Project Specialist- Access and Infrastructure

Job Description

TITLE: Project Specialist- Access and Infrastructure

DIVISION: Conservation

DEPARTMENT: Access and Infrastructure

REPORTS TO: Project Manager- Access and Infrastructure

LOCATION: Lewistown

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

GROUP: Core

HOURS PER WEEK: Full-Time, averaging 40 hours per week

BENEFITS:

Paid Vacation

Paid National Holidays

Paid Sick Days

Paid Volunteer Hours

401K with up to 3% employer match

Medical Insurance with optional Flexible Savings or

Health Savings Account & Dependent Care Account

Short-term Disability Insurance

Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, Critical Illness, & Accident Insurance

Reserve Lodging Perks

Corporate Discounts

Flexible Scheduling

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee. Employees are expected to be responsible for and assist with additional tasks and duties as needed. Job descriptions may change to meet the business needs of the organization.

JOB PURPOSE: The Project Specialist- Access and Infrastructure will be responsible for maintaining and improving facilities, grounds, and infrastructure across American Prairie. This role involves hands-on work to ensure access points, public use areas, equipment, vehicles, facilities, and landscape spanning over 500,000 acres is well maintained, safe, and accessible. This role will assist the Project Manager in coordination and execution of routine maintenance, assist in day to day supervision of contractors and technicians, and support project development as required. From time to time, this role will also assist with habitat restoration.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES:

90% Maintenance Operations

Routine maintenance and repairs of buildings, bridges, access roads, campgrounds, other public facilities, water/ septic, and stationary equipment.

Complete routine inspections and assessments of facilities and other infrastructure to identify and resolve potential hazards.

Assist in the construction, renovation and, and improvement of field facilities.

Perform landscaping around facilities and campgrounds including lawn maintenance, fencing, snow removal and sign repair.

Complete light plumbing and electrical projects including repairing/replacement of appliances, HVAC, fixtures, and generators.

Operate and maintain equipment such as mowers, vehicles, ATVs, tractors, and other tools and heavy equipment used for grounds maintenance and infrastructure projects.

Coordinate bulk fuel and propane tank fill ups at all facilities.

Organize and maintain an inventory of tools, equipment, and supplies needed. Ensure availability of materials for planned projects and anticipated repairs.

Document maintenance activities, and project progress using digital platforms (SalesForce, ESRI)

Report and escalate issues as needed to the Project Manager

Assist with coordination of contract work as needed.

Be a resource to Project Technicians in daily duties. Provide guidance, clarify work plans, and offer support to team members, while ensuring individual responsibility for task execution.

Transport goods and materials to and from properties including purchasing supplies, trailering vehicles/equipment, and waste removal.

Adhere to, train, and role model safety protocols including use of protective equipment, safe practices and report damage safety concerns and injuries.

5% Habitat Restoration

Assist with fire control and suppression.

5% Public Access

Assist with monitoring of hunters and other visitors.

Provide relief coverage of Antelope Creek Campground as coordinated by the Public Access Manager

Assist with volunteers and staff members to coordinate larger maintenance projects, providing technical support and direction.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

Enthusiasm for and positive representation of American Prairie’s mission, values, goals, and culture.

2-5+ years of experience in maintenance and/ or construction required, including basic plumbing, electrical, HVAC, water/septic, and basic vehicle repairs.

Demonstrate a proactive and motivated work ethic with ability to work quickly and efficiently to complete tasks and responsibilities with appropriate prioritization and ability to stay within a budget.

Work independently as well as collaboratively with others.

Technology skills to manage communications, record keeping, data and documents using a smartphone and laptop. Required applications include Esri tools, Gmail, Box, expense reports, project management and reservation software.

Intermediate math skills and ability to communicate well verbally and in writing.

Ability to complete job duties to the specification set forth by employer and in a manner that meets health, sanitation and safety standards and policies including appropriate use of safety and protective equipment.

Ability to use cleaning products and tools such as disinfectants, degreasers, solvents, brooms, vacuum, etc.

Awareness and readiness to handle encounters with wildlife.

Technology proficiency including mapping software and collaboration tools.

Ability to perform physically demanding tasks outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, wind, rain).

Walking or hiking long distances across uneven terrain or steep slopes.

Ability to lift, carry, and handle heavy equipment or materials weighing up to 50 pounds.

Ability to use maintenance tools and equipment such as hand tools and power tools.

Manual dexterity to use tools, equipment, and machinery with precision in field conditions including but not limited to pickups, tractors, backhoe, skid-steer, snowmobiles, UTVs and ATVs.

Balance and coordination to work safely in slippery, muddy, or uneven areas.

Ability to climb, bend, crouch, kneel, and reach overhead while working.

Tolerance to smoke exposure and readiness to wear protective equipment.

Ability and willingness to drive long distances alone in remote areas and safely navigate dangerous road conditions including poorly maintained roads, “gumbo” mud, and snow/ice.

Valid drivers’ license and acceptable driving record.

Wilderness first aid (provided).

Ability to work varied or long hours, on-call hours, evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.

Significant amount of travel required. Minimum of 25% of the time spent commuting to work sites.

Ability to complete 4-6 overnight trips per month.

Preferred

Supervisory experience.

Familiarity with prairie ecosystems or conservation lands.

Experience working in a nonprofit or public land management setting.

Knowledge of environmental regulations related to public access and land use.

Full-time