Program Technician- Landscape Stewardship

TITLE: Program Technician-Landscape Stewardship

DIVISION: Conservation

REPORTS TO: Senior Program Manager-Landscape Stewardship

LOCATION: Field

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

GROUP: Long Term Temp (2-year term)

HOURS:  Full-Time averaging 40 hours per week, typically 4 work days at 10 hours per day

BENEFITS: 

Shared Housing 

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

Work Role Provisions

Lodging Perks

Corporate Discounts

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee. Employees are expected to be responsible for and assist with additional tasks and duties as needed. Job descriptions may change to meet the business needs of the organization.

JOB PURPOSE: The primary purpose of this labor-intensive role is landscape stewardship operations including fence removal, modification and construction, infrastructure removal, and road, reservoir and irrigation system maintenance and management. This role assists with conservation division programs and projects, habitat restoration and bison operations. 

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES:

Landscape Stewardship

• Complete fence removal, modification and construction under the direction of supervisor.

• Complete fence mapping and data collection under the director of supervisor.

• Complete maintenance and upkeep of roads, reservoirs and irrigation infrastructure as directed by supervisor. 

• Complete habitat restoration, infrastructure removal projects as directed by supervisor. 

• Complete basic mechanical repair on vehicles, UTVs, ATVs and other equipment.

• Track and Control noxious weeds through chemical application and biological controls and document in weed database. 

Bison Operations

• Assist with the handling, herding, harvesting, chemical immobilization, testing and monitoring of bison including and assembly and disassembly of mobile bison handling facility as needed.

• Perform bison handling as needed.

Field Operations

• Support the Access and Infrastructure Team as needed, including: pumps, wells, structures, and maintenance and repair of equipment as needed.

• Support Rewilding Team projects as needed. 

• Participate in fire patrol and suppression as needed. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Enthusiasm for and positive representation of American Prairie’s mission, values, goals, and culture.

• 0-3 years of relevant work experience including fencing, maintenance, farm and ranch, property, mechanical, or similar labor experience.

• Knowledge of fence maintenance and construction

• 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. 

• Ability to positively and productively interact with neighbors, donors, local area organizers and others in the interest of American Prairie’s mission and goals. 

• Self-motivated and able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. 

• 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. 

• Awareness and readiness to handle encounters with wildlife. 

• Technology proficiency including mapping software and collaboration tools. 

• 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. 

• Manual dexterity to use tools, equipment, and machinery with precision in field conditions including but not limited to pickups, tractors, backhoe, skid-steer, snowmobiles, 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 drivers’ license and acceptable driving record. 

• Wilderness First Aid (provided).

• Ability to work varied or long hours, on-call hours, evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.

Preferred

• 1 year of experience. 

• Familiarity with local area, politics and government agencies. 

• Degree in Wildlife, Natural Resources, Land Management or related subject. 

• Knowledge of flora and fauna of Eastern Montana.

• Experience welding.