Prescribed Fire Portal

This is a 6-week trainer position in the Missouri Ozarks (February 24, 2020 - April 3,2020).  The Prescribed Fire Module Trainer will provide prescribed fire training to six selected DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) participants. This training is intended to provide professional development opportunities to underrepresented groups in TNC’s current prescribed fire staff.  The candidates will be able to accelerate their knowledge and experience through planned activities that will allow additional task book certifications.  The Prescribed Fire Module Trainer is required to live in fire management facilities in Van Buren and be available for work on short notice when business requires.

The Field Steward (FS) will assist the Land Steward in development and implementation of biological and preserve management plans for priority preserves. They may lead work teams to ensure the coordination, community support and implementation of preserve management plans. The FS maintains preserve areas frequented by the visiting public, removes exotic species and/or monitors and researches species, maintains tools and equipment, operates heavy machinery and keep maintenance records or machinery.

The main duties of this position are prescribed burn planning and implementation, exotic species control, woody species reduction, prairie restoration and monitoring.  The FS will serve as a part of a six to seven-person team during spring and fall prescribed fire seasons.  The FS will continue their burn training to progress towards the goal of becoming a RxB2 Burn Boss.

The Prairie Restoration Specialist’s (PRS) primary function is to organize daily logistics, promote crew cohesion, and to ensure a safe and productive work environment. Daily duties will focus on native seed harvest and processing, drying, and storing seed for 100+ acres of prairie restorations.  PRS will coordinate efforts of a three-person intern crew daily, and additional volunteers, staff, and cooperators intermittently.  The PRS will regularly canvass native prairie sites to prioritize both species and focal areas for seed collection efforts.  The PRS may assist in prescribed burns and maintain tools, equipment and land.  Other duties may include invasive species control and vegetation monitoring.  The PRS will maintain detailed records using field journals, a database.

The PMA will work across central and southeast Minnesota.  They will assist with leading volunteers, seasonal staff and interns. They will participate preserve management tasks including prescribed burning activities, removal and chemical treatment of exotic species, tool and equipment maintenance, seed harvest, and monitoring and data collection. This may also include participation in wild land fire suppression activities in partnership with other non-profits, local fire departments, and local, state and federal agencies, either as a TNC employee, or as a volunteer or short-term employee of the partner entity (such as an administratively determined, short term federal employee).  More detailed information follows.

The Conservation Practitioner III (CPIII) will serve as the primary liaison between TNC and Conservation Corps Minnesota (CCM).  They will lead work teams to ensure the coordination, community support and implementation of preserve management plans throughout the Ordway Glacial Lakes landscape (central Minnesota) utilizing CCM crews. Management activities include assisting with prescribed burning, clearing and mowing firebreaks, repairing and organizing burn equipment, tree and brush cutting, fence construction/removal, parking area maintenance, maintaining vehicles and mileage log sheets, meeting with local landowners, identifying management needs for preserves, assisting with field trips, working with volunteers and contractors, and other land management tasks as needed.  The CPIII maintains preserve areas frequented by the visiting public, removes exotic species and/or monitors and researches species, maintains tools and equipment and operates heavy machinery.  This management will occur on lands owned by TNC as well as other public lands within central Minnesota. Additional functions may include contract planning and project oversight working with a wide array of private contractors.  This is a full-time seasonal, term position with a start date of March, 26, 2019 and end date of September 27, 2019.  This term position is funded through a LSOHC grant.

The Rangeland Specialist coordinates cattle shipping, weaning strategies, salt and mineral supply, and other livestock care with tenants, and recognizes symptoms of illness in cattle and bison, and consults with cattle owners and veterinarian necessary (not responsible for monitoring calving.) When cattle are off the ranch, in addition to bison, primary responsibilities are infrastructure and equipment maintenance and improvement (fencing, water, corrals, and facilities).

Follows SVR bison management plan, leads annual bison works, including facilities and herd management preparations and coordination of staff, veterinarian, and sales and marketing,

Maintains ranch infrastructure, including roads, water systems, and fences, and is responsible for other general upkeep, such as junk removal.  Maintains facilities, tools, and equipment.  Keeps vehicles clean and in good working order.  Maintains and improves ranch areas visited by the public and donors, including trails, headquarters, residence areas, and perimeter parking lots and signage.

Carries out rangeland and wildlife monitoring and management activities as directed by the Project Manager, including grazing utilization and management of invasive species. Wildlife work includes rangeland management, monitoring, and research related to primary conservation targets: Lesser Prairie-Chicken and Black-tailed Prairie Dogs. Assists Project Manager with developing, implementing, and monitoring associated habitat management practices.   

Assists with prescribed burns, under the direction of the designated burn boss.  

Maintains constructive, positive relationships and liaisons, on behalf of TNC, with staff, neighbors, partners, the community, and visitors to the ranch.

Must have a commitment to ecological resource conservation in the Great Plains, and a willingness to learn about conservation issues and priorities.

Records hours and work performed, and reports information to the Project Manager. Performs other ranch work as directed by the Project Manager, and may occasionally assist Project Manager with off-ranch conservation projects and initiatives, such as rangeland and CRP conservation and management planning, implementation, and monitoring.

Incumbent will be a member of Mountain Home Wildland Fire Support Module for the U.S. Air Force Wildland Fire Branch based at Mountain Home AFB, ID. The Wildland Support Module is responsible for implementing fuels treatments including prescribed burns and responding to wildfires on Air Force property throughout the area of responsibility.

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 02/03/2020

The Sheyenne Delta Fire & Stewardship Crew Leader (Crew Leader) participates in preparing fire lines, maintaining equipment, post-burn monitoring and other tasks.  The Crew Leader will also perform other land management duties which may include but are not limited to fence repair, noxious weed control and trail maintenance on TNC and partner lands.

The Crew Leader will work closely with the Sheyenne Delta Land Steward/Burn Boss and partner agency representatives to carry out prescribed fire and stewardship activities across the Sheyenne Delta.  The SDFS crew leader will be responsible for day to day logistics, crew cohesion as well as skill/professional development of him/herself and crew members.

The Land Stewardship Fellowship is a unique opportunity to challenge and enhance your natural resource background through the legacy of Aldo Leopold. Working side-by-side with experienced staff, fellows will assist with management activities on the foundation’s 2,000-acre property. Surrounding Aldo Leopold’s famous Shack, the property has both restored and remnant native Wisconsin habitat ranging from prairies to floodplain forests to sedge meadows to oak savannas. This diverse outdoor classroom provides opportunities to learn first-hand about native plant communities, identify threats to native landscapes, and gain effective tools and strategies to efficiently manage a number of diverse ecosystems. As seasons change, management focuses on different activities including invasive species control, prescribed burning, monitoring, prairie planting, and more. Fellows will have the opportunity to interact with both a diverse range of conservation professionals and the Leopold family, who play active roles in guiding and executing the foundation’s mission.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with land management activities on the Leopold-Pine Island Important Bird Area. This includes but is not limited to prescribed fire, herbaceous and woody invasive species treatment, timber stand improvement, prairie planting and establishment, brush management, plant identification, mowing etc.
• Document management activities in summary reports, grant tracking documents, etc.
• Maintain ALF equipment and vehicles. Includes routine maintenance, shop organization, equipment repair, etc.
• Attend professional development trainings focusing on the seven core areas of the Future Leaders Program. These trainings will constitute approximately 20% of the total fellowship hours.
• Provide support and logistics for on-site programming including crane congregation tours, property tours for outside groups, Shack tours, educational programming, front desk staffing, etc.
• Become familiar with the life and work of Aldo Leopold and his family. Explore your own connection to and understanding of land thics.
• Become familiar with the work of all foundation staff and how each member contributes to the mission.
• Other tasks as assigned.

The Stewardship/Burn Crew Technician (SBCT) will assist with various prairie stewardship activities including:  prescribed fire operations (including ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, and monitoring), tree/brush removal, noxious weed control, fencing, firebreak installation and other and other tasks as assigned. This is a full-time (40 hours/week) short-term position. There is one position from April 6 to July 31, 2020. Housing is provided.

The Range Technician (RT) will assist with various prairie stewardship activities including: prescribed fire operations (ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, and monitoring), tree/brush removal, noxious weed control, fencing, firebreak installation and other tasks as assigned. The RT will serve on a burn crew of 6 to 8 people during fire season and will also assist in daily coordination and oversight of the summer land management crew (1 – 2 short-term staff) under the direction of the Field Steward. These crews travel throughout the Prairie Coteau (northeast SD/southwest MN) landscape. This is a full-time (40 hours/week) short-term position from March 9 – December 4, 2020.

The Habitat Technician (HT) will be supervised by the Field Steward but will work under the daily direction of the long-term Range Technician.  Duties will include daily conversations with supervisor(s) to receive assignments and report on results.  Personal organization and excellent communication skills are a must for this position.  The Habitat Technician will be expected to travel individually or with a crew to perform various grazing program and habitat maintenance duties on Nature Conservancy preserves throughout the Prairie Coteau in South Dakota and Minnesota.  This position is based on a 40 hour work week, but may require irregular hours, long days, and travel on short notice.  Position runs approximately May 4, 2020 through August 28, 2020.

The Habitat Technician (HT) participates in prescribed fire operations which include ignition, control, mop-up, suppression, monitoring, and other tasks as assigned during the fire season.   while working out of the Clear Lake, SD office from 4-6 to 6-5.  During the second part of the position 6-8 to 7-31, the HT will work under the daily supervision of the Prairie Recovery Specialist in Morris, MN area.  After the spring fire season, the HT will be expected to travel individually or with a crew to perform various grazing program and habitat maintenance duties on State, Federal and Nature Conservancy lands in Eastern South Dakota and Southwestern Minnesota.  This position is based on a 40 hour work week, but may require irregular hours, long days, and travel on short notice.  There will be three (3) positions available starting on April 6 to July 31, 2020.

The Burn Crew/Land Management Tech (BCLMT) will work in the Agassiz Beach Ridges Landscape in the Northern Tallgrass Prairie Ecoregion (western Minnesota) as part of a crew managing prairie tracts and restorations as well as being responsible for preparation and implementation of prescribed fire at various nature preserves in this landscape.  Technician duties will include vegetation management (herbicide applications, brush removal, tree removal, mowing, biological control, etc.), equipment maintenance and organization, hand collecting native prairie seed, firebreak installation, boundary posting, fencing and assist with controlled burns.

As part of the prescribed burn crew, the Preserve Management Assistant (PMA) will be responsible for preparation and implementation of prescribed fire at various nature preserves under the direction of a Prescribed Burn Leader.  The PMA must use safety equipment and maintain a safety-conscious attitude at all times. Tasks include assisting with preserve management activities such as prescribed burning, applying herbicides, clearing and mowing firebreaks, boundary posting, repairing and organizing burn equipment, tree and brush cutting, fence construction/removal, constructing parking areas, maintaining vehicles and equipment, meeting with local landowners, identifying management needs for preserves, assisting with field trips, leading volunteers, and other land management tasks as necessary.  This position requires irregular hours, travel on short notice and the ability to work weekends.  Employees are required to live in TNC provided housing due to the remote setting of this work location and the need to report to duty on short notice.  If an employee already lives in the area or is able to obtain housing within a close proximity to this work location, and the employee is able to report for duty within 30 minutes, then the employee may live offsite.  Transportation from The Nature Conservancy office to the various preserves will be provided by The Nature Conservancy.   This is a full-time (40 hr/week) seasonal position with a start date of March 23, 2020 and end date of October 30, 2020.

The Land Stewardship Coordinator is responsible for leading the Aldo Leopold Foundation’s Stewardship Fellows to implement land management plans on the foundation’s and partnering private lands.

Critical duties include:

• Invasive species management (e.g., garlic mustard, buckthorn, etc.)
• Prescribed burning, including large and complex units
• Timber management practices
• Project monitoring and record-keeping for adaptive planning and management
• Initiate and administercost-share agreements and grants
• Equipment care and maintenance

The Missouri Coteau Conservation Technician will primarily assist The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and partners such as U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) with promoting conservation objectives. The Technician will be responsible for establishing contact with private landowners of native prairie for enrollment in conservation programs.  Overall supervision will be provided by TNC. Day-to-day direction and training will be provided by partners such as the USFWS regarding easement work.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Contact landowners to inform them about conservation programs and explain opportunities for enrollment.
• Coordinate contacts and conduct biological evaluations on potential easement properties as the initial step to prioritize each tract of land for easement acquisition.   
• Provide support for other conservation projects as assigned

The Conservation Technician may also assist with biological surveys, data management, prescribed fire, land management practices, and outreach/education programs.  The Technician will work with a variety of partners to develop proposals and implement conservation projects focused on priority conservation goals identified in the Missouri Coteau of South Dakota.  

The Conservation Technician may be required to work some evening and weekend hours in order to work with landowners when they are available and conditions are conducive for activities.  This is a two-year term position with the opportunity to extend employment pending securement of funding.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE

• Conducts legal compliance monitoring and drafts compliance reports; enters monitoring data; assists in training volunteers to conduct legal compliance monitoring; works with Preserves Manager to notify parties in the event of a violation.
• Works with Stewardship Program Assistant and Preserves Manager on volunteer mailings.
• Works with stewardship staff and volunteers to perform preserve maintenance tasks (maintains signs and registration boxes, clear and maintain trails, mark boundaries, invasive species control).
• Interacts with preserve visitors by providing information, promoting the Conservancy, answering questions, and enforcing preserve policies.
• Researches and acquires ecological and legal information and field collects natural resource information pertinent to the management of Maine Chapter preserves and conservation easements and assists with updating preserve management plans.
• Deals with problems as they arise on preserves (may include timber and other forms of trespass, unauthorized vehicular use, camping, etc.).
• Assists stewardship staff with ecological monitoring throughout the state.
• Assists with maintenance of basic equipment such as hand and power tools, chainsaws, outboard boat motors, etc.
• Participates, when available and as certified, as crew member on controlled burns in Maine.
• Assists with special projects as needed.

The Southern Maine Land Steward/Burn Crew Leader helps with all aspects of the Maine Chapter's southern Maine stewardship program and assists with work at Southern Maine preserves. Field work includes prescribed-fire preparation and implementation, trail construction and maintenance, equipment operation (chain saw, brush saw, UTV, ATV, tractor) and maintenance, boundary maintenance, biological monitoring, leading nature walks, interacting with preserve visitors and enforcing preserve policies. The Land Steward may be required to work occasional weekends and will be required to work outdoors in demanding conditions including poor weather. 

This is a full-time, 26 week, temporary position that begins in April 2020 and ends in October 2020 (flexible).  The position is based in the Conservancy’s Wells, Maine office with some possible travel to other northeast states.