Field Crew – Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

Mason-Lake Conservation District

Vacancy Announcement

Field Crew – Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

The Mason-Lake Conservation District is seeking Field Crew members to carry out field survey and treatment work related to the invasive insect Hemlock Woolly Adelgid. This is a fast-paced job as part of a welcoming team in a beautiful area. This Early Detection and Response effort is an opportunity to make a major positive impact on forest health in Michigan. This project is funded by multiple grants through the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program and other state and federal sources.

Job Status: Full-time hourly, 40-hour work week

Term: Term-limited through April 2025, potential to extend dependent on future grant funding

Compensation: $16-$18/hour, dependent on experience

Benefits:  Paid federal holidays, vacation leave, sick leave, health insurance option and IRA retirement plan with employer match

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm

Location: Mason-Lake Conservation District office, Scottville, MI and surrounding areas

Number of Positions: 1-2
Desired Start Date:  Between March-May 2024, TBD

Application Closing Date: Until filled

Position Summary:   

Over the past several years, the invasive insect hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) has been spreading northward along the west coast of Michigan. This project will be part of an existing, collaborative, effort, between federal, state and local agency partners, to detect and control HWA. Mason-Lake Conservation District is part of the North Country Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (NCCISMA) which works to manage invasive species in western Michigan. The individual(s) hired will have the opportunity to work on both private lands and also the Huron-Manistee National Forest.

We are seeking self-directed, responsible, and highly motivated individual(s) with a positive attitude who can work successfully as part of a team. Individuals with the ability to communicate effectively with co-workers and the public, strong organizational skills, and a background in natural resources management or a related field are preferred. HWA identification and treatment training will be provided, but prior experience with invasive species work is advantageous. Routine handling of pesticides is a requirement of this position.

While working in the field, the Field Crew will be subject to inclement weather such as rain, snow, and extreme cold or heat and wind while doing physical work such as hiking for extended periods on uneven or slippery terrain while carrying up to 40 lbs of equipment. This includes strenuous walking up and down dunes, navigating through brush, where stinging insects or poisonous plants may be present. 

Position Duties:   

• Conduct field-based surveys and mapping of hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) in winter.
• Conduct treatments of infested trees in summer using approved pesticides and specialized treatment equipment
• Assist the Project Manager and Crew Lead in preparing landowner mailings and responding to visit requests via phone or email
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair any equipment
• Enter accurate survey and treatment data into Survey123, Field Maps, Google Sheets or similar program
• Assist with quality control and compilation of survey and treatment data for reporting as directed.

• Interact with the public in response to inquiries in the field regarding control work being performed and other Conservation District/partner programs.
• Act as rotating point of contact when in the field in teams of two.
• Assist with Conservation District outreach events, newsletter articles, and weekly social media posts.

Desired Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree (or progress towards such) in Biology, Forestry, Natural Resources or related field OR one year of related field work.
• Ability to recognize and properly identify tree species and forest pests
• Michigan Pesticide applicator license (or willingness to obtain) in Core, forestry, right-of-way, and ornamental categories
• Ability to learn on the job and apply knowledge, such as reading and following pesticide labels
• Ability to communicate with the public on forest pest issues and project aspects

• Familiarity with ESRI Survey123/Field Maps, Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word) and use of Google Sheets

• Experience with data entry and management
• Must have valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Able to collaborate well with others, follow instructions and works as a supportive team member
• Able to work in various field conditions
• Able to field navigate using online and printed parcel and aerial maps and plat maps