Nature Conservancy: Naturalist Position in Montana

The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make
a positive impact around the world in more than 30 countries, all 50 United
States, and your backyard. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature
Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.

Visit www.nature.org/aboutus to learn more.

Position Description:

• The Wrangler/Naturalist is responsible for filling dual roles at the Pine Butte Guest Ranch in Montana, splitting time as a Naturalist and as a Wrangler depending on the needs of the guests. As a Naturalist, this position is responsible for leading educational outings for the guests of Pine Butte Guest Ranch. While filling the role of Wrangler, this position is responsible for assisting in the care of the horses and leading day rides for guests.  This position works closely with the guests to insure their safety and comfort while riding or hiking.  The Wrangler/Naturalist is under the supervision of the Ranch Manager.
• There is much contact with the public as well as other ranch staff. The duties of the Wrangler/Naturalist may include any of the following functions:
• Assisting theSeasonal Naturalist by leading or co-leading hikes, van excursions, field trips, slide shows, and other natural history activities.
• Providing information to Pine Butte Guest Ranch clients on native flora, a wide spectrum of wildlife, local ecology, geology, field ornithology, and other natural history subjects.
• Familiarizing ranch guests with The Nature Conservancy and its goals on Pine Butte Swamp Preserve and along the Rocky Mountain Front.
• Insuring the safety and comfort of all riders.
• Leading half-day and full-day rides out of the guest ranch.
• Assisting in the care of horses, including watering, feeding, wrangling, shoeing and veterinary care.
• Assisting in the cleaning of the tack shed, corrals, hitching rack, and barn area.
• Performing any other ranch chores as needed, including but not limited to trail building, fencing, splitting and distributing firewood, controlling noxious weeds, and driving to town for errands.
• Contributing to a friendly, warm ranch atmosphere.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

Compensation: $9.00/hr plus a 401k plan, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment.

Basic Qualifications:

• High school diploma and 1 year related experience.
• Horsemanship experience and skills
• Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
• Experience in using and maintaining related equipment.
• Experience performing physical work

Preferred Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent with at least 1 year of experience.
• Able to lead hikes up to 10 miles in length through mountainous terrain at altitudes of up to 9,000’ while instructing, educating and entertaining guests.
• WFR preferred, but not required.
• Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Experience or knowledge of natural systems helpful but not required.
• Ability to complete tasks within assigned timeframes, possibly in the absence of supervision.
• Experience or ability to safely use and maintain tools and equipment.
• First Aid and CPR certification (may be obtained after hire).
• Will be working with the public and must present a professional image at all times.
• Experience in customer service

This is a full-time (40 hours/week), temporary position with employment dates of May 10, 2013 – October 9, 2013.

Residence at Pine Butte Guest Ranch a requirement, meals included.

To Apply, submit resume and cover letter as one document. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 6, 2013.