Job Type: Full-time, on-site
Location: Leola, South Dakota
Salary: $20-$25.75/hour
Description:
The Assistant Preserve Manager (APM) is stationed at the 7800-acre Ordway Prairie Preserve which lies in the heart of the Prairie Pothole Region; also referred to as North America’s “Duck Factory” because of its significant breeding habitat for waterfowl. Ordway Prairie is also home to one of the Conservancy’s many bison herds and serves as the hub for our conservation work in north-central South Dakota.
The Assistant Preserve Manager plays a key role in implementing management on the Ordway Prairie Preserve by assisting with management of invasive plant species, grazing management, fire management, as well as research and monitoring projects. They will assist with care of the bison herd and annual roundups. The APM will assist with developing and implementing processes for data management using technology such mobile devices, ArcGIS online, or databases. The APM will assist the MN-ND-SD Chapter’s Stewardship team by assisting with administrative support, outreach, information management, or filling capacity gaps on specific projects as needed.
While this position will work primarily from the Ordway Prairie Preserve office, there will be occasional opportunities to travel and stay overnight at other work locations, especially as needed to assist with prescribed fire and for trainings or conferences. Occasionally, the APM will be required to work irregular hours and long days.
In order to effectively conduct the essential functions of the position, the Assistant Preserve Manager will live within a reasonable distance of the preserve, agreed upon with the supervisor, in order to respond to urgent and routine issues and events on the preserve including but not limited to cattle and bison management, security, equipment failures, and visitors. Housing for the Assistant Preserve Manager may be available for lease on the preserve.
Minimum Qualifications:
BA/BS/AS/Technical or vocational 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.
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.
Desired Qualifications:
Experience applying herbicides, utilizing a variety of application methods and equipment.
Must be qualified as or able 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 work capacity test at arduous level (3 mile walk with 45 lb pack in 45 minutes). See http://www.tncfiremanual.org/firefighter.htm
Some experience managing volunteers or entry-level staff.
Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete preserve management activities.
Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar fields.
Ability to managing time and diverse activities while delivering quality results when working independently and collaboratively with a team.
Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers) and GIS (e.g. ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS online)
Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience are appreciated.
Experience performing basic maintenance on facilities.
Must have ability to obtain required licenses or certifications, such as first aid/CPR, herbicide applicators license, and valid driver’s license. Must maintain a good driving record.
