Habitat Restoration Technician

Overview Title: Habitat Restoration Technician Supervisor: Central Regional Director Location: Beatrice, Nebraska Salary: Estimated at $40,850*; Based on experience Term of Position: This position is funded for up to 4 years and is supported through outside funding commitments. Grants are subject to periodic reviews to confirm the continuation of funding. The role may include collaboration with our Development team to help ensure sustained support; ongoing employment is contingent upon the availability of grant funding and partner commitments. Application Deadline: August 11, 2026; Open until filled. Position Summary This is a full-time limited term position with American Bird Conservancy (ABC). ABC is a fast-growing nonprofit seeking employees with an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to make a difference for birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. ABC aims to achieve lasting results for bird species in need while benefiting human communities, biodiversity, and the planet’s climate. ABC is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Habitat Restoration Technician to support habitat restoration and management efforts in partnership with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC). This position is funded through the Nebraska Natural Legacy Project and is based at the NGPC office in Beatrice, Nebraska. Most field work will occur at Indian Cave State Park and other conservation lands in southeast Nebraska. The Habitat Restoration Technician will assist with the implementation of woodland and prairie restoration projects that improve habitat for birds and other wildlife. Working alongside experienced conservation professionals, the successful candidate will gain hands-on experience in habitat management, invasive plant control, prescribed fire, conservation planning, private lands conservation, and bird monitoring. This position provides valuable experience for careers in habitat management, wildlife conservation, and natural resource management, making it an excellent opportunity for recent graduates and early-career conservation professionals. Primary Duties Assist with invasive plant control using mechanical, chemical, and integrated vegetation management techniques. Help prepare and maintain firebreaks and participate in prescribed fire operations as qualified. Assist with woodland restoration activities, including stand thinning and other habitat management practices. Support habitat improvement projects on both public and private lands. Assist with bird monitoring and other biological surveys to evaluate habitat management outcomes. Collect field data and enter project information into databases. Assist with mapping projects using GIS and GPS technology. Support the development and implementation of habitat management plans. Assist with workshops, outreach events, educational presentations, and landowner visits. Safely operate and maintain equipment, vehicles, and tools used in habitat management. Perform other conservation-related duties as assigned. Professional Development Opportunities The Habitat Restoration Technician will have opportunities to develop technical and professional skills through training and mentorship, possibly including: NWCG wildland fire training and participation in prescribed fire operations. State prescribed burn and herbicide applicator certifications, as appropriate. Experience conducting bird monitoring and habitat assessments. Experience working directly with private landowners to support voluntary conservation projects. Training in GIS, habitat planning, and ecological restoration techniques. Collaboration with biologists from the American Bird Conservancy and Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Benefits ABC fosters a mission-driven, collaborative, and supportive workplace where staff are respected and connected by a shared purpose. ABC offers strong benefits, a 35-hour work week, generous leave policies, and flexible, remote-friendly work arrangements. Excellent benefits package includes medical, dental, flexible spending accounts, and employer-matched retirement savings. Paid vacation days (starting at 15 days annually and increasing to 20 days after 1 year of employment), paid holidays (including US holidays and ABC holidays) and sick leave. Lodging, meals, and transportation covered for work-related travel away from home where applicable. Rental vehicle or personal mileage reimbursement where applicable. To Apply Please apply online at Paylocity. If you have difficulties uploading your resume and cover letter, please send them as one document to HR at abcbirds.org. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in ecology, wildlife biology, forestry, range management, natural resources, or a closely related field. Experience with native prairie or woodland management through coursework, internships, seasonal employment, or volunteer activities. Interest in native plant communities, wildlife habitat, and ecological restoration. Basic knowledge of grassland and woodland ecology. Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills. Ability to learn new field techniques and safely operate equipment. Willingness to obtain herbicide applicator certification and participate in prescribed fire training. Ability to safely operate pickup trucks, UTVs, ATVs, chainsaws, backpack sprayers, pumper units, and other field equipment following appropriate training. Valid driver’s license and ability to travel throughout the project area. Ability to work independently and collaboratively with agency staff, conservation partners, and private landowners. Frequent outdoor work, including hiking over uneven terrain, lifting up to 50 pounds, operating equipment, and working in hot, cold, wet, smoky, or challenging field conditions. May be required to use a personal cell phone to access ABC systems remotely. Authorized to work in the US or Permanent Resident. Occasional air and car travel may be required. Background screening required. Preferred Familiarity with invasive plant identification and management techniques. Experience or interest in prescribed fire. Experience using GIS, GPS, Microsoft Office, or other natural resource software. #J-18808-Ljbffr