Ecological Monitoring Technician

The Ecological Monitoring Technician position at the Student Conservation Association involves collecting and analyzing ecological data to support land management efforts in Minnesota's prairies. Responsibilities include GIS data collection, plant species identification, and conducting surveys. The role requires a high school diploma and offers a living allowance, travel reimbursement, and health insurance. The job is based in Cushing, MN, with provided housing, making it not a remote position.
Position Summary

The Ecological Monitoring Technicians will be part of The Nature Conservancy’s Central Minnesota stewardship team and will collect ecological monitoring data that will be used to evaluate and adjust land management efforts. Data from monitoring protocols will be analyzed to determine broad changes in the condition of native grasslands in response to grazing, restoration, prescribed fire, and other land management techniques. Data will also contribute to a coordinated effort to compare management practices across land ownership types throughout the northern tallgrass prairie region. This team will fill a critical role in helping TNC and the Grassland Monitoring Collaborative continue to build and learn from a long-term data set on managed prairies. This is an excellent opportunity to apply leaned GIS skills in a conservation setting, enhance botanical skills, and explore the unique beauty and biodiversity of Minnesota prairies.

Schedule

June 16, 2025 – August 15, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities
• GIS data collection and analysis
• Rapid belt transect surveys in coordination with TNC staff and partners
• Data management in an office setting
• Native and invasive plant species identification.

Marginal Duties
• Prairie seed collection and processing
• Invasive species mitigation
• Tree and brush removal; Prescribed fire operations
• Use/maintenance of equipment such as chainsaws, brush cutters, hand tools, etc.

Required Qualifications

High school diploma

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Members will be housed in TNC-provided crew housing located near Cushing, Minnesota. The house is in a remote location and a personal vehicle is necessary to access amenities in nearby Brainerd, MN. The crew house has 3+ bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, full kitchen amenities, and laundry on-site. Travel to other work areas across the state may be required, and suitable housing will be provided on such occasions.

Compensation
• $450/week Living Allowance
• $1,100 To/From Travel Allowance
• paid one with first paycheck $275 reimbursable fire boot allowance (for purchase of fire boots)
• Free Housing – Shared crew house environment
• Health Insurance (if needed)

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Recommended

Additional Benefits
• Off-Road Vehicle Safety
• Health Insurance
• AmeriCorps: Eligible/Optional

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.