Habitat Technician
Position details:
- This job posting will be open until filled and will hire two individuals.
- This is a seasonal, full-time (40 hours/week) position is anticipated to start May 11, 2026 and end on August 21, 2026.
- This position is based out of our Prairie Coteau office in Clear Lake, South Dakota.
- Shared, bunk style housing and basic utilities are provided by TNC to the employee upon signing and agreeing to housing terms. Housing will be considered taxable income vs. charged rent. Employees should live within a 30-minute commute if they elect not to live onsite.
- Training and transportation will be provided.
- Hourly rate range: $18.00 - 19.05/hour dependent on experience.
What We Can Achieve Together:
As our Habitat Technician (HT) you will perform and participate in preserve operations, maintenance and management. You will maintain preserve areas frequented by the visiting public and perform land management activities, remove exotic species and/or conduct species monitoring, and may also manage livestock. You may assist in prescribed burns and maintain tools, equipment and land. You will open and close the preserve to the visiting public and maintain preserve records using a database, PC or mobile device.
Specific duties include, but are not limited to:
- Various stewardship work as assigned on TNC preserves as well as other public lands.
- Prescribed fire activities, including implementation and preparation.
- Mow firebreaks.
- Build fence for grazing projects.
- Control invasive and noxious species using mowers, herbicide, or hand pulling, and maintain accurate records of herbicide use and other vegetation management.
- Assist on prairie reconstructions, which may include seeding, mowing, and other management needs.
- Track daily work.
- Use hand tools including, machetes, brush cutters, chainsaws, and other tools.
- Coordinate and communicate with your supervisor.
You may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and uneven terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. The position requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
We’re Looking for You:
Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone who enjoys the outdoors, is safety conscious, and wants to make a difference. We provide on the job training and networking opportunities. Come join TNC and apply today!
What You’ll Bring:
- High school diploma or GED and 1 year’s training in a science-related field or related experience in land management.
- Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
- Experience operating various types of equipment safely and efficiently (e.g. Lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).
- Experience working in a team environment.
- Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application).
- Must have a valid driver's license.
Desired Qualifications
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- 1 - 2 years’ experience in land management or related field.
- Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
- Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
- PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding.
- Must be able to obtain the qualifications for Prescribed Fire Crew Member (RXCM) or Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) prior to arrival, including Introduction to ICS (I-100), Human Factors on the Fire line (L-180), Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), Firefighting Training (S-130), and one training burn (once you arrive) serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2 as a requirement for this position.
- Must be able to achieve physical fitness standard as determined by local Prescribed Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Management Manual.
- Qualified or able to obtain a South Dakota Pesticide Applicators License.
Salary Information:
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $18.00 - 19.05/hour. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience.
Who We Are:
The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science‑based organization, we create innovative, on‑the‑ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures.
What We Bring:
Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non‑profit into one of the most effective and wide‑reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world! TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well‑being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here. We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports the health and well‑being of the people we employ.
