Project Technician- Wild Sky

TITLE:  Project Technician- Wild Sky

DIVISION: Conservation

REPORTS TO: Program Manager- Wild Sky

SUPERVISES: None

LOCATION: Lewistown, MT

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

GROUP: Core

HOURS: Full time averaging 40 hours per week. 

BENEFITS:

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

Paid time off (holidays, vacation, volunteer, and sick)

Work Role Provisions

Field Lodging Perks

Corporate Discounts

Flexible Work Schedules

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: Partner with and support American Prairie’s Program Manager- Wild Sky in operating the Wild Sky Program, and provide on-the-ground monitoring of Wild Sky lands. Execute field projects and camera trap work on Wild Sky lands (including but not limited to the items landowners select in their contracts and the Cameras for Conservation program). Ensure landowners elected projects receive the support they require. Ensure all landowners have the necessary training to maintain their cameras.  Develop and maintain a positive working relationship with all Wild Sky participants. Organize the Wild Sky database, including timely and efficient sorting and filing of all camera trap data. Work with the Wild Sky Program Manager to continuously improve and grow the Wild Sky program.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES:

Wild Sky Develop and maintain efficient strategies for data management.

• Assist with coordinating periodic meetings and events for Wild Sky participants, and serve as liaison between Wild Sky participants, American Prairie and external entities.

• Assist Wild Sky Program Manager with analysis, reporting, and information dissemination.

• Assist Wild Sky Program Manager to recruit and retain Wild Sky participants in the core Reserve area.

• Assist with Wild Sky media, events, and promotions.

• Assist with processing and requesting payments for the Cameras for Conservation and Wildlife friendly lands programs.

•  Support the conservation division in field projects and related duties as time allows.

Lease Program Assistance (10%)

• Seasonally check leases to monitor cows are in correct pastures.

• Monitor the number of cows on the landscape in leased pastures.

• Maintain professionalism while interacting with Lessees.

QUALIFICATIONS:

 Required

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

• 0-3 years of related job experience or equivalent education including data entry.

• Ability and willingness to drive frequently (averaging 40% of the week outside of the office) from Lewistown office base to several work locations, including on poorly maintained roads and in various weather conditions.

• Ability to work with a great deal of autonomy; including working independently without supervision.

• Ability to appropriately handle confidential and sensitive information with a high degree of discretion.

• Proactive and motivated work ethic with a high degree of initiative.

• Confident and adaptable with sound judgment.

• Detail-oriented and organized.

• 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 backcountry 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. 

• Balance and coordination to work safely in slippery, muddy, or uneven areas. 

• Ability to climb, bend, crouch, kneel, and reach overhead while working. 

• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

• First Aid & CPR certified (certification provided after hire if needed).

Preferred

• Minimum of 1 year of experience. 

• Camera trapping experience.

• Bachelor of Science in a related area of study.

• Aptitude safely operating ATV and other off-road vehicles unassisted in the backcountry.

• Savvy interpersonal skills to build and maintain collaborative and productive relationships.

• Strong technical and non-technical written and oral communication skills.

Monitoring (50%)

• Execute Wild Sky field projects, monitoring, and data collection.

• Assist wildlife-friendly properties with the implementation and completion of projects outlined in their contracts; ensure that landowners receive appropriate support and information to ensure the completion of these projects.

• Install and maintain wildlife monitoring technology on Wild Sky ranches; ensure all cameras are in working order and checked regularly, download data, replace batteries, and use mobile applications to track progress and keep notes.

• Provide technical assistance to Wild Sky and project-area landowners.

• Develop and maintain efficient strategies for Wild Sky monitoring and data collection.

• Evaluate contracts at year end and create reports for landowners.

• Maintain a high level of professionalism while working on private lands, including maintaining regular communication with Wild Sky landowners and managers.

Program Assistance (40%)

• Responsible for all Wild Sky data entry and maintenance; ensure data is accurately entered, organized, stored properly, and backed-up regularly.

• Accurately sort camera trap photos through the use of specialized software (e.g., Wildlife insights).

• Coordinate with collaborating database managers (e.g., Wildlife insights) as necessary.