About

Careers

The Crane Trust, Inc. is a non-profit organization devoted to addressing protection and enhancement solutions in order to mirror the unique and extraordinary habitat that has been used by the endangered whooping crane, two sub-species of sandhill cranes and other migratory birds along the Big Bend Region of the Platte River Valley in Nebraska.


The Crane Trust consists of two facilities: the main campus includes the headquarter office, research laboratory, Pietrok VIP viewing blinds, and Legacy Cabins. The second facility is the beautiful nature and visitor center located off I-80 exit 305 which welcomes guests to the Crane Trust’s rare, protected lands year round and to the great sandhill crane migration in the spring. With an art gallery, gift shop, butterfly garden, roughly 10 miles of nature trails, and a herd of genetically pure American bison, there is plenty for visitors to do during their visit.

Our compelling mission creates the foundation for rewarding and challenging careers. With a small, dedicated staff consisting of a diverse background including biologists, land managers, fundraising, marketing, and other professionals, everyone contributes to our mission of conservation and the enhancement of this rare ecosystem, including 4,500 continuous acres of native grassland prairie, wet meadows and an uninterrupted seven-mile stretch of the historic Platte River. Whatever your expertise, you’ll find an environment that encourages innovation and collaboration.


Current Employment Opportunities:

Job Opportunities at the Crane Trust for 2024:

Director of Conservation Research

Location:       6611 W. Whooping Crane Drive, Wood River, NE 68883                      

Status:            Exempt

Reports to:    President & CEO

Date:               Open until filled

Salary:            65,000 – 75,000 USD

Website:         cranetrust.org

How to Apply:   Please email your resume/CV and cover letter to info@cranetrust.org

Formed in 1978, the Crane Trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and maintaining critical habitats for Whooping Cranes, Sandhill Cranes, and other migratory birds along the Big Bend Region of the Platte River Valley through sound science, habitat management, community outreach, and education.

The Crane Trust is located at Exit 305 on Interstate 80 and is centralized near Kearney, Grand Island, and Hastings communities in south-central Nebraska. Crane Trust owns approximately 6,000 acres of fee-title property and 2,500 easement acres and works with other landowners and conservation partners to restore, protect, and maintain the natural landscape throughout our eighty-mile mission area.

Position Description

We seek a Director of Conservation Research (DCR) to head the Crane Trust's science program. This position will supervise the Crane Trust's science team, which includes Habitat Ecologists, Wildlife Biologists, Biological Science Technicians, and Threatened and Endangered Species Specialists, and serve as a direct point of contact for graduate students working at the preserve.

Essential duties of the position include but are not limited to:

Overseeing research projects on diverse subjects, including wetlands, braided rivers, Whooping Cranes, Sandhill Cranes, avian ecology, plant communities, landscape ecology, and aquatic ecology. 

Providing professional guidance and mentorship to team members regarding research, data management, analysis, and quality assessment. 

Applying for and successfully garnering sizable grants to fund cooperative research efforts. 

Grant tracking and management, including report writing. 

Regularly leading and supporting staff and partners in research publications in all steps of the publication process, including resource acquisition, concept and study design, data collection, statistical analysis, manuscript writing, editing, reviewing, and communicating results both internally for Crane Trust’s adaptive land management plan and externally for Platte River comprehensive management, policy decision-making, and community outreach. 

Visiting with donors throughout the year to help raise awareness of our mission and help garner financial support for the organization.  

Supervising science team staff, including administrative duties, scheduling, evaluations, and board reports.

Representing the Crane Trust on conservation policy boards and committees.

Collaborating with conservation partners. 

Required Qualifications

Strong applicants should have experience with long-term research programs and demonstrate subject matter knowledge of wetland ecology, hydrology, grasslands, avian conservation, and crane ecology. 

Applicants should have a master's degree in natural resources, wildlife biology, ecology, hydrology, range science, botany, agricultural science, or a related field. 

Applicants should also have at least five years of relevant professional experience outside of graduate school, a strong publication record, grant application and management experience, and a demonstrated ability to lead applied science projects. 

Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential. 

Skilled in statistical analysis software (preferably R), ArcGIS, Microsoft Office, Google Earth Pro, DNR Garmin, and other programs often used in Natural Resources Research is preferred. 

Valid driver's license.

Deadline: Open until filled. 

Application Instructions

To apply, send one document, preferably a PDF, containing your resume/CV, contact information, at least three references, and a cover letter no longer than 1 page detailing your interests in our science program, your skill set, meaningful experiences (educational, volunteer, or work highlights), and a little about your philosophy on conservation and work. Please email applications to info@cranetrust.org or the address below.

Contact Information:

Wendy Bailey
Director of Finance & Human Resources
Crane Trust
9325 S. Alda Rd.
Wood River, NE 68883

info@cranetrust.org

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INTERN OPPORTUNITIES 2023/2024. We have two open positions for science interns, one intern position in Land Management 

1. Intern Opportunities for Lila O. Wilson Position - 2023/2024 Job Description:

Lila O. Wilson Biological Monitoring Fellowship

Position Type: Full-Time Term Fellowship

Date of Employment: May 16th, 2024 to April 15th, 2025

Location: Wood River, NE

Stipend: $2,000/month with dormitory-style housing provided

Website: cranetrust.org

Description

We are currently seeking one Biological Monitoring Fellow to serve as part of our science team at the Crane Trust for the upcoming 2024 field season and 2025 crane season. The Biological Monitoring Fellow will be working on a variety of projects that are a part of our Long-Term Monitoring Plan and duties described below. This Fellowship is a great opportunity to learn the dynamics of wholistic conservation in a declining but biologically important habitat. The position is generously supported by Johanna DeStefano, Professor Emeritus at The Ohio State University, and named after her mother, Lila. O. Wilson, a curious and passionate high school biology teacher from Springfield, Oregon, who shared her love of the natural environment with many.

Projects and Duties

Avian- Assisting with avian point count surveys throughout all seasons as well as helping with Greater Prairie Chicken lek monitoring.

Vegetation- Helping record data for the assessment of management strategies for a variety of vegetative communities throughout Crane Trust land. Reading taxonomic keys to identify species. Contributing to our herbarium and plant pressing. Collecting native seeds for Crane Trust prairie restorations.

Anuran- Learning and conducting field-based anuran call surveys.

Butterfly Species of Concern Surveys- Conducting surveys for Regal Fritillary and Monarch butterflies.

Small Mammal- Setting Sherman box traps along long-term monitoring transects to collect species diversity and abundance data. Identifying small mammal species.

Fish Seining- Surveying sloughs for fish species and associated community using sein nets. 

Bison Health - Collecting and processing bison biometric data for long-term genetic and health studies.

Whooping Cranes – Assist with behavioral monitoring during migration seasons.

Sandhill Cranes – Educating Crane Trust guests during spring crane season at our Nature and Visitor Center along with assisting staff and volunteers with crane season events and tours. 

Data Collection and Entry – Keeping accurate and organized data for all surveys and entering data into digital databases.

Scientific Research – Assisting with scientific manuscripts at different stages of publication (data analysis, writing, etc.) based on interest, skill level, and personal initiative.

Conservation Storytelling – Documenting their fellowship experience and producing media content to tell the story of conservation in the Central Platte River Valley.

Qualifications

A college degree with a major or minor in the biological sciences, natural resources, botany, range

science, ecology, wildlife biology, agriculture, or a related field. If you do not have a degree or official

minor in one of these fields, college credits equivalent to a minor (~24 credits in biological sciences) will

be acceptable. Field experience is a bonus, whether in class, for work, or for an internship. A personal connection to and enjoyment of nature is foundational to a successful fellowship experience. The fellow is required to learn and conduct specific protocols associated with above duties. A strong drive to learn, grow and take initiative often sets apart excellent candidates from good candidates. Our tallgrass prairie system is extremely beautiful and diverse, but you will be exposed to many biting insects, hot humid weather conditions, and poisonous plants. Knowing you enjoy working outside for extended periods of time, despite some basic lack of comfort, is a must. You must also be good at working in close quarters with other people. Housing includes private rooms with shared men’s bathrooms, women’s bathrooms, and kitchen. These will be the same people you will be working long field hours with and collaborating with on research projects. An ability to get along with others is a must. Must have the ability to hike moderate distances over uneven terrain and lift up to 50 lbs. Skill in Microsoft Office, Access, Excel, R, ArcGIS, DNR Garmin, and other programs often used in natural resources research is a great benefit, but not mandatory. Must also have proof of personal health insurance and a valid driver’s license.

Deadline

The application deadline is March 24th, 2024, and interviews will be conducted between April 2nd and 5th, 2024.

Application Instructions

To apply, send one document, preferably a PDF, containing your resume/CV, contact information, at least

three references (from at least two different positions/schools/organizations), and a cover letter no longer than one page detailing your interests in our research projects, your skillset, important experiences (educational, volunteer, or work highlights), and a little about your philosophy on conservation and work.

Thank you for your interest in this position. Please email applications to the below address and feel free to e-mail with any questions.

Contact Information

Bethany Ostrom

Wildlife Biologist

bostrom@cranetrust.org

Crane Trust

6611 W Whooping Crane Drive

Wood River, NE 68883

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2. Intern Opportunities for Saunders Conservation Fellowship Position - 2023/2024 Job Description:

Saunders Conservation Fellowship

Position Type: Full-Time Term Fellowship

Date of Employment: May 16th, 2024 to April 15th, 2025

Location: Wood River, NE

Stipend: $2,000/month with dormitory-style housing provided

Website: cranetrust.org

Description

We are currently seeking one Conservation Fellow to serve as part of our science team at the Crane Trust for the upcoming 2024 field season and Saunders' 2025 crane season. The Conservation Fellow will be working on various projects that are a part of our Long-Term Monitoring Plan and duties described below. This Fellowship is a great opportunity to learn the dynamics of holistic conservation in a declining but biologically important habitat. The position is generously supported by the Saunders Trust and is intended to support research, implementation, and outreach for the protection and enhancement of the ecological and hydrological integrity of the Platte River to help sustain Whooping Cranes, Sandhill Cranes, and other migratory birds.

Projects and Duties

Avian- Assisting with avian point count surveys throughout all seasons as well as helping with Greater Prairie Chicken lek monitoring.

Vegetation- Helping record data for the assessment of management strategies for a variety of vegetative communities throughout Crane Trust land. Reading taxonomic keys to identify species. Contributing to our herbarium and plant pressing. Collecting native seeds for Crane Trust prairie restorations.

Anuran- Learning and conducting field-based anuran call surveys.

Butterfly Species of Concern Surveys- Conducting surveys for Regal Fritillary and Monarch butterflies.

Small Mammal- Setting Sherman box traps along long-term monitoring transects to collect species diversity and abundance data. Identifying small mammal species.

Fish Seining- Surveying sloughs for fish species and associated community using sein nets. 

Bison Health - Collecting and processing bison biometric data for long-term genetic and health studies.

Whooping Cranes – Assist with behavioral monitoring during migration seasons.

Sandhill Cranes – Educating Crane Trust guests during spring crane season at our Nature and Visitor Center along with assisting staff and volunteers with crane season events and tours. 

Data Collection and Entry – Keeping accurate and organized data for all surveys and entering data into digital databases.

Scientific Research – Assisting with scientific manuscripts at different stages of publication (data analysis, writing, etc.) based on interest, skill level, and personal initiative.

Conservation Storytelling – Documenting their fellowship experience and producing media content to tell the story of conservation in the Central Platte River Valley.

Qualifications

A college degree with a major or minor in the biological sciences, natural resources, botany, range

science, ecology, wildlife biology, agriculture, or a related field. If you do not have a degree or official

minor in one of these fields, college credits equivalent to a minor (~24 credits in biological sciences) will

be acceptable. Field experience is a bonus, whether in class, for work, or for an internship. A personal connection to and enjoyment of nature is foundational to a successful fellowship experience. The fellow is required to learn and conduct specific protocols associated with the above duties. A strong drive to learn, grow and take initiative often distinguishes excellent candidates from good ones. Our tallgrass prairie system is extremely beautiful and diverse, but you will be exposed to many biting insects, hot, humid weather conditions, and poisonous plants. Knowing you enjoy working outside for extended periods of time, despite some basic lack of comfort, is a must. You must also be good at working in close quarters with other people. The housing includes private rooms with shared men’s bathrooms, women’s bathrooms, and a kitchen. These will be the same people you will be working long field hours with and collaborating with on research projects. An ability to get along with others is a must. Must have the ability to hike moderate distances over uneven terrain and lift up to 50 lbs. Skill in Microsoft Office, Access, Excel, R, ArcGIS, DNR Garmin, and other programs often used in natural resources research is a great benefit but not mandatory. Must also have proof of personal health insurance and a valid driver’s license.

Deadline

The application deadline is March 24th, 2024, and interviews will be conducted between April 2nd and 5th, 2024.

Application Instructions

To apply, send one document, preferably a PDF, containing your resume/CV, contact information, at least

three references (from at least two different positions/schools/organizations), and a cover letter no longer than one page detailing your interests in our research projects, your skillset, important experiences (educational, volunteer, or work highlights), and a little about your philosophy on conservation and work. Thank you for your interest in this position. Please email applications to the address below (and feel free to e-mail with any questions.

Contact Information

Bethany Ostrom

Wildlife Biologist

bostrom@cranetrust.org

Crane Trust

6611 W Whooping Crane Drive

Wood River, NE 68883

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3. Land Management Summer Internship Opportunity

Title: Ember’s Summer Land Management Internship

Location: Crane Trust, Wood River, Nebraska

Anticipated Start Date: May 15-31, 2024

Anticipated End Date: August 31, 2024

Position Summary: The Ember Summer Land Management Intern will work closely with the land management staff.  He/She will assist with duties including, but not limited to, removing, constructing, and repairing fences; maintaining buildings, grounds, and lawns; controlling invasive vegetation; monitoring land management activities; maintaining riverine habitat; assisting with prescribed burns; and conducting prairie restoration and seed harvest.  The position will include extensive outdoor physical labor under adverse conditions.

Qualifications: The following qualifications are desired (or a strong interest in obtaining such skills): experience constructing and maintaining fences; routine building maintenance skills; the ability to operate and maintain lawn equipment, ATVs/UTVs, and heavy equipment; plant identification skills; prescribed fire training/experience; the ability to work alone and/or as part of a team; excellent communication skills; and a strong work ethic.  Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license.

Compensation: Hourly compensation with onsite dormitory-style housing available  

Application: To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for two references to: 

  Wendy Bailey, Director of Finance & HR

  wbailey@cranetrust.org

  Crane Trust, 9325 South Alda Rd., Wood River, NE 68883