Range Technician
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Position details:
- This job posting will be open until filled and will hire one individual.
- This is a seasonal, full-time (40 hours/week) position is anticipated to start April 13, 2026 and end on December 4, 2026.
- This position is benefits eligible.
- 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 a Range Technician (RT,) you will perform and participate in various preserve operations, maintenance and management. You will maintain preserve areas frequented by the visiting public and performs land management activities. You will remove exotic species and/or conducts species monitoring and may also manage livestock. You may assist in prescribed burns and maintain tools, equipment and land. You will open and close preserve to the visiting public and maintain preserve records using a database, PC or mobile device.
Specific projects may 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. This 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 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. See TNC Fire Management Manual
- Must be able to achieve physical fitness standard as determined by local Prescribed Fire Manager and the TNC Fire Management Manual.
- 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.
- Must be able to acquire a DOT health card.
- PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding.
- 6 months to 1 year of direct field experience.
- Qualified or able to obtain a South Dakota Pesticide Applicators License.
