For the past two decades, The Nature Conservancy has been working to conserve the Flint Hills, the last landscape expression of tallgrass prairie. Only about four percent of this once vast expanse of grass remains, making the tallgrass prairie among the most altered ecosystems in North American in terms of acres lost. Roughly two-thirds of what's left are found in an approximately 50-mile-wide band of native rangeland that runs north to south across east-central Kansas and Oklahoma. To conserve the tallgrass prairie that remains, The Nature Conservancy works cooperatively with ranchers, landowners, and other stakeholders to address habitat fragmentation, woody plant encroachment, and invasive species, and to support sustainable grazing and fire management. The Habitat Management and Restoration Specialist (Specialist) will work in the Flint Hills to assist with implementation of prescribed fire, grassland management, and prairie restoration on TNC lands, with a specific focus on management at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve (TPNP). The Specialist will report to the Flint Hills Initiative Manager and work closely with the Flint Hills Stewardship Coordinator. This is a four-year term position.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
Lead and/or monitor work groups consisting of interns and/or volunteers on TNC properties in the Flint Hills.
Implement existing management plans on TNC properties.
Networks with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the general public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy programs/preserves.
Work under minimal supervision and supervise student interns and seasonal staff.
Coordinate and lead volunteer work groups and outreach activities.
Work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
Will participate on monitoring and annual veterinary work of the bison herd at TPNP. Assist with monitoring and maintaining fencing for bison pasture.
Maintain and improve TNC-owned facilities, including office space, crew housing, and equipment shops,
Maintain and improve TNC-owned or leased equipment, in particular equipment related to herbicide application (UTVs, sprayers), woody plant control (tractors, skidsteers, forestry mulchers, chainsaws), fireline preparation (mowers, leaf blowers), and prescribed fire implementation (military-chassis trucks, fire spray units).
Operate heavy equipment to accomplish management objectives.
Manage against invasive species and woody plant encroachment on TNC-owned properties.
Maintain fences and other property infrastructure.
Prepare for and support implementation of prescribed fire on TNC-owned properties.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
BA/BS degree in science-related field and 1 year related experience in custodial and ecological land management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience with natural systems.
Experience in ecological land management principles.
Experience operating and or repairing various types of equipment and machinery.
Qualified as, or able to meet the qualifications of, the National Wildland Fire Coordinating Group (NWCG) FireFighter Type 2 (FFT2) qualification. Requirements for FFT2 can be found in the Conservancy Fire Management Manual at:
Must have a valid driver's license.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
1 – 2 years related experience in custodial and ecological land management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Some experience managing volunteers or entry level staff.
Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete preserve management activities.
Experience handling livestock and/ or working in ranching communities.
Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field.
Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers).
Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $22.50 – $26.50 per hour.
To apply for job ID 55061, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at
Tagged as: Conservation
