We Return Buffalo to Native American Lives, Lands, and Economies.

Our work focuses on Native producers, community-led solutions, and building the infrastructure needed for long-term food sovereignty and economic strength.

We’re looking for people who are aligned with this work and ready to contribute to it..

  • Tanka Fund exists to support the return of Buffalo to Native lands and the restoration of the systems that sustain them.

    We are a Native-led organization working at the intersection of food systems, economic development, and cultural revitalization—grounded in the leadership of the communities we serve.

  • We take a systems-based approach to Buffalo restoration. That means we don’t focus on a single intervention; we work across the full ecosystem needed for long-term success.

    Our approach includes:

    • Supporting Native ranchers and producers through funding and technical assistance

    • Expanding processing and market access for Native Buffalo economies

    • Investing in community-led solutions that reflect local priorities

    • Strengthening partnerships across Tribal nations, nonprofits, and funders

    We prioritize relationships and long-term impact over short-term wins.

  • Our work is built in partnership with Native communities, producers, and organizations across the country.

    We collaborate with:

    • Native Buffalo ranchers and producers

    • Tribal Nations and community leaders

    • Indigenous-led organizations and coalitions

    • Philanthropic and institutional partners aligned with our mission

    These relationships are not transactional. They are long-term commitments grounded in mutual respect, shared goals, and accountability to community.

Technical Service Provider

(Deadline to apply: July 31st, 2026)

The Technical Service Provider (TSP) — Buffalo Herd Development works directly with and under the guidance of the Buffalo Science and Restoration Director implement Tanka Fund Buffalo restoration, technical assistance, and producer support programs. As the technical field specialist for the department, this position combines applied science, conservation planning, Buffalo management, and relationship-building to provide individualized support to Native Buffalo ranchers and caretakers.

Working one-on-one with producers, the TSP provides technical expertise in buffalo herd development, herd health, grazing management, rangeland stewardship, infrastructure planning, emergency preparedness, and operational sustainability. The position applies both Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and science-based management practices to help producers strengthen Buffalo herds while restoring healthy prairie ecosystems.

The Technical Service Provider supports Tanka Fund & Buffalo Returns and Buffalo Surplus programs by assisting producers with herd planning, Buffalo transfers, technical guidance, and educational opportunities. The position also plays an active role in Buffalo harvests, producer trainings, youth education, workshops, field demonstrations, scientific monitoring, and outreach activities that advance Tanka Fund &mission of returning Buffalo to the land, lives, and economy of Native people.

The successful candidate is relationship-driven, enjoys working directly with producers in the field, possesses strong technical and scientific aptitude, and is committed to continuous learning in Buffalo management, conservation, and regenerative land stewardship.

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