The Assistant Preserve Manager (APM) is stationed at the 7800-acre Ordway Prairie Preserve which lies in the heart of the Prairie Pothole Region; also referred to as North America’s “Duck Factory” because of its significant breeding habitat for waterfowl. Ordway Prairie is also home to one of the Conservancy’s many bison herds and serves as the hub for our conservation work in north-central South Dakota.
The Assistant Preserve Manager plays a key role in implementing management on the Ordway Prairie Preserve by assisting with management of invasive plant species, grazing management, fire management, as well as research and monitoring projects. They will assist with care of the bison herd and annual roundups. The APM will assist with developing and implementing processes for data management using technology such mobile devices, ArcGIS online, or databases. The APM will assist the MN-ND-SD Chapter’s Stewardship team by assisting with administrative support, outreach, information management, or filling capacity gaps on specific projects as needed.
While this position will work primarily from the Ordway Prairie Preserve office, there will be occasional opportunities to travel and stay overnight at other work locations, especially as needed to assist with prescribed fire and for trainings or conferences. Occasionally, the APM will be required to work irregular hours and long days.
In order to effectively conduct the essential functions of the position, the Assistant Preserve Manager will live within a reasonable distance of the preserve, agreed upon with the supervisor, in order to respond to urgent and routine issues and events on the preserve including but not limited to cattle and bison management, security, equipment failures, and visitors. Housing for the Assistant Preserve Manager may be available for lease on the preserve.
We’re Looking for You:
Are you looking for work you can believe in? At TNC we strive to embody a philosophy of Work that You Can Believe in, where you can feel like you are making a difference every day. The Assistant Preserve Manager also has the job of creating Work You Can Stomp Around in.
We’re looking for someone with strong communication and collaboration skills as well as a desire to learn and grow professionally. This is an opportunity for someone that enjoys both working outdoors in nature as well as the office/academic work of planning, evaluating, and presenting information.
What You’ll Bring:
BA/BS/AS/Technical or vocational degree in a science-related field and 1-year related experience in custodial and ecological land management or a similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience with natural systems.
Experience in ecological land management principles.
Experience operating and or repairing various types of equipment and machinery.
