Bison Herd Coordinator

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) seeks a full-time, year-round Bison Herd Coordinator to manage one of North America’s most iconic species. Enjoy weekly pay, health benefits, and on-site clinics.

Responsibilities

• Perform bison husbandry, daily health, and safety checks.
• Communicate health assessments, prairie habitat condition, and bison behavior to supervisor weekly and to the Bison Work Group quarterly or as needed.
• Maintain fencing, watering infrastructure, and bison handling equipment; make repairs when necessary and report needs to supervisor.
• Coordinate replacements and repairs with appropriate departments.
• Follow bison management plan, grazing strategy, safety protocols, and emergency management plan; assist in emergencies.
• Observe and report herd behavior to supervisor monthly.
• Organize annual round-up and wellness checks with internal staff and partners.
• Manage disposition of surplus bison and movement of bison.
• Coordinate with supervisor and other departments to provide educational and viewing opportunities for Community members.
• Collaborate with outside organizations (MN Zoo, InterTribal Buffalo Council, National Bison Association, MN Bison Association, MN Bison Conservation Herd, etc.) to maintain herd success.
• Serve as an information source for interested parties and the Community.
• Assist with training staff, partners, and Community members in safety protocols regarding the bison herd.
• Stay current on bison husbandry, ecology, and best practices, including attending out-of-state trainings.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Range Science, Farm and Ranch Management, Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Management, or a closely related field; OR
• Four years of relevant experience with bison husbandry, management, and handling; OR
• A combination of education and experience equal to or exceeding four years, including working with bison and education in animal science or natural resources management.
• Cultural awareness and understanding of bison, including experience with bison cultural teachings.
• Experience operating farm tractors, UTVs, and trailers; preference for candidates with experience maintaining and using small engines, chainsaws, and brush saws or commitment to participate in job safety training.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to exhibit objectivity, openness to others’ views, and give and welcome feedback.
• Basic computer proficiency, including word processing, electronic mail, and related business software.
• Detail-oriented and disciplined to perform routine tasks under adverse conditions.
• May require a valid Class D driver’s license with a good driving record.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Generous PTO package, including outreach hours for volunteer work through the #SMSCgives program.
• Discounts on childcare, fuel, bus passes, and fitness memberships.
• Free uniforms and free uniform cleaning.
• Tuition reimbursement.

About the Organization

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) contributes time and financial resources across the region, state, and country, having donated over $400 million to organizations and causes, provided $500 million in economic development loans to other tribes, and supported regional governments and infrastructure. The SMSC’s Native Green initiative diverts hundreds of tons of waste from landfills, implements compostable containers, and restores hundreds of acres of prairie land. Team members may participate in SMSC Gives, a community outreach initiative offering paid volunteer hours to engage in the Dakota tradition of giving.