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Botany and Stewardship Technician

The Botany and Stewardship Technician Intern will assist with land stewardship and enhancement work throughout the Prairie-Forest Border Ecoregion of Central and Southeastern Minnesota. Work will occur on lands owned by The Nature Conservancy, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and MN Department of Natural Resources. Primary duties will include an emphasis on native prairie seed collection and processing, vegetation monitoring, and GIS data collection. Interns will also participate in invasive species control and tree/brush removal, with the potential to participate in prescribed fire and other preserve management tasks. The position will entail plant identification, collecting and processing seed from native plants, conducting vegetation transect surveys, data entry and GIS data management, herbicide application, and equipment use/maintenance (ie. chainsaws, brush cutters, hand tools, etc). Some work will include strenuous physical labor, all work will be in an outdoor all-weather environment, with occasional travel on short notice, and occasional irregular working hours. Overnight stays at different crew housing facilities around the state may occasionally be required as well. A vehicle will be provided for traveling to various units across the landscape. Interns will live and work with a crew, and will work closely with Conservancy staff, partner agency staff, cooperating scientists, and volunteers. 

This position is an ideal opportunity for an aspiring field botanist with desire to gain experience in a variety of land management practices. A strong interest in developing skills in botany or plant ecology is essential, as well as a desire to apply GIS skills in a conservation setting. Self-motivated aspiring field ecologists with minimal experience in wildlife habitat management will also be considered. This is an excellent opportunity for motivated hard-working individuals who are eager to learn new skills to experience the in depth unique beauty and biodiversity of Minnesota’s prairie landscape. 

Minimum Qualifications:
•   Motivation to develop strong plant identification skills.
•  Knowledgeable in the use of GPS, orienteering/map reading, and basic use of GIS.
•   Ability to learn to operate and maintain various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. ATV, pumps, engine, backpack sprayer, chainsaw, brush-cutter, leaf blower, & two-way radio).
•   Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
•   Ability to work outdoors in remote rough terrain, variable weather, and under physically demanding circumstances while maintaining a positive and productive work ethic.
•   Ability to follow detailed instructions, and work independently or with minimal supervision.
•   Ability to work and live in a crew environment and maintain a positive and cooperative attitude.
•   Valid Driver’s license and good driving record.
•   High school diploma and 1 year training in science-related field or related experience in land management.

This position provides:
- $300 Weekly Living Allowance*
- $1,100 one-time round-trip Travel Allowance*
- $100 reimbursable fire boot allowance (if participating in prescribed fire)
- Crew Housing
- Health Insurance (if needed)
- AmeriCorps Education Award

*All allowances subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.*

This position is an AmeriCorps program and acceptance of AmeriCorps membership is required. The AmeriCorps Education Award received upon successful completion of this position is $3,172.50.

It is SCA’s policy that all AmeriCorps-required background checks must return cleared results prior to the position’s start; this includes being fingerprinted for the FBI check. Otherwise, the AmeriCorps award will be removed or the position’s start date will be delayed due to non-compliance.