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 performs 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.

Were 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 worlds toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. Were 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 Youll Bring :

High school diploma or GED and 1 years 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 drivers 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. 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.

Qualified or able to obtain a South Dakota Pesticide Applicators License.

This position requires a valid drivers license and compliance with TNCs 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 the Auto Safety information page 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 employees motor vehicle record.

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 candidates actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors including for example the candidates 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.

Who We Are :

The Nature Conservancys 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 worlds toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. Were rooted in our mission and guided by our values which include respect for all people communities and cultures. Whether its career development flexible schedules or a rewarding mission theres many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are addition to the requirements in our job postings we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicants unique experience. Please apply wed love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC youll join for the mission and stay for the people.

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.

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

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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 Conservancys 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 with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

Required Experience :

IC

Key Skills

Aeronautical,Healthcare Attorney,Fitness,General Services,Account Management,Export Documentation

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1

Hourly Salary Salary : 18 - 19