Conservation Program Technician
About The Position
The Conservation Program Technician will primarily conduct habitat management activities at Rowe Sanctuary and assist with spring crane tourism operations, including sandhill crane viewing experiences along the Platte River. The position provides experience with habitat management techniques in prairies, riparian forests and woodlands, and large river systems. Activities 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, ArcGIS applications, and data management. Training in skills essential to habitat management in prairie and large river ecosystems will be provided. The position is on-site at Iain Nicolson Audubon Rowe Sanctuary, and the technician is required to live on-site in housing provided by Audubon as a condition of employment. The assignment lasts six months, from February 25 to August 27, and the schedule is 40 hours per week. The role involves occasional irregular hours and strenuous outdoor work, including work in freezing temperatures and hot, humid weather. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required.
Requirements
- Applicants with some education in science-related fields and/or experience with land management techniques are preferred.
- Knowledge of Great Plains flora and fauna, or willingness to learn about them.
- Positive, team-focused attitude and ability to professionally represent Audubon Great Plains and the network.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to follow colleagues’ instructions with little supervision and work irregular hours.
- Ability to work outdoors in freezing temperatures and hot, humid weather.
- A current valid driver’s license to operate Audubon vehicles and ability to provide one’s own transportation.
- Ability to operate equipment safely and efficiently, or willingness to learn, including lawn mowers, chainsaws, tractors, and ATVs.
- Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
Nice To Haves
- Some education in science-related fields and/or experience with land management techniques.
- Knowledge of, or willingness to learn about, Great Plains flora and fauna.
- Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments.
Responsibilities
- Conduct habitat management activities, including prescribed fire operations, large animal grazing, equipment maintenance, and invasive and woody plant control.
- Use chainsaws and apply chemicals as part of plant control activities.
- Assist with spring crane tourism operations and sandhill crane viewing experiences along the Platte River.
- Help with visitor center operations, including occasional public outreach and education programs.
- Operate UTVs, ATVs, zero-turn lawn mowers, tractors, and trucks for land management activities.
- Work cooperatively with volunteers on habitat work.
- Assist with bird and vegetation surveys, including fieldwork and data entry.
- Use ArcGIS and 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 assigned duties.
- Communicate the importance of habitat work through writing and photography for social media posts, newsletters, and similar materials.
- Maintain and foster a culture of safety.
Benefits
- On-site housing provided by Audubon as a condition of employment.
- Training opportunities to build habitat management skills.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
