Preserve Technician

OFFICE LOCATION

Clear Lake, South Dakota, USA

The Prairie Coteau program is based in Clear Lake, SD but manages 12 TNC sites across Eastern South Dakota and Southwest Minnesota.  

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 Prairie Coteau program is based in Clear Lake, SD but manages 12 TNC sites across Eastern South Dakota and Southwest Minnesota.  The sites consist of rare calcareous fens, wetlands, restoration, and native grasslands.  In SD, there is ~20% of the original Prairie Coteau still in a grass and that equates to ~1M acres.  The landscape is a matrix of crop ground and native grasslands.  We are seeking a Preserve Technician in this landscape.  The Preserve Technician will be a part of a larger TNC Chapter team, and will work directly with the Prairie Coteau Program Manager.  This will be a regular, full-time (40 hours/week,) hourly position.

As the Preserve Technician, you will organize and implement land management projects on TNC sites which may include prescribed fire implementation and planning, GIS mapping, maintaining equipment, maintaining and building grazing infrastructure, noxious weed control, and other tasks. You will lead work teams to ensure the coordination, community support, and implementation of preserve management actions. 

You will be expected to travel individually or with a crew to perform various land management duties on TNC preserves throughout the Prairie Coteau in northeast South Dakota and southwest Minnesota. This position requires physical labor, working irregular and extensive work hours, some overnight travel, and occasional work at other Chapter programs across SD, ND, and MN.  

WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU

If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose in the great outdoors, come join us. Not only will you fulfill conservation objectives in the beautiful Prairie Coteau region of South Dakota, but you’ll contribute to TNC’s larger conservation goals through many networks!

We’re looking for a passionate, dedicated person to lead our Chapter and work within our Division. Excellent organization and communication skills are key in this role. Come join TNC and apply today!

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• BA/BS/AS/Technical or vocational degree in science-related field and 1-year related experience in custodial and ecological land management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with natural systems (specifically grazing systems and grassland restoration work)                
• Experience in ecological land management principles.
• Experience operating and/or maintaining various types on equipment and machinery.
• Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field.

In addition, the following 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

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• 1 – 2 years related experience in custodial and ecological land management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Some experience managing volunteers or entry level staff.
• Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete preserve management activities.
• Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, ArcGIS, and data gathering with tablets).
• Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Ability to drive and operate ¾ ton trucks and large trailers.
• Ability to obtain licenses or certifications as required including: First Aid, CPR, herbicide/pesticide license, and DOT Medical Examine Certificate.
• Ability 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.

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.