biology ability – including a willingness to work alone, with little supervision, and at irregular hours.
• Enthusiasm for living and working in a rural environment.
• Ability to provide for own transportation when necessary, with mileage reimbursed.
COMPLEXITY/PROBLEM SOLVING:
• May resolve preserve management problems independently as delegated.
• Consult with supervisor to develop plans for resolution of unusual or complex problems.
• Monitor the progress of work groups toward achieving preserve management goals.
DISCRETION/LATITUDE/DECISION-MAKING:
• Consults supervisor on unusual or complex issues
• Make day-to-day decisions as delegated by supervisor.
RESPONSIBILITY/OVERSIGHT – FINANCIAL AND SUPERVISORY:
• Receives detailed instructions to complete required tasks
• May work under close supervision or infrequent supervision
• Supervises no staff, but may help plan and direct preserve work groups, including other staff or volunteers.
COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS:
• Ability to convey work instructions to other preserve management team members, including volunteers.
• Ability to interact with preserve visitors and to convey basic preserve information, possibly leading preserve field trips.
• Ability to function productively as a member or leader of a work team.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:
The Prairie Restoration/Management 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 |
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BENEFITS |
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The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 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. |
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