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Show me jobs like this one| Job Ref: | 39458 |
| Employer: |
Nature Conservancy. |
| State/Province: | South Dakota |
| Type of Employment: | Full Time |
| Environmental Categories: | Conservation |
| Job Description: |
Northern Tallgrass Prairie Ecoregion Office; Clear Lake, SD DURATION: October 24, 2011 to November 23, 2012 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. The Lead Technician position will include distinct phases. From October to December 2011 the Technician will participate in grazing systems and monitoring infrastructure installation, firebreak installation, and equipment maintenance. From January to March 2012 duties will primarily include snow removal as necessary, equipment maintenance, fire equipment preparation, and annual work program planning. From March to May 2012 major emphasis of the position will be to assist in organize and preparation for the spring burn season, including orientation and training of crew members, and serving as burn crew foreman. The Clear Lake burn crew travels throughout eastern South and North Dakota and western Minnesota for preparation and implementation of prescribed fire at various nature preserves and private ranches. Under the direction of the Land Steward, the Range Technician will assist with these prescribed burns as part of a 6 – 8 person crew and will assist in crew coordination, equipment maintenance oversight, and communication of assignments. In addition, the Range Technician will assist with preserve management tasks such as boundary posting, firebreak preparation, fencing, tree clearing, brush cutting, and equipment maintenance. The prescribed fire season requires irregular hours and travel on short notice, including all weekends. The next phase of the position will begin directly after the burn season and will continue through approximately November 25, 2012. During this phase the Range Technician will assist in daily coordination and oversight of the summer land management crew (1 – 2 short-term staff) under the direction of the Land Steward. Duties will include daily conversations with supervisor to receive assignments and efficient and concise communication of assignments to the land management crew. Personal organization and excellent communication skills are a must for this position. The Range 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 Range Technician must use safety equipment and maintain a safety-conscious attitude at all times. Tasks primarily include fence construction and maintenance, implementation/management of various grazing systems, vegetation management (herbicide applications, brush removal, tree removal, mowing, biological control, etc.), equipment maintenance and organization, identifying management needs for preserves, report writing, and miscellaneous duties as assigned. Duties may also include installation of firebreaks for prescribed fire and prescribed fire implementation. The Range Technician position also may include a variety of outreach activities including meeting with local landowners, assisting with field trips, and leading volunteers. 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. Housing facilities will be provided for the full term of employment. Transportation from The Nature Conservancy office to the various preserves will be provided by The Nature Conservancy. This is an approximately 13-month position from October 24, 2011 – November 23, 2012. Benefits are included. 1. Coordination of short-term seasonal staff and communication of assignments between supervisors and seasonal staff. 2. Accurate dissemination of information, record keeping, and daily communication. 3. Assist with fireline construction, preparation for and implementation of prescribed burns and mop-up activities. 4. Use safety equipment and maintain safety conscious attitude at all times. 5. Maintain and install barbed wire and electric fencing for grazing programs 6. 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. 7. Maintain accurate records and maps of herbicide use, biocontrol releases, mowed areas, and species managed. 8. Assist on prairie reconstruction projects including seed collecting, post seeding mowing management and spot treatment of noxious weed patches. 9. Mow firebreaks and clear trees where necessary for prescribed burn management. Repair and organize burn equipment. 10. Install and maintain preserve boundary signs. 11. Identify observed management needs in and communicate information to supervisor verbally or in writing. 12. Maintain daily journal and work log, summarizing daily work completed. 13. Discuss calendar of proposed activities with supervisor daily. ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: 1. 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). 2. Experience in fence installation and maintenance. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. Strong communication skills including interpersonal communication and writing. 6. Training in range management, land management, farm and ranch management, or biology is preferred. 7. Ability to keep organized and accurate records and work efficiently without supervision. 8. Innovative and creative problem solving skills when working independently. 9. Ability to perform hard physical work for extended and irregular periods, under adverse conditions and in all extremes of weather. TRANING AND CERTIFICATIONS 1. Prescribed and/or wildland fire experience preferred, but not mandatory. Qualified as or able to meet qualifications for FFT2, including Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fireline (L-180), Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130), and one training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2. Candidates lacking elements of this training may be considered and training opportunities afforded if selected for one of the crews. 2. 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. • 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. 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. 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. $10.00-$12.50 per hour, depending on experience (plus housing for duration of employment) APPLICATION DEADLINE: (POSITION WILL BE OPEN UNTIL FILLED and resumes will be reviewed as received) Apply online at www.naturel.org/careers To apply to position number 39458, submit resume AND cover letter as one document. All applications are being reviewed as they are received and position is OPEN UNTIL FILLED. Failure to complete all of the required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration. The information entered in the education and work experience sections are auto screened by the system based on the basic qualifications of the position. You must click SUBMIT to apply for the position. Click save if you want to be able to return to your application and submit it later. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited. Please submit resume and cover letter as one document. (MSWord and PDF work best) Questions: call 218-498-2679 or email swinter@tnc.org The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. |
| Post Date: | 10/14/2011 |
