Federal Lands Strike Team Crew Lead

DEPARTMENT: Restoration
FLSA: Non-Exempt / Full Time
REPORTS TO: Invasive Plant Program Manager

SUMMARY: The CoATIS are a Federal Lands Invasive Plant Strike Team. The CoATIS Crew Leader is the primary liaison between Tucson Audubon (TAS) management, crew members and the federal agencies funding the CoATIS (currently the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). This role provides field supervision of the crew, handles crew planning and logistics, and serves as the point-of-contact during the day-to-day operations of the CoATIS. The CoATIS are utilized for priority invasive species management projects (includes early detection surveillance, baseline inventory, species treatment/control, restoration, and monitoring) at a variety of ecologically sensitive and high-priority areas on federal lands managed by each of the agencies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• Lead and oversee 2-5 crew members in performing inventorying, monitoring, and control of invasive species.
• Responsible for facilitating a safe and positive crew member experience; positive attitude is a must, and safety is a top priority.
• Oversees crew conduct and performance, including managing conflict among crew members
• Stay in contact with TAS Invasive Plant Program Manager and agency lead during work time to provide updates and other pertinent communications.
• Effectively communicate federal partners’ project objectives and approved methods for all projects and keep the crew on task.
• Provides information needed for all necessary reports to federal agency partners,and the TAS Invasive Plant Program Manager.
• Provide feedback to federal partners to help schedule CoATIS time among sites according to biological windows.
• Identifies training needs for crew members and addresses them, either through coordination of formal training or facilitated field experience.
• Coordinates any vehicle maintenance needs with federal agencies while using federal vehicles.
• Crew advocacy; communicating needs to TAS management and federal partners

FIELD WORK/DATA MANAGEMENT:

• Manual, chemical, or other prescribed treatment of invasive species, as determined appropriate to sites and seasonal windows and approved by federal partners.
• Utilizes federal ESRI products such as ArcGIS Online, Field Maps, and Survey 123 for data collection and navigation following agency protocols and standards; use of non-ESRI products may also be required.,
• Navigates the crew to project sites with GPS and GIS applications; orients the crew for the plan of attack once at the treatment site
• Provides accurate project information about the area surveyed, species treated, % cover, and other treatment specifics. This includes quality control of data collected by other crew members.
• Submits all relevant data such as daily work logs, pesticide use logs, etc. to project partners by the end of the hitch for each project.
• Communicate data collection issues with federal partners according to protocols, and maintains backups of field data as applicable at TAS (or cloud) and at primary office space
• Maintains field and office electronics (laptop, tablets, phones) and requests software and additional equipment as needs arise.
• Maintains all application and treatment site records according to federal, state, and local regulatory requirements.
• Ensure proper equipment is being packed and used for projects, plus proper maintenance of equipment while on hitch; flag gear for repair or damages at end of hitch and communicate issues to federal partners.
• Responsible for the day to day tasks of a project while on hitch; crew lead has final decision making power for projects while in the field
• Responsible for ensuring safe handling of pesticides when transporting, mixing and applying; includes notification of TAS and agency leads of any reportable herbicide spills or incidents of exposure.
• Flexibility, problem solving, adaptability, and capacity to work in a changing work environment, -Willingness to work a varying schedule (ex. 8-days on/6-days off; varying weekend lengths from 2-8 days; schedule may change with short notice).
• Assist in training and quality assessments of new team members during projects; includes orientation to sites, species identification, review of safety plans and proper tool use, training on specific invasive plant management strategies.
• Ensure the crew is using equipment safely while on project and looking out for the health and wellness of the crew throughout the day/week.
• Reviews standard operating procedures and safety documents (such as JHAs/GARs) for each project site and communicates information to crew
• Plans and adjusts workflow for the week based on project goals and priorities; accounts for crew fitness and fatigue; delegation of tasks to crew members

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
This position operates mainly in the field in a variety of sites throughout the Desert Southwest and beyond. Extensive travel and the ability to accommodate a fluctuating schedule are required for this position. 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 for those with disabilities.

• Ability to learn new technical and mechanical skills quickly, with demonstrated ability to do so
• Ability to work in an office environment and use a keyboard, mouse, and other common office equipment.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and push and pull loads.
• Ability to walk 5 to 12 miles carrying heavy loads in rugged conditions including through loose sand and on rocky trails.
• Ability to conduct field work outdoors for at least eight hours in all weather conditions including extreme summer heat, freezing winter       conditions, and dry or rainy days.
• Ability to walk, stand, kneel, and occasionally climb ladders or lay on the ground.
• Ability to use hands for manual tasks requiring strength and dexterity.
• Ability to drive in dark or low-light settings and on rugged roads.
• Ability to speak and hear coworkers in sometimes loud or open environments.
• Required to camp or work from remote locations for multiple days, often 7 consecutive nights.
• Ability to safely apply pesticides according to label instructions with appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Ability to use and lead crews in projects that use light equipment, heavy tools, chainsaws, trailer hauling/backing and all manner of field survey equipment.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND COMPETENCIES:

REQUIRED

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 1 year experience supervising, leading, or performing related field work
• Experience leading invasive species crews, preferably those common to southwest arid landscapes
• Certified Applicator Licenses through the AZ and NM Department of Agriculture Environmental Services Division within 90 days of hire; may require licenses in other jurisdictions as well
• Proficient in using maps and GPS units to navigate
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the position
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• trong working knowledge of, and comfort with, internet use, e-mail, Microsoft Office applications
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to multi-task
• Flexible approach to work and work schedule
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate positively at all levels
• Valid Arizona Driver’s License
• Understanding of and commitment to the organization’s mission, goals, and values
• An interest in birds, natural history, and wildlife conservation

PREFERRED

• Off-road/4×4 driving experience in remote areas
• Experience operating vehicles towing a trailer, UTV, skid-loaders, and other heavy equipment
• Familiarity with various GIS systems and software
• Advanced mechanical skills required for vehicle maintenance, small engine repair and/or computer hardware troubleshooting
• Experience operating and maintaining chainsaws, brush cutters, herbicide spray equipment, mowers, and other power tools
• Experience with and knowledge of the Sonoran Desert, Sky Islands, and other southeastern Arizona habitats
• Experience with plant identification in the field and the use of a dichotomous key

Training Provided

• Wildland Chainsaw Certification, S-212
• Wilderness First Responder
• UTV safety
• Federal Defensive Driving Course

A combination of education and experience may be considered if it directly relates to the position and supports the ability to successfully perform the job.

Tucson Audubon is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our programs and employment are open to all. We value diversity and do not permit any discrimination against applicants, employees, or volunteers on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, disability, or any other status  protected by applicable law or statute in any of our policies or programs.

At Tucson Audubon, our commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) goes beyond being in full compliance with employment law; Tucson Audubon actively cultivates a culture that embraces differences, with the commitment that everyone is a valued member of our team and is treated with respect and dignity. We intentionally work to foster a culture of inclusion with openness, honesty, visibility, creativity, and trust as core values.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities and details required for each duty listed above. Detailed work plans should be developed with the manager and designed around the duties listed above and should address program and organizational goals.