Conservation Technician

Presque Isle Conservation District is seeking a full-time Conservation Technician to join their team in Rogers City, MI. As a Conservation Technician, you will be responsible for performing the lead technician role in both our Soil Erosion and Urban Forestry programs. This is a two-year appointment with the potential for extension, contingent on funding.

WHAT WE OFFER.

• Hourly wage of $19.
• Competitive benefits package that includes:
  • Paid time off and all federally recognized holidays off.
  • 5K Payment-in-lieu-of-insurance per year.
  • Professional Development Opportunities
  • Mileage reimbursed at Federal rate ($.67/mi)
  • Flexible schedule.

WHAT YOU WILL DO.

Soil Erosion:

• Obtain Construction Storm Water Operator Certification. Perform site inspections to evaluate potential threats to nearby water bodies, drainage structures, and neighboring properties and make determinations regarding the requirement of controls for sedimentation and/or storm water runoff.
• Communicate with District Manager when enforcement of the Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Act and other applicable State and County laws or ordinances within Presque Isle County is needed.
• Review site plans and applications to determine if plans match on-site items.
• Assist community members regarding the prevention of potential violations, applicable codes and regulations, permitting processes, requirements, and/or other applicable information.
• Ensure accurate documentation and record-keeping of field activities and findings.
• Respond to complaints and/or inquiries from applicable parties regarding excavation projects and/or other applicable earth change activites.
• Create and interpret maps for residential, commercial and industrial sites.
• Communicate with project managers and permit holders on violation corrections and EGLE correspondences of restoration.

Urban Forestry:

• Develop arboriculture knowledge and skills, and ultimately be recognized by the International Society of Arboriculture as a Certified Arborist. Materials and training will be provided by PICD; study will be largely self-directed.

• Coordinate and lead tree planting events in Rogers City and Onaway, MI in partnership with contractors and City staff.
• Foster understanding of the benefits and importance of Urban Tree Canopy.
• Educate volunteers and city staff regarding proper tree establishment and maintenance practices.
• Ensure newly planted trees are maintained according to established standards, including watering trees and maintaining mulch rings.
• Coordinate tree removal project with contractors.
• Use GIS software to update city tree inventory.
• Collaborate with District Forester to present tree planting workshops and recruit volunteers.
• Assist with the establishment of municipal Tree Boards in Rogers City and Onaway.

Other:

• Perform site inspections for MDNR Hunter Access Program, ensuring proper hunting signage and documents are displayed and available for the public.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR: An individual interested in working outside and in an office setting to serve Northeast Lower Michigan by protecting its soils and waterways as well as enhancing the livability of its cities through urban forest development.

• Minimum H.S. diploma plus 1-2 years of work experience required.
• Background in natural resource management or environmental sciences is required.
• The candidate’s own reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license and a reliable form of communication while in the field are required.
• Ability to effectively communicate with the community in a professional manner is
• Some college preferred.
• Experience with project management is preferred.
• Landscaping design, tree care, and/or knowledge of botany is preferred.

• Must be able to pass Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy’s (EGLE’s) online open-book Certified Construction Storm Water Operator (CSWO) exam on or before 3/26/2025. There is one exam held each month leading up to that date.
• *** CANDIDATES MUST REGISTER for the exam no later than one week before the exam at EGLE’s CSWO Training Page ***
• The successful candidate will be reimbursed for the exam fee if completed before hire.

Full-time position will perform the duties of Soil Erosion technician an average of 20 hours/week/year, with majority of activity occurring during construction season (April – December). During the other 20 hours per week, this position will perform the duties of Urban Forestry technician.

This position will function as the Part 91 Inspector for PICD and will travel to each permitted project site regularly and within 24 hours of a rain or snowmelt event. This position will assist PICD staff with recruitment and training of a volunteer tree maintenance network, coordinate the removal of trees and replanting of trees, and use software to maintain accurate tree inventories in Rogers City and Onaway.

Full position description available upon request.