Program Specialist- Bison Operations

American Prairie Foundation• MT, US, MT

62d•$21 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

This role is hands-on and rooted in the day-to-day work of running a large, working landscape. It supports bison operations through fence building and repair, facility maintenance, and assisting with bison handling, monitoring, and surveys. The work is physical, often in remote conditions, and requires adaptability, grit, and a strong attention to safety. Working alongside the Program Manager- Bison Operations and team, this position helps keep work moving- pitching in wherever needed, from fixing infrastructure and maintaining equipment to responding to unexpected challenges on the ground. Beyond operations, this role represents American Prairie in the field, interacting with guests, neighbors, and partners in a way that reflects respect for the land, wildlife, and community.

Requirements

Enthusiasm for and positive representation of American Prairie’s mission, values, goals, and culture.
2-5+ years of relevant work experience including: ranch work, forestry, range and wildlife.
Enthusiasm for Bison management, conservation and restoration.
Enthusiasm for team work in a field crew set up.
Experience with livestock handling.
Ability to positively and productively interact with neighbors, donors, local area organizers and others in the interest of American Prairie’s mission and goals.
Dependable with good time management skills and follow-through to complete work.
Ability to adhere to instructions and ask necessary questions to ensure tasks and responsibilities are completed accurately.
Effective communication skills, including the ability to communicate issues and concerns clearly, accurately and in a timely manner.
Ability to follow safety and compliance guidelines and policy.
Proficient use of technology including laptop, iPhone, and software for email, texting, calendars, time tracking, mapping, data collection and Microsoft Office.
Proficient with hand tools and power tools. Including, impact drill, grinder, miter-box saw, circular saw, reciprocating saw, table saw and other tools.
Basic knowledge of vehicle and equipment repair and maintenance.
Extensive knowledge of fence maintenance and construction.
Awareness and readiness to handle encounters with wildlife.
Ability to perform physically demanding tasks outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, wind, rain).
Walking or hiking long distances across uneven terrain or steep slopes.
Ability to lift, carry, and handle heavy equipment or materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
Ability to use maintenance tools and equipment such as hand tools and power tools.
Manual dexterity to use tools, equipment, and machinery with precision in field conditions for extended periods including but not limited to pickups, tractors, backhoe, skid-steer, UTVs and ATVs.
Balance and coordination to work safely in slippery, muddy, or uneven areas.
Ability to climb, bend, crouch, kneel, and reach overhead while working.
Tolerance to smoke exposure and readiness to wear protective equipment.
Ability and willingness to drive long distances alone in remote areas and safely navigate dangerous road conditions including poorly maintained roads, “gumbo” mud, and snow/ice.
Valid driver’s license and ability to drive pickups, tractors, backhoe, skid-steer, snowmobiles, UTVs and ATVs.
Ability to work varied or long hours, on-call hours, evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.
Wilderness First Aid (provided).

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with local area, politics and government agencies.
Degree in Wildlife, Range Management, Ecology, Natural Resources, Animal Science or related subject.
Knowledge of flora and fauna of Eastern Montana.
Experience welding.
Hands on experience with bison and low stress bison handling.
Experience with range management.
Experience with chemical immobilization practices.

Responsibilities

Assist with planning, schedule and complete bison facility and wildlife friendly fence maintenance and construction under the direction of supervisor.
Check and maintain all the perimeter fences (including electric fence) on excellent working conditions on all the bison units in coordination with Bison Operations’ Program Manager and Technicians.
Assist with the handling, harvesting, chemical immobilization, testing and monitoring of bison including and assembly and disassembly of mobile bison handling facility.
Assist the Program Manager- Bison Operations with conducting bi-annual aerial bison surveys as needed.
Distribution of fencing materials and mapping of fence locations.
Perform bison handling, bison chemical immobilization and bison monitoring.
Complete basic mechanical repair on vehicles, UTVs, ATVs and other pieces of heavy equipment.
Assist with supervision as needed to Program Technicians in daily duties. Support the Program Manager in ensuring that instructions are given, work plans are clear and tasks are completed on a day to day basis.
Adhere to and model safety protocols including use of protective equipment, safe practices and report damage safety concerns and injuries.
Respond as directed to emergencies or unanticipated needs such as assisting in the event of bison outside of containment
Attend trainings and conferences as needed.
Attend bison program planning meetings and participate proactively.
Participate in assets and infrastructure work including landscape stewardship, pumps, wells and other structures as needed.
Participate in the annual habitat and range monitoring program.
Fire patrol and suppression as needed.
Assist with vehicles stuck in the mud or snow.
Perform tasks such as, light carpentry; minor plumbing; landscaping, weed control and snow removal; and basic repair and upkeep of motorized and non-motorized vehicles, tools, and equipment.
Assist in other projects as needed.
Provide property tours and support and act as a representative of American Prairie to guests, donors, media and representatives of agencies as needed.
Meet with and maintain positive relationships with neighbors and the community.

Benefits

Housing
Reserve Lodging Perks
Corporate Discounts
Paid Vacation
Paid National Holidays
Paid Sick Days
Paid Volunteer Hours
401K with up to 3% employer match
Medical Insurance with optional Flexible Savings or Health Savings Account & Dependent Care Account
Short-term Disability Insurance
Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, Critical Illness, & Accident Insurance
Parental Leave
Sabbatical