Individual Placement - Conservation Field Technician Assistant at Northern Tallgrass Prairie

Student Conservation Association•Fergus Falls, MN

32d•Onsite

About The Position

The Fergus Falls Wetland Management District is looking to hire a seasonal technician to assist in District operations and habitat management. The Fergus Falls WMD consists of 50,000+ acres of Waterfowl Production Areas across 5 counties in western Minnesota. The district, in coordination with several partners, works to restore and reconstruct Northern Tallgrass Prairie habitat and lost or degraded wetlands within the prairie pothole region. We are in search of a seasonal technician to help us carry out general refuge operations and habitat management functions. Tasks will include waterfowl and vegetation surveys, habitat restoration (site preparation, seeding), invasive species detection and removal, and assisting in the water management, haying, and grazing programs, general maintenance and repair, some heavy equipment (agricultural tractor) work, and assisting with other programs where necessary.

Requirements

Interest in conservation and land management.
Be available for full duration.
Need to have reliable personal transportation and valid driver’s license.
Must be able to pass background check and is U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
Need the capacity to work long days outdoors, performing physical labor, in uneven and wet terrains. Must be able to tolerate uncomfortable weather conditions.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger.
Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.

Nice To Haves

Preference given to candidates with degree major or professional experience in biology or resource management.
Experience conducting waterfowl or bird surveys. Experience with plant identification.

Responsibilities

General maintenance and repair of infrastructure and facilities. Clearing vegetation, water control structure maintenance, signage and displays.
Assist and individually conduct surveys as a part of our biological sciences program. This includes a visual waterfowl survey and several vegetation monitoring surveys.
Assist in the water management across the district. Help record keep for the Water Management Plan, survey water control structures, and manipulate water levels where possible. This will include maintenance on the structures to maintain functionality and may include debris removal.
Assist the Land Manager on a large prairie reconstruction project. Will include vegetation surveys, assistance in site preparation (mowing, clearing), and seeding.
Assist the Land Manager on active habitat management projects that include overseeing tree removal, prescribed fire, water management, haying or mowing, and grazing. These are all methods used to manage and maintain the tallgrass prairie.
Work with District staff to help address invasive plant species infestations and complaints. Learn about early detection rapid response and invasive species management.
Assist in wetland and prairie restorations in coordination with several partners (Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Monarch Joint Venture). Restorations occur on newly acquired parcels and on existing Waterfowl Production Areas. Help review plans and learn about how to carry out a restoration program.
Assists in educational outreach and education programs through the prairie Wetlands Learning Center. Helping with field trips, working with classes, and outreach events.