Conservation Program Technician

National Audubon Society • Gibbon, NE

2d • $22 • Onsite

About The Position

The Conservation Program Technician will primarily conduct habitat management activities at Rowe Sanctuary and assist with spring crane tourism operations including guiding crane viewing experiences along the Platte River. This position will provide applicants with experience in common habitat management techniques for prairies, riparian forest/woodlands, and large river systems while working in a globally important landscape for birds. These techniques include prescribed fire, native seed collection and processing, trail maintenance, and invasive plant control. The technician will also gain experience with bird and plant surveys, use of the ArcGIS applications, and data management. Training opportunities to build the skillsets essential to effective habitat management in prairies and large river ecosystems will be provided. This is a 6-month, full-time hourly position that requires occasional irregular hours and strenuous outdoor work. Hourly rate will be $21.50 per hour/40 hours per week. This is an on-site location at the Iain Nicolson Audubon Rowe Sanctuary & the Conservation Program Technician is required to live on-site in housing provided by Audubon as a condition of employment.

Requirements

• Applicants with some education in science-related fields and/or experience with land management techniques are preferred.
• Must have a positive, team-focused attitude, and the ability to professionally represent Audubon Great Plains and the network.
• Must be comfortable working independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues, with little supervision, and at irregular hours.
• Position may require outdoor work in freezing temperatures and hot, humid weather.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required.
• Must have current valid driver’s license to operate Audubon vehicles with the ability to provide for their own transportation.
• Ability to operate – or willingness to learn to use – various types of equipment safely and efficiently (e.g., lawn mower, chain saw, tractor, ATV).
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to and experience in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of - or willingness to learn about - the flora and fauna of the Great Plains region is appreciated.

Responsibilities

• Assist with habitat management duties such as prescribed fire operations, grazing, equipment maintenance, and invasive and woody plant control (including chain-saw use and chemical application).
• Help with visitor center operations, including public outreach and education programs as needed.
• Operate heavy machinery ranging from UTVs, ATVs, zero-turn lawn mowers, tractors, and trucks to conduct various land management activities.
• Work cooperatively with volunteers to conduct necessary habitat work.
• Assist with bird and vegetation surveys through fieldwork and data entry.
• Use ArcGIS & Field Maps to track land management activities and record survey data.
• Assist with building and vehicle maintenance and repair, landscaping, walking trail maintenance, and other duties as assigned.
• Help communicate the importance of habitat work through writing and photography for social media posts, newsletters, etc.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees