Buffalo Technician

JOB SUMMARY

: The Buffalo Technician supports the management, care, and conservation of the Tribe's buffalo herd and grazing lands. This position assists with daily herd operations, animal health monitoring, pasture maintenance, feeding, fencing, handling, transportation, and cultural preservation activities related to buffalo restoration and stewardship. The Buffalo Technician works closely with Tribal leadership, Natural Resources staff, veterinarians, and community members to promote sustainable herd management and protect culturally significant resources.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Assist with the daily care and management of the buffalo herd. Monitor buffalo health, behavior, and grazing patterns; report concerns to supervisors. Assist with feeding, watering, mineral supplementation, and seasonal herd care. Help maintain fences, gates, corrals, water systems, trailers, and related equipment. Participate in buffalo roundups, tagging, sorting, transportation, and veterinary procedures. Operate trucks, tractors, ATVs, trailers, and other equipment safely and effectively. Monitor pasture conditions and assist with land management activities. Maintain accurate records related to herd inventory, health treatments, feeding schedules, and equipment maintenance. Assist with habitat restoration, weed control, and conservation projects as assigned. Support Kiowa Tribal cultural, educational, and community events involving the buffalo program. Ensure compliance with Kiowa Tribal, federal, and state wildlife, livestock, and safety regulations. Respond to emergencies involving livestock, fencing, weather, or equipment issues. Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma or GED required. Experience working with livestock, wildlife, agriculture, ranching, or related field preferred. Knowledge of buffalo behavior and herd management preferred. Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and terrain conditions. Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds. Ability to safely operate ranch, farm, and maintenance equipment. Strong communication and teamwork skills. Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends, holidays, and emergency situations when necessary. Experience working within a Tribal government or Indigenous conservation program. Knowledge of Kiowa Tribal cultural values related to buffalo stewardship. Experience with fencing, welding, equipment maintenance, or heavy equipment operation.

REQUIREMENTS

Must possess a valid driver's license and insurable driver under the Kiowa Tribal motor vehicle insurance. Must be willing to submit to a background investigation which reflects a good moral character. Must be willing to submit to and pass drug testing.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed primarily outdoors in all weather conditions. Exposure to livestock, dust, mud, uneven terrain, machinery, and loud noises. Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, climbing, and riding in vehicles or equipment. Ability to safely operate ranch, farm, and maintenance equipment

Equal Opportunity Employer :

The Kiowa Tribe does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. According to the Kiowa Tribe Human Resources Policies and Procedures, the Kiowa Tribe recognizes Kiowa Preference first, other federally recognized tribes second and other races last. Indian Preference applies in accordance with Indian Preference Act of 1934 (Title 25, USC Section 472), BIA Form 4432, Tribal Identification or Certificate Degree of Indian Blood must be submitted with employment application to receive Indian Preference.