Conservation Field Technician

SUMMARY:

The Conservation Field Technician is responsible for planning, monitoring, and implementing stewardship strategies to support native plant communities and habitat restoration activities on Prairie Island Indian Community’s tribal land holdings. Management activities will include reducing aggressive, non-native plant species, monitoring and preserving plant diversity and culturally important plant communities, propagation and restoration of diverse and culturally important plant communities, GIS mapping and data management, project planning, identifying sick or diseased plants and recommending treatment options, and leading seasonal staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

The following duties and responsibilities are not meant to be all inclusive and may be adjusted to meet business needs.

Oversee annual vegetation surveys and provide ongoing monitoring and management of plant communities.

Facilitate all aspects of invasive species management with strong consideration of Dakota community values, incorporation of integrated pest management strategies and use of best management practices to limit chemical applications.

Safely use, transport, and store herbicides and maintain accurate records of use.

Monitor and identify new invasive species and populations to implement early detection rapid response methods (EDRR).

Manage seed collection, supply, and implementation of re-seeding efforts to restore native plant communities and limit the spread of invasive species.

Work with the Food Systems Department to support planning, propagation, and planting of harvestable foods and medicinal plants across PIIC’s tribal land holdings.

Clean, store, and maintain all tools and equipment (mowers, brush cutters, chainsaws, etc.)

Lead and train seasonal staff, interns, and volunteers to support management activities and community planting / restoration events (plant identification, GIS use, management methods, small engine use, etc.).

Support the Environmental Program Manager with grant writing and contract development for larger projects requiring specialty equipment, larger crews, and / or specific licenses.

Support the Environmental Program Manager with management plans and reporting.

Utilize ArcGIS programs, including field maps, to prepare maps, plans and reports.

Other duties as assigned by Environmental Program Manager.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in an environmental field (invasive species management, biology, botany, ecology, environmental studies, forestry, natural resources) or the equivalent in relevant work experience.

Minimum two (2) years of field work experience in natural areas (preference for prairie and woodlands)

Adept in plant identification and management techniques

Basic GPS/GIS and statistical software skills

Strong data collection and organization skills

Strong computer skills Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook)

Ability to manage projects holistically and adapt techniques to changing conditions.

Written and verbal communication skills

Experience in field equipment use and upkeep (chainsaws, UTVs, motorboats, sprayers, etc.)

Experience in herbicide application methods; acquire/retain pesticide applicator certification

Work independently and efficiently with minimal supervision

Work well as part of a team; supervise seasonal interns in field assignments

Sensitive to Native American Culture

Must pass drug screen (UA) and a criminal background check

Valid driver’s license and proof of insurability

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum three (3) years of practical work experience in prairie and woodland management.

One (1) year experience implementing integrated pest management strategies and early detection and rapid response (EDRR) tactics.

Strong skills in variety of GIS software (ArcGIS 10.8, ArcGIS Online, ArcPro,  ArcCollector, FieldMaps) and GPS field data collection for long-term monitoring and presentation.

One (1) year experience in grant preparation, writing and reporting

One (1) year experience in coordinating external contractors/vendors

Active certification in pesticide application (herbicide-specific background)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:*

Outdoors in variable and sometimes extreme temperatures and weather conditions

Bend, lift/lower and carry 50+ pounds between shoulder height and ground

Pushing/pulling and grasping objects routinely

Operating equipment, tools, vehicles, watercraft, routinely

Repetitive tasks and motions

Frequent use of hands and arms including fine motor function

Walk, stand or sit for long periods throughout the day

Medical clearance to wear respirator when handling/using chemicals (herbicides)

REQUIRED TRAINING:

Tool/ Equipment safety

UTV safety

Watercraft safety

Personal protective equipment

Fall protection

Intermediate GIS/GPS

Pesticide applicator certification

Effectively handling harassment

Any position-related training as determined by department manager and or division director

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed primarily outdoors in rural/natural environments and may include exposure to extreme weather conditions; occasionally indoors for planning, data processing, reporting and other general office tasks.

DISCLAIMER AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

All Prairie Island Indian Community employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship

The Prairie Island Indian Community Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance applies to this and all employment opportunities for the Community.

*See physical demand analysis for more detailed information.