The 4300-acre Whitney Preserve is located in southwest South Dakota on the eastern edge of a large, undeveloped landscape where elements of sage lands, pine forest and mixed grasslands come together. The convergence of these habitat types makes this area important for conservation. Whitney Preserve is adjacent to beautiful Cascade Springs, the largest perennial spring and one of only two warm springs found in the Black Hills. The preserve protects over two miles of Cascade Creek which supports populations of four rare plant species.

The Conservation Management Technician will assist our team with on-going conservation work, including but not limited to: monitoring and management of invasive species, thinning non-native trees, maintaining fencing for rotational grazing, monitoring the health of native plant and animal communities, and partnering with neighbors and local landowners to advance conservation. maintains tools and equipment, operates heavy machinery, and cares for both office and shop buildings.

The Conservation Management Technician will be based at the Whitney Preserve office near Hot Springs, SD.

Pay for this position is $22.00 – 24.00/hr depending on experience and includes a full benefit package. A private room in the office building with shared kitchen and bathroom is available for the person in this position. This is a new position with funding secured through June 30, 2025.

Responsibilities may include:

Land Management, 60%

• Implement preserve management plans, which may include monitoring of rare plants species and rangeland health, research, and restoration.
• Timber thinning and exotic species control
• May also manage livestock grazing rotations and assist with wildlife friendly fence construction
• Fire break construction and wildfire preparedness
• Easement monitoring

General Public Activities, 5%

• Coordinate field trips and volunteer stewardship workdays.
• Maintain public hiking trail

Maintenance, 25%

• Building maintenance (painting, plumbing, electrical, yard maintenance, etc.).
• Land/trail maintenance (remove fallen trees, road repair, mowing, etc.).
• Equipment maintenance (oil change on equipment, etc.).

Administration, 10%

• Accurately and timely completion of required reports and other items such as timesheet and expense reports.
• Maintain accurate preserve records using a database, PC or mobile device.
• Maintain database for monitoring information such as rare species, plant density, and
• May create and compile GIS information and databases for the Whitney Preserve