Job Details

Job Details

Level
Entry

Job Location
Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma - Pawnee, OK

Secondary Job Location(s)
Undisclosed

Remote Type
N/A

Position Type
Internship

Education Level
High School

Salary Range
Undisclosed

Travel Percentage
Undisclosed

Job Shift
Day

Job Category
Undisclosed

Description

Job Title

Taraha' (Buffalo) Apprentice

Department

Taraha' (Buffalo) Department

Division

Division of Agriculture

Supervisor

Division Director

Position Overview

The Taraha' (Buffalo) Apprentice is responsible for developing planning documents for the Pawnee Nation's nascent buffalo (Bison bison) herd while attending all trainings designated by InterTribal Buffalo Council program staff as a part of the ITBC Apprenticeship reimbursement program through May 31, 2026, at which time there will be a possibility of continued employment. Other necessary activities include regular meetings with Division staff and completing a monthly log of efforts for the funding organization.

Essential Functions

(Note: The following list of essential functions is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary.)

1. Attend every training required by ITBC for the Apprenticeship program and provide a report of information learned to Division staff (or other leadership as requested.)
2. Keep a daily log of activities performed related to Apprenticeship activities to submit monthly within the first week of the following month in accordance with the requirements of the funding organization.
3. Research and discuss Best Management Practices for buffalo herd management with Division staff.
4. Provide a monthly oral report to the Pawnee Nation Agriculture Committee on activities and collect their feedback to discuss and incorporate if possible.
5. Follow written protocols to sample pasture soil, vegetation, and wildlife species.
6. Able to work alone and in a team environment with a strong sense of accountability and insight to communicate with proper management.
7. Uses tools ranging from soil sampling equipment to and sampling equipment such as a leaf blower or sweep net, and fence post driver.
8. Maintains a clean, organized office space for files and storage area for tools, equipment, and supplies;
9. Ability to obtain a Real ID for air travel.
10. Must be willing to travel occasionally via automobile and air to attend trainings.
11. Performs emergency maintenance duties, when necessary, under direction.
12. Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
13. Performs other duties, as assigned and within the scope of the position.

Qualifications

Educational

Requirements

Minimum: High School Diploma or GED

Experience

Requirements

Minimum: No previous experience is necessary although experience working with animals is strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Computer:

1. Familiarity with Microsoft applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and various internet browsers, etc.;

Communication:

1. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions;
2. Ability to create written reports using technical writing skills;
3. Ability to use simple Excel functions to create tables, charts, and graphs;
4. Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships;
5. Ability to assist others and perform as a member of a team;
6. Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.

Miscellaneous:

1. Must meet the physical demands of the position.
2. Must be willing to take instruction and feedback while learning new skills and information;
3. Must be interested in large animal husbandry, wildlife, and Pawnee cultural learnings;
4. Must demonstrate strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize.
5. Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work well under pressure.
6. Must be able to lift heavy equipment;
7. Must wear proper clothing and footwear;
8. Ability to maintain confidentiality;
9. Must work independently;
10. Must possess a valid drivers' license and be insurable with the Pawnee Nation's insurance carrier.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

Work duties will be performed approximately 70% of the time indoors with climate control and access to a seated desk with computer. 30% of duties will be completed outside, where exposure to natural weather conditions, extreme heat or cold, and various air pollutants such as dusts and pollen may occur. Prolonged standing and walking may be on uneven surfaces or unstable ground, in remote, steep, rugged, areas with unimproved dirt roads and trails. Situations may occur where prolonged sitting, driving, walking, or waiting is required. Evening, weekend, and/or holiday work is uncommon but may be required.