Habitat Technican – Prairie Coteau, The Nature Conservancy, South Dakota

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Agency

The Nature Conservancy

Location

Clear Lake, South Dakota (SD)

Job Category

Temporary/Seasonal Positions

Salary

$13.00 to $15.50 per hour depending on experience. Housing is provided

Start Date

05/01/2022

Last Date to Apply

01/14/2022

Website

https://www.tweetmyjobs.com/job-map/the-nature-conservancy/#ts-1640892207851

Description

A LITTLE ABOUT US Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. Whether it’s career development, work/life balance, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all of our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the minimum requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Passion, innovation, and diversity are all key components to advancing our Mission and we encourage you to apply. All TNC staff based in the U.S. or a U.S. Territory are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of receiving one of the vaccines approved in the U.S. (Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson) shall be condition of employment and must be provided prior to starting work. TNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and reasonable accommodations for candidates who cannot be vaccinated due to a valid medical or religious reason, or claim an exemption under applicable state law will be considered. 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. 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.

Qualifications

MUST APPLY ONLINE AT WWW.NATURE.ORG/CAREERS TO JOB ID 50767 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.

Contact Person

Ben Gery ([email protected])

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