Position Title
Prairie Stewardship Assistant. 24 to 40 hours weekly. This is a field position that does not report to an office. Position located in Springfield or Joplin areas, or in any of the following counties: Lawrence, Dade, Benton, St. Clair, Barton, Vernon, Lawrence, Polk, or Hickory Counties. Must have a personal pickup truck and a valid driver’s license.
Salary Range
Seasonal position. $18-$20 an hour based on experience. Mileage reimbursed. Field apparel allowance.
Duties and Responsibilities
Works with and under the supervisor of the Missouri Prairie Foundation (MPF) Director of Prairie Management to carry out the following work:
—Identification and treatment of non-native, invasive herbaceous plants with targeted, careful use of specific herbicides
—Identification and treatment of invasive woody growth, with herbicide and mechanical means—Prescribed burning, including fire line preparation
—Maintain work log including mileage documentation, hours worked, herbicide mixed/used, and acreage covered
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, wildlife management, ecology, biology, botany, or related field or high school diploma with at least two years experience in invasive plant control, prescribed burning, or natural resources management.
Skills, knowledge, and abilities
The following set of skills, knowledge, and abilities are necessary for this position:
—Prairie plant and invasive plant identification
—Herbicide preparation and application
—Equipment maintenance: sprayers, UTV/ATV, chainsaw
—Good written documentation skills
—Operate a motor vehicle
—Work out-of-doors in extreme hot or cold temperatures
—Walk in rough terrain and participate on-the-ground with prescribed burns
—Express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
—Travel and stay overnight occasionally
Preferred but not required
—Knowledge of prairie ecosystems, particularly prairie biota
—Experience in prairie, natural resource, or land management
Core Competencies and Special Ability Requirements
Ability to:
Accept all responsibilities of the job and assigned tasks
Accept change, new information, and carry out agreed-upon plans
Work independently with self-motivation
Define a problem, analyze relevant information, and develop solutions and plans to solve the problem
Develop and sustain cooperative working relationships with willingness to communicate concerns
Demonstrate technical proficiency in areas of responsibility
Create and sustain an atmosphere in which timely, quality information flows between self and others, and express facts and ideas in a convincing manner whether one-on-one or within or before groups
Take a long-term view of the MPF’s direction and articulate a vision that integrates key program goals, priorities, values, and other factors
Demonstrate regular and predictable attendance
To apply for this position, please send resume, at least three references, and summary of education and work experience so it is received by December 31, 2022 to
Jerod Huebner
Director of Prairie Management
Jerod.huebner@gmail.com
Questions welcomed. Questions may be directed to Jerod.huebner@gmail.com or 417-414-4700.
Download Job Description PDF
About the Missouri Prairie Foundation:
The Missouri Prairie Foundation (MPF) is a 56-year-old land trust that owns and manages 30 properties around the state including many original, unplowed prairies of exceptional prairie biota. These are rare and biologically diverse natural communities and natural treasures. MPF has a reputation for excellent prairie management. These properties are open to the public to enjoy for nature study, birding, and in some cases, limited hunting.
MPF organizes many events throughout the year to educate and inform about Missouri’s prairie legacy. MPF also runs the 22-year-old Grow Native! native plant marketing and education program and administers the Missouri Invasive Plant Council (MoIP).
Missouri Prairie Foundation Vision:
For the benefit of present and future generations, we envision original prairie protected forever, an abundance of prairie plantings, native plants in widespread use in developed landscapes, and systematic control of invasive plants.
Missouri Prairie Foundation Mission:
The mission of the Missouri Prairie Foundation is to protect and restore prairie and other native
grassland communities through land acquisition, management, education, and research; to
promote the use of native plants through its Grow Native! program; and to support the control of
invasive plants through its administration of the Missouri Invasive Plant Council.
Photo: Randy Haas