Bison Herd Coordinator

Job Overview: Do you have a passion for wildlife, the great outdoors, and working with one of North America's most iconic animals? The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) is on the lookout for a Bison Herd Coordinator to keep our majestic bison happy, healthy, and roaming free! If you are looking for a full-time and year-round position – we are looking for you! Enjoy weekly pay, health benefits, and on-site clinics. Whatever your goals may be, let SMSC help get you there!

Maximize Your Impact: The Responsibilities You’ll Own:

• Bison husbandry, daily health, and safety checks.
• Communicate health assessments, condition of prairie habitat, and bison behavior to supervisor weekly and Bison Work Group quarterly or when necessary.
• Ensure fencing, watering infrastructure and bison handling equipment are well maintained and functioning.
• Make repairs to fencing, equipment and infrastructure when necessary.
• Report repair needs to supervisor and coordinate replacements.
• Coordinate with appropriate departments when repairs are necessary.
• Follow bison management plan, grazing strategy, safety protocols, and emergency management plan.
• Assist in emergency situations if necessary.
• Learn and observe herd behavior and report to supervisor monthly.
• Organize annual round-up and wellness checks with internal staff and partners.
• Responsible for organizing disposition of surplus bison and the movement of bison.
•  Coordinate with supervisor and other departments to provide educational and viewing opportunities for Community members.
• Coordinate with outside organizations that can assist with maintaining successful herd (MN Zoo, InterTribal Buffalo Council, National Bison Association, MN Bison Association, MN Bison Conservation Herd, etc.).
• Serve as an information source for interested parties and the Community.
• Assist with training staff, partners, Community members in safety protocols regarding bison herd.
• Stay current and up to date on the latest bison husbandry, ecology and best practices related to bison management. This may include attending out of state trainings.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Range Science, Farm and Ranch Management, Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Management or closely related field; OR
• Four years of relevant experience with bison husbandry, management and handling; OR
• A combination of education and experience equal or exceeding 4 years. This must include working with bison and education related to animal science or natural resources management.
• Cultural awareness and understanding of bison. Experience with bison cultural teachings.
• Demonstrate experience and competence operating farm tractors, UTVs and trailers. Prefer candidate has experience maintaining and using small engines, chainsaws, and brush saws or commitment to participate in job safety training to operate equipment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Exhibits objectivity, openness to other’s views, and gives and welcomes feedback.
• Basic computer proficiency to include word processing, electronic mail, and related business software.
• Must be detailed oriented and disciplined to perform routine task under adverse conditions.
• May require a valid Class D driver’s license with a good driving record.

Outstanding Benefits & Awesome Perks: At the SMSC, we are invested in our employees, as demonstrated by the competitive benefits we offer. Employees may be eligible for benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, and a generous PTO package, which includes outreach hours for volunteer work through our #SMSCgives outreach program. Plus, take advantage of perks like discounts on childcare, fuel bus passes and fitness membership, free uniforms and free uniform cleaning, and tuition reimbursement.

Who We Are: The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community contributes both time and financial resources across the region, state, and country. The SMSC has donated more than $400 million to organizations and causes, provided $500 million in economic development loans to other tribes, and contributed millions more to support regional governments and infrastructure. The SMSC's Native Green initiative annually diverts hundreds of tons of waste from landfills, has implemented compostable containers throughout our properties, and restored hundreds of acres of prairie land. Team members are eligible to participate in SMSC Gives, a community outreach initiative that organizes various opportunities in the local community. To empower its team members to take part in the Dakota tradition of giving, the SMSC provides paid hours to team members to volunteer at events. Learn more at shakopeedakota.org