Sagebrush Partnership Range Technician

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OFFICE LOCATION


Dillon, Montana, USA

WHO WE ARE


The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER


The Nature Conservancy Sagebrush Partnership Range Technician will work with private and public land managers in southwest Montana on a variety of on-the-ground land stewardship projects to conserve and improve sagebrush steppe habitat. The Sagebrush Partnership Range Technician will work closely with the SW Montana Sagebrush Partnership (SMSP), both in the field and in the office, to assist with implementing the Flexible Grazing in the Missouri Headwaters Project. The flexible grazing project will involve eight individual ranch operations and is expected to occupy the majority of this positions time for the first three months of the season. The work is expected to include collecting baseline vegetation monitoring data, creating pasture maps for new grazing plans that use virtual fence, assisting in measuring actual use during the grazing season, communicating with landowners and public land managers, and troubleshooting virtual fence issues that may arise. Other projects the range technician will assist with are wet meadow and stream restoration projects, spraying noxious weeds, and mapping of invasive annual grasses. The Range Technician will also have opportunities to aid with other restoration projects, including conifer expansion removal and fence projects to conserve priority habitats and wildlife corridors. This position offers a unique opportunity to be involved in a collaborative, science-based, applied conservation program and to gain experience in a wide variety of land and water issues.

Responsibilities and Scope:
  • Assist in monitoring of ongoing or upcoming grazing management projects.
  • Collect field data and enter data into MS Excel and ArcGIS applications.
  • Manage monitoring data and communicate with SMSP Monitoring Coordinator and TNC hired contractors.
  • Make maps using ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online.
  • Assist in the assessment, construction and monitoring of wet meadow and stream restoration projects.
  • Help plan and direct work groups, including youth conservation corps crews, staff, or volunteers.
  • Identify and help prioritize future wet meadow restoration projects
  • Invasive plant mapping and treatment using herbicide.
  • Invasive annual grass mapping using ArcGIS applications.
  • Work long days outdoors in variable weather conditions, in isolated and remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances; field work may require considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain and occasional overnight camping in remote locations.
  • Community outreach with landowners and agency partners.
  • Make day to day decisions as delegated by supervisor; may work under infrequent supervision.

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 is passionate, motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today!

WHAT YOU'LL BRING


  • High school diploma or GED and 1 year’s training in science-related field or related experience in land management.
  • Experience with GPS and GIS applications.
  • Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. Lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).
  • Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application).
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • B.S. Degree or progress towards a B.S. Degree in biological or physical sciences.
  • Two seasons collecting ecology, botany, soils data in the field.
  • Experience identifying plant species, especially those common in rangeland and riparian areas in the intermountain West.
  • Experience creating maps and editing data in ArcPro.
  • PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding.
  • Willingness and ability to work irregular hours in harsh environments and challenging weather and carry a 40-pound backpack over uneven terrain.
  • Experience working productively as part of a team to accomplish mutual goals and working independently as required.
  • Strong communication and organizational skills.
  • Willingness to work with and learn from people with different backgrounds.

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 on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION


This is a full-time, seasonal position with an approximate start and end date of May 2025 – October 2025.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY


This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.

Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

SALARY INFORMATION


The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $18 – $20 per 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. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

APPLY NOW


To apply for job ID 56288, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on March 02, 2025. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.