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Paulson Grassland Conservation Fellowship - 48306

YOUR POSITION WITH TNC
The Grassland Conservation Fellow participates primarily in conservation operations in central North Dakota primarily at the Cross Ranch Preserve. The Fellow will also work with partners and other programs/departments throughout North Dakota and the MN-ND-SD Chapter.
 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The ideal candidate will be a college graduate with some experience in conservation (restoration, land management, etc.) and is looking for opportunities to learn and grow as a professional in the field of conservation by gaining hands-on experience. The Fellow will be provided with opportunities to network with other agencies, attend professional conferences, and work independently. While participating in various aspects of conservation land management from planning and budgeting to maintenance and ecological monitoring, the Fellow will practice skills such as: decision-making, problem solving, project management; public speaking; and leadership.
This position requires irregular hours, long days, and some travel on short notice. S/he provides maintenance/management of equipment/facilities, assists with invasive management, care of livestock (cattle/bison), participates in prescribed fire and outreach. Housing is shared with employees, volunteers, and partners will be provided at the Cross Ranch Prairie Preserve Office near Center, North Dakota. The Fellow is required to live on the preserve. Transportation from the Cross Ranch office to work sites will be provided by The Nature Conservancy. This is an 18-month position starting March 30th, 2020 and ending October 29, 2021 (there is flexibility with start/end dates). This is a full-time, benefited position. 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.
 
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
  • May assist with recruiting, hiring, leading or monitoring work groups consisting of staff, interns, and volunteers. 
  • Financial responsibility may include working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development and fundraising targets.  
  • Networks with diverse groups, including land owners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the general public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy programs/preserves.  
  • May work under minimal and/or distant supervision; may make some independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.  
  • May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
  • Performs ecological management tasks such as biological monitoring, invasive species control, and prescribed burning.
  • Implements maintenance of buildings, fence/corrals, and equipment.  
  • Data collection, entry, analysis, and reporting for research and monitoring projects.
  • Assist with management/conservation planning.
  • Assist with annual bison management and research 
  • Develop outreach, including giving presentations, leading field trips, and developing written materials. 
  • May assist finance, philanthropy, and marketing.
 
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • 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. 
  • Experience in ecological land management principles.
  • Experience operating and or repairing various types of equipment and machinery.
  • Must have a valid driver's license.    
 
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Two years related experience. 
  • Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field. 
  • Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
  • Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers, ArcGIS).  
  • Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English.
  • Qualified as or able to meet qualifications for Prescribed Fire Crew Member by completing S-130, S-190, I-100, and IS-700 by start date (online courses available). Additional information about qualifications can be found at: http://www.tncfiremanual.org  
  • Ability to pass annual physical fitness test (carry a 45-pound pack over 3 miles of level terrain in 45 minutes or less). 
  • Experience with safe operation and general maintenance of pumps, small engines, sprayers, tractors, ATV/UTVs, 4x4 vehicles, trailers, power tools, and mowers. 
  • Experience with monitoring/research techniques and applying scientific principles. 
  • Ability to identify local flora and fauna including grassland birds, butterflies, and key plant species. 
  • Ability to follow instructions and work cooperatively with others.
  • Experience in the safe handling and use of herbicides.
  • Experience working with livestock and/or observing animal behavior.
  • Experience managing volunteers or other staff.
  • Multi-lingual skills or multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated. 

AUTO SAFETY POLICY
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy's Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

HOW TO APPLY
To apply to position number 48306, submit resume (required) and cover letter separately using the upload buttons. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on January 26, 2020.

Click “submit” to apply for the position or “save for later” to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited. Failure to complete required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration.
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The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process.