CAREERS & INTERNSHIPS
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Deadline to apply is April 30, 2024
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To apply please click the link above to send an email including a cover letter, resume, and 3 references to Tanka Fund (zintkala.eiring@tankafund.org and cc janet.moore@tankafund.org)
CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES
SUMMER INTERN POSITION DESCRIPTION
Title: Range Technician Intern
Organization: Tanka Fund
Location: Remote (travel required – mileage reimbursement & per diem provided) Job Type: Full-time
Hourly: $15/hr X 40/wk X 12 weeks (June 10, 2024 – August 30, 2024)
This position is with the Tanka Fund a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that aims to revitalize Native American buffalo populations, ecosystems, and economies. The organization provides grants, technical assistance, and other resources to Native American tribal producers that are working to restore buffalo populations and promote sustainable buffalo-based businesses. Tanka Fund’s mission is to: “Empower Native American ranchers to restore and sustain an economy that centers around buffalo. Through capacity building and access to the capital that will, in turn, underwrite self-sufficiency and sovereignty.” The goal is “to convert one million acres of virgin prairie to regenerative agriculture built around a buffalo-based economy”.
Job Description:
The Range Technician Intern position is under the “Grass is Greener on the Other Side: Climate Smart Beef and Bison Commodities”, a 5-year grant awarded to Tanka Fund in 2023 by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Partnership for Climate Smart Commodities Program. Partners include the South Dakota State University – Center of Excellence for Bison Studies and the National Bison Association.
The Range Technician Intern will work closely with the Tanka Fund Range Ecologist, Range Ecologist Technical Assistant, Senior Technical Assistance Coordinator, other interns, as well as range consultants on outreach, set-up, and monitoring of climate-smart practices for buffalo and cattle caretakers in the United States. The Range Technician Intern will be responsible for data collection and monitoring, as well as reporting. This position is supervised by the Tanka Fund Range Ecologist.
Duties include:
- Undertaking an independent buffalo-related research project/essay that focuses in one or more of the subject areas: 1) traditional ecological knowledge, 2) health, 3) range ecology
- Assist in providing technical assistance and support to minority or disadvantaged buffalo and cattle caretakers (private landowners, including native, women, veterans, and small business)
- Develop and sustain cooperative working relationships with caretakers and conservation groups, as well as other natural resource professionals
- Provide support to buffalo and cattle operation management plans (drought mitigation induced by climate change)
- Assist in training, outreach, workshops, and field exercises regarding climate-smart practices
- Assist in recruiting and enrolling caretakers in the climate smart incentives program
- Work with a diverse group of people including state, federal, and non-government resource
professionals, agricultural producers, and the general public
- Understand range management principles and implementation of grazing systems
- Conduct site visits to caretakers
- Utilize Microsoft software programs, google maps, and other relevant technology
- Interpret study and research findings for the benefit of internal and external stakeholders
- Other special duties as assigned
Tanka Fund affords equal opportunity to all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age or any other personal characteristic which does not bring into question an individual’s personal integrity or ability to do his/her/their job. Tanka Fund will give Indian preference to individuals who can prove tribal membership. Tanka Fund will hire individuals who are qualified based on the specific needs of the organization.
South Dakota is a right to work state. Any employee, consultant, or contractor may be immediately terminated with or without cause at the will of the corporation unless the terms of an individual agreement specify otherwise.