Ranch Hand/Bison Coordinator

The Nature Conservancy • Lincoln, MO

6d • $19 - $23 • Onsite

About The Position

The Ranch Hand/Bison Coordinator performs and participates in preserve operations, maintenance and management within the Grand River Grassland project area, including Dunn Ranch Prairie, Little Creek Farm, and Pawnee Prairie. The Ranch Hand/Bison Coordinator must be located in Hatfield, MO (64458) or the surrounding community. In this role, you will be responsible for bison management, equipment maintenance, installing and/or maintaining fencing, boundary posting, restoring natural areas through tree and brush cutting, assisting with ecological burning activities, organization and maintenance of facilities, cattle grazing, and overall project functions, as assigned. The Ranch Hand/Bison Coordinator is responsible for the health, safety, and ecological integration of a managed bison herd on a restored native prairie. In this role you will assist with managing population dynamics, veterinary care, grazing management, etc. to ensure the bison contribute positively to the preserve’s conservation goals. You will also be responsible for maintaining fences, water systems, corrals, or other infrastructure. As well as maintaining preserve areas frequented by the visiting public and supports educational programs and tours. The Ranch Hand/Bison Coordinator may also assist with the restoration of the prairie through the removal of exotic species and/or the planting of native speciesWithin this position you may provide oversight to other employees as assigned as well as work both individually and as a group to complete tasks in a timely manner. You may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. This role requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain. Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications required to participate in prescribed burns or CPR, first aid, etc. Must be qualified as a Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) or willingness to achieve in a short timeframe, including Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fire line (L-180), Introduction to Wild land Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130), and one training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2. See http://www.tncfiremanual.org/firefighter.htm Must achieve physical fitness standards as set by the local Fire Manager and TNC Fire Manual. Requirements for RXCM or FFT2 can be found at: https://www.tncfiremanual.org/FIrefighter.htm Auto Safety Policy: This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’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." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section. 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.

Requirements

• AS/Technical or vocational degree in science-related field and 1-year related experience in land management or similar field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing large ungulates, specifically cattle or bison.
• Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
• Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. lawn mower, chainsaw, truck and trailer, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).
• Experience working in a team environment.
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications required to participate in prescribed burns or CPR, first aid, etc.
• Must be qualified as a Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) or willingness to achieve in a short timeframe, including Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fire line (L-180), Introduction to Wild land Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130), and one training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2. See http://www.tncfiremanual.org/firefighter.htm
• Must achieve physical fitness standards as set by the local Fire Manager and TNC Fire Manual.
• Requirements for RXCM or FFT2 can be found at: https://www.tncfiremanual.org/FIrefighter.htm
• This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’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."
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• 1 - 2 years’ experience in land or animal management or related field.
• Experience managing a bison herd
• Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
• Experience operating and maintaining large equipment such as tractors, skid steer loaders, and trucks with a livestock trailer.
• Commercial Driver's License
• Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
• PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge

Responsibilities

• bison management
• equipment maintenance
• installing and/or maintaining fencing
• boundary posting
• restoring natural areas through tree and brush cutting
• assisting with ecological burning activities
• organization and maintenance of facilities
• cattle grazing
• overall project functions, as assigned
• managing population dynamics
• veterinary care
• grazing management
• maintaining fences, water systems, corrals, or other infrastructure
• maintaining preserve areas frequented by the visiting public and supports educational programs and tours
• restoration of the prairie through the removal of exotic species and/or the planting of native species
• provide oversight to other employees as assigned
• work both individually and as a group to complete tasks in a timely manner

Benefits

• TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree