Conservation Field Technician

About the position 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• 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

Nice-to-haves

• 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)

Benefits

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

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