Job Type: On-site, full-time
Location: Cushing, MN
Salary: $17.50-$18.50/hour
Description:
The Prairie Forest Border Ecological Restoration Technician (ERT) will participate in tasks relating to the restoration and stewardship of TNC preserves and other conservation lands managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and US Fish and Wildlife Service. The working landscape for this position covers an 8-10 county area of west-central Minnesota but may include periodic travel to other parts of Minnesota. Work will focus on the restoration and maintenance of prairie, savanna, forest, and wetland ecosystems with the majority of the time spent stewarding prairies in West Central MN. Projects will include (in approximate highest to lowest order of proportion of position obligations): brush and tree control, native seed harvest, prescribed fire implementation, noxious weed management, equipment maintenance, and monitoring and data collection. Additional collateral tasks are likely, as well as multiple types of training opportunities. The ERT will regularly work with a 2-8 person crew. The ERT will work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
This position requires irregular hours, long days, and some travel on short notice. Work hours vary from 35-50+ hours per week with possible evening, weekend, or holiday work required depending on the season, associated projects, and training opportunities.
The Ecological Restoration Technician will travel throughout the Prairie Forest Border Ecoregion in central Minnesota participating in preserve restoration and management activities. Housing is provided with the primary housing location in Wilmar, MN. Housing may be shared with other staff during different periods of the year.
There are two openings for this position with each running from September 1st to December 26th, 2025.
Responsibilities:
Assist with stewarding TNC preserves and other protected conservation lands public lands including state-owned Wildlife Management Areas (WMA's) and federally-owned Waterfowl Production Areas (WPA's).
Prescribed burn preparation, implementation, and post-fire monitoring with TNC, MN Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR), U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) staff.
Remove and chemically treat herbaceous and woody exotic species.
Maintain tools and equipment.
Monitor and record data entries for various activity logs, photo points, and biological population monitoring.
Manage and contribute data to a variety of geodatabases for stewardship tracking and ecological condition assessments.
Post boundary signs on properties.
Harvest and process native prairie and savanna seed.
Function as both leader and member of a work team, in a high stress team environment.
Maintain a motivated and positive working environment for good crew morale.
Work both independently and under close supervision.
Ability to perform heavy physical work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
Manage and work within a budget to complete projects.
Network with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, government officials, and the general public to recruit support for the Conservancy.
Qualifications:
High school diploma or GED and 1 year’s training in a science-related field or related experience in land management.
Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
Experience operating various types of equipment safely and efficiently (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).
Desired Qualifications:
Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
1 - 2 years’ experience in land management or related field.
Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
Ability to obtain driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.
Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding.
