Range Technician - Prairie Coteau at The Nature Conservancy in Clear Lake, South Dakota

Posted in Government 1 day ago.

Type: Full Time





Job Description:

OFFICE LOCATION

Prairie Coteau Office, Clear Lake, South Dakota, USA



WHO WE ARE

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world's toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC's primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we'll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply - we'd love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, "you'll join for the mission, and you'll stay for the people."



WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The Range Technician (RT) will participate in prescribed fire activities like preparing fire lines, maintaining equipment, post-burn monitoring and other tasks. Their 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 RT will be expected to travel individually or with a crew to perform various grazing program and habitat maintenance duties on TNC preserves throughout the Prairie Coteau in northeast South Dakota and southwest Minnesota.

All duties listed under the Responsibilities & Scope section will be part of the position. The RT 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-hour 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. If an employee already lives within the community, they are not required to live onsite. Transportation from TNC office to the various preserves will be provided by TNC.

This position is based in Clear Lake, SD. This position pays $16.50 to $18.50 per hour for duration of employment as well as benefits. The position will run from April 14, 2025 through December 12, 2025. There are 2 openings for this position.



WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU

Are you looking for the opportunity to expand your experience in natural resource and range management? The Nature Conservancy is dedicated to managing our preserves and collaborating with conservation and local partners to make landscape-level impacts. We are looking for someone who is passionate, motivated, and willing to learn. Come join TNC and apply today!

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.
  • 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.
  • Will perform other preserve management duties when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire 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.
  • 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 harvest, post seeding mowing management and spot treatment of noxious weed patches.
  • 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.



WHAT YOU'LL BRING

  • High school diploma or GED 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 in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. Lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).
  • Experience working in a team environment.
  • Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application).

In addition, the following DESIRED skills and/or experiences would be an asset for this role but are not required. For applicants without these, please view these as areas or skillsets where you will have opportunities for growth and professional development:

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • 6 months to - 1 year experience in land management or related field.
  • Meet, and/or willing and able to obtain, the qualifications for Prescribed Fire Crew Member (RXCM) or Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2), including Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fire line (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 as a requirement for this position. See TNC Fire Management Manual. See Firefighter here
  • Able and willing to pass US Forest Service work capacity test at arduous level (3 mile walk with 45 lb. pack in 45 minutes).
  • Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
  • Maintain a good driving record, and able to pass DOT federal medical exam.
  • Qualified or able to obtain South Dakota Pesticide Applicator license.
  • Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.



WHAT WE BRING

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We're proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.



AUTO SAFETY POLICY

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC'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." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

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

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $16.50 to 18.50 hourly rate. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate's actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.



APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID 56407, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org. We will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews as they are received. The position will be open until filled.

For position specific questions, please contact Joe Blastick at jblastick@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.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC's value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we're registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we're unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.



PDN-9e793cac-455f-4782-aa10-e50fe35dded5
More jobs in Clear Lake, South Dakota

Other
3 days ago

Supreme Welding Inc.
More jobs in Government

Government
about 18 hours ago

The Nature Conservancy
Government
1 day ago

The Nature Conservancy