Conservation Field Technician (LTE)

SUMMARY:

Assist the Iron County LWCD in implementing a county-wide conservation and education initiative to promote conservation practices. Educational efforts to prevent and control the spread of invasive species, monitoring water quality, and aquatic plant sampling for the biodiversity of native aquatic plant species, are a few of the duties in this position. The position will be part of a conservation technician field crew, focused on aquatic and terrestrial invasive species management and control, water quality monitoring, and shoreline restoration. Work will be conducted mostly in the field with little office time.  This position will report to the Conservation Specialist.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Strong commitment to healthy lakes and to solving environmental problems.
• Ability to perform job duties independently with training.
• Ability to deliver and record information, explain procedures, follow directions, and educate boaters on aquatic invasive species.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and written, with diverse audiences.
• Flexibility and adaptiveness to changing schedules/work duties.
• Proficient with computer software including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Publisher.
• Aquatic and terrestrial invasive species identification and knowledge of local land & water conservation issues preferred.
• Knowledge of State / Federal Laws pertaining to aquatic plants and water conservation preferred.
• Experience in operating a boat/motor and operating a vehicle with a trailer preferred.
• Familiarity with GPS and GIS software is preferred.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Enrolled as a college student in a Natural Resource, Environmental Science, or a related field or equivalent work experience in a water conservation-related field.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily and in a timely manner. The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required or assigned.

• Assist lake associations and landowners in riparian areas to manage invasive species.
• Assist with Clean Boats, Clean Waters, and Citizen Lake Monitoring promotion, workshops, training materials, and data recording in statewide database (SWIMS).
• Aide in education programs for local citizens, students, conservation camp attendees, and others including, but not limited to presentations, workshops/trainings, and school programs.
• Distribute AIS outreach materials & conduct boat landing monitoring.
• Carry out media work such as: Facebook posts on invasive species, and writing articles for local papers.
• Identify, confirm, and assist with rapid response efforts for new AIS populations to monitoring personnel and DNR staff.
• Assist in planning, implementation, and treatment of invasive strategies as needed.
• Collect data that is reliable, accurate, and compatible with statewide data tracking systems (SWIMS).
• Assist with the implementation of the countywide project for purple loosestrife bio-control, working with multiple agencies and partners.
• Assist citizens, county departments, and user groups in coordinated plans and activities for the prevention and control of terrestrial invasive species.
• Conduct water quality monitoring and plant surveys on Iron County lakes and streams.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Valid driver’s license and good driving record are required.
• Boater’s Safety Certification or be able to complete before start date.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to walk 3 or more miles on uneven terrain.
• Ability to work in inclement weather.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

This position is largely a field position working outdoors with some office work.  The LWCD office is located within the Iron County Forestry and Highway Building.  Flexibility and adaptiveness to changing work schedule/work duties are required.

Iron County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the American Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.