Preserve Management Technician
The Preserve Management 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 conducting prescribed fires, invasive species control, tree/brush removal, and equipment maintenance. Interns will also learn and participate in vegetation monitoring, data collection, seed collection and processing, and plant identification. The position will entail equipment use and maintenance (ie. chainsaws, brush cutters, hand tools, pumps, sprayers, etc), herbicide application, strenuous physical labor in an outdoor all-weather environment, and frequent travel on short notice. Occasional irregular working hours are to be expected (especially during the prescribed fire season) and overnight stays at different crew housing facilities around the state may be required as well. A vehicle will be provided for traveling to various units and work areas 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 wildlife habitat manager with the desire to gain practical experience in a variety of land management practices. A positive and motivated attitude is essential, as well as a desire to learn new skills in a conservation setting. 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:Qualified as or able to meet qualifications as a Wildland Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2), including completed coursework in Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fireline (L-180), Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130), National Incident Management System (IS-700), and one training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2. Coursework must be complete prior to start date (available online). Training burn can be completed with TNC upon arrival. See http://www.tncfiremanual.org/firefighter.htm
- Ability to pass US Forest Service work capacity test at arduous level (3 mile walk with 45 lb pack in 45 minutes).
- Ability 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 areas, 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 (for purchase of fire boots)
- 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.