Range Technician

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

Cross Ranch is located along the only free-flowing section of the Missouri River in North Dakota. The river is bordered by some of the most extensive floodplain forests left in the state. Farther away from the river are uplands that are covered by mixed-grass prairie that has remained relatively unchanged for hundreds of years. It is on almost 5000 acres of these mixed-grass prairie uplands that Cross Ranch Preserve hosts one of TNC’s oldest bison herds. In addition to bison, we use fire as a disturbance to help maintain the prairie. We are seeking a Range Technician to work with the Cross Ranch program in this amazing landscape.  

As the Range Technician, you will assist with planning and implementing preserve ecological management plans and projects across the three TNC preserves in central North Dakota (Cross Ranch, John E. Williams, and Davis Ranch) equalling close to 15,000 acres. You will collaborate with work teams and by working together address critical threats to natural systems and individual species, foster cross-site learning among the conservation community, and supply conservation planning with site level information relevant to the planning process. You will implement a variety of stewardship activities, such as prescribed fire, invasive species management, grazing leases, facilities maintenance, and bison husbandry.  You may oversee volunteers or entry level staff.  

You will work under minimal and/or distant supervision; and may make some independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context. You can expect to work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. 

This position will require irregular work hours and long days.  While this position will work primarily from the Cross Ranch office, you will occasionally travel and stay overnight at other work locations within the MN-ND-SD Chapter. Housing may be available on the preserve for rent. 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Preserve maintenance tasks (control invasives, mark boundaries, check/maintain fences, upkeep of facilities, maintain trails.)
• Preparing and participating in prescribed fires and burns on TNC, partner, and private lands.
• Assisting with ecological monitoring on TNC lands.
• Assist with the hiring, training, and leading seasonal staff, as well as organizing logistics, promoting crew cohesion, and ensuring a safe working environment.
• Aligning with a budget to complete projects and assisting with budget development.
• Engaging with the community through recruitment and collaboration with landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members, and the general public to increase support and awareness.

We offer relocation assistance/reimbursement depending on eligibility.  

WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU

If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join our Chapter as the Range Technician and apply today! Not only will you fulfil conservation objectives in the beautiful state of North Dakota, but you’ll contribute to conservation goals through many networks! 

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• AS/Technical or vocational degree in science-related field and 3 years related experience in custodial and ecological land management or similar field, OR BA/BS degree in a science-related field and 1-year related experience in custodial and ecological land management or a similar field; OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with natural systems.                  
• Experience in ecological land management principles.
• Experience operating and/or repairing various types of equipment and machinery.

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

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Must achieve physical fitness standards as determined by the local Fire Program Manager and the TNC Fire Manual.
• NWCG FFT1 qualified or ability to become qualified.
• Desire to advance in NWCG fire qualifications.
• 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 controlling invasive species via herbicide application. Ability to become ND Commercial Applicator certified.
• Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers, ESRI mobile apps, ArcGIS).
• Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English
• Experience working with or around livestock (cattle and/or bison.), grazing practices, and fencing systems.
• Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field.
• Experience with plant identification in the Great Plains.
• Ability to pass DOT health physical
• Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

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.