Livestock Technician

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The Livestock Technician participates in the management and routine care of livestock subject to ownership or oversight by The Nature Conservancy and in duties related to all phases of preserve work. The Livestock Technician (LT) participates in herding and distributing livestock from trucks or ATVs as well as livestock husbandry including daily care of bison and annual roundup of the bison herd.  They will maintain and develop livestock handling infrastructure and water systems, tools and equipment, and preserve areas frequented by the visiting public. The LT must remain available for operation-related emergencies, sometimes during night-time hours and holidays.  They will assist with and implement preserve and range management plans, which may include species monitoring and research, exotic species control, assisting with planning and implementation of prescribed fire, including fire line construction, boundary delineation and mop-up activities, vehicle and equipment maintenance, building maintenance, boundary posting, trail maintenance, field trips, and volunteer stewardship workdays. May work in variable weather conditions, in isolated settings, often on ATV or truck, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.  The LT may resolve ranch management problems independently as delegated and convey work instructions to and direct ranch work groups, including staff or volunteers. The LT may also interact with visitors.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU

Through the efforts of The Nature Conservancy 108,425 acres in Oklahoma have been preserved and protected for people and nature. From grasslands to forests, rivers to mesas, we envision an Oklahoma where our rich natural heritage is valued and protected, and people are inspired to conserve nature for future generations. This is an exceptional career opportunity for a highly motivated, capable individual interested in joining the world’s leading conservation organization!

Have you ever asked yourself, “How can I make a difference?” but you don’t know where to go or have the time to do it?  Welcome to The Nature Conservancy. You have found the solution and now you can pointedly make a difference every day! By joining our Oklahoma team, you will become part of a group that is a force to be reckoned with; a force for nature, a force for people, and a force for our planet. Our team consists of a dedicated group who are leading the conservation effort on multiple fronts and who expertly bring strategy and action together. 

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• High school diploma and 1-year training in an agricultural or science-related field or equivalent related experience in range cow-calf production systems. 
• Experience working with all phases of ranching operations: recognizing symptoms of illness in cattle, administering medical aid to livestock, calving, horse care and irrigation systems.
• Experience working on ATV/UTV and with low-stress livestock handling methods.
• Experience with the safe operation of equipment and off-road vehicles and must follow recommended safety guidelines and precautions specified for said work.
• Experience operating ranch/farm equipment (e.g.; lawn mower, chainsaw, tractor, two-way radio, etc.).
• Must have a valid driver’s license.  Please indicated this in your resume.
• Must live on the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, Pawhuska, OK in an isolated rural setting.
• Must be qualified as a Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) or willingness to achieve in a short timeframe, 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 standards as set by the local Fire Manager and TNC Fire Manual. Requirements for RXCM or FFT2 can be found at: https://www.tncfiremanual.org/FIrefighter.htm                                       

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Direct experience in applied mechanical maintenance, including the maintenance of on- and off-road vehicles, equipment, and tools.
• Direct experience in the operation of heavy machinery, inventory and purchasing of machinery, and repairing various types of equipment.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated. 
• 1-2 years training in an agricultural or science-related field or equivalent related experience in range cow-calf production systems.  
• Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.  
• Ability to recognize plant and animal species as required for completing preserve and range management activities. 
• Experience working with and understanding all aspects of prescribed fire as a management tool.
• Willingness and ability to further training and experience with prescribed fire.
• Ability and willingness to follow instructions from colleagues.
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers).

FIREARMS USAGE

• Firearm possession/use is permitted under the following instances:
  • Euthanasia
  • Preserve Stewardship and Management: Control of certain animals. 

We recognize that women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities and other equity-deserving groups are less likely to apply if they do not match most of the qualifications. The Nature Conservancy finds strength in diversity of backgrounds, lived experiences, knowledge, and identities. We strongly encourage those interested who bring new perspective to apply.

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.

SALARY INFORMATION

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $35,000-$37,000 for annual base salary plus housing and paid utilities. 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.