Invasive Species Program Coordinator

Mecosta Conservation District (CD) and the North Country Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (NCCISMA) are looking for a Program Coordinator to coordinate invasive species management over a six county area of Michigan, including Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Missaukee, Osceola, and Wexford.

Job Overview:

NCCISMA is a grant funded organization, with the majority of the funding coming from competitive grants. The CISMA Coordinator is responsible for obtaining grants and other funding to keep themselves and other CISMA staff employed. Strong writing skills and a knowledge of invasive species concerns in the region is imperative to success in this position.

Ongoing Responsibilities of the Position:

• Be the main point of contact for NCCISMA and be able to answer numerous inquiries regarding the principles of invasive species control/management
• Oversight and day-to-day management of two other permanent CISMA staff, and two to eight seasonal field staff
• Write successful grant proposals to keep NCCISMA staffed and viable. Grant writing responsibilities include the idea phase, grant writing, budget development, work plans, GIS mapping, and timely submission of grant proposals
• Maintain and expand partnerships with other organizations concerned with invasive species in the region
• Produce annual report summarizing the CISMA’s accomplishments
• Coordinate with two fiduciary organizations, Mecosta CD and Mason-Lake CD, on CISMA budgets, hiring, and staff management
• Present on NCCISMA happenings, and concerns, to various government bodies including county commissioners, city councils, township boards, conservation district boards, road commissions, etc.
• Develop annual work plans and quarterly task assignments for all other CISMA staff
• Grant management for up to fifteen concurrent projects to include:
  • Managing spending and assuring that spending is in-line with achieving required grant deliverables
  • Tracking required grant deliverables and assuring that all required deliverables are met or exceeded
  • Obtaining pre-approval from respective grantor for any needed revisions to grant budgets or deliverables
  • Completing all needed grant accomplishment reports
• Represent NCCISMA at many meetings throughout the year, in order to build partnerships and garner support
• Oversee NCCISMA’s robust outreach program, including proofing items pre- print/distribution, manage Public Engagement Specialist, assist with preparation and putting on outreach events, participate in outreach committee as needed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree, or Bachelor’s degree and 2-5 years of experience, in natural resource management or a related field
• Certified Pesticide Applicator in Categories 2, 3B, 5, and 6, with at least two years of experience applying herbicides in the field
• Proven ability to prepare for and confidently present to individuals and large groups of people from a variety of age groups and backgrounds
• Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite programs
• Strong written and verbal skills needed, including knowledge of proper English grammar, and comfort with phone, text, email, and postal mail communication
• Must hold a valid driver’s license, have a good driving record, and a reliable vehicle

Additional Preferred Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge and understanding of native Michigan habitats and ecology
• MSU Pesticide Safety Program and MDARD Approved Registered Pesticide Applicator Trainer
• Familiarity with ESRI suite of products, particularly ArcMap desktop, FieldMaps, and ArcGIS online

Terms and Benefits:

• Pay Rate: $22-$30 per hour, commensurate with experience and dependent on successful grant awards
• This is a full-time position – 40 hours per week with typical working hours from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Office is in Cadillac, MI – with travel to meetings and events throughout NCCISMA’s six-county service area regularly. Travel outside of the service area will be required occasionally
• Use of personal vehicle is required for most business travel, with mileage reimbursed at the federal rate
• Full time employment includes the following benefits: 12 paid federal holidays, 3 District recognized paid holidays (day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Years Eve), generous vacation and sick leave, longevity leave, retirement plan with employer matching, dental and vision insurance, and health care stipend

Other Considerations:

• Must be a creative thinker with the confidence to share and promote good ideas
• Must be an enthusiastic self-starter, and show initiative to take ownership of their job
• Employee must be able to work flexible hours on evenings and weekends, as needed, to attend and put-on outreach events and meetings
• Must be reliable, and have history of a strong work ethic
• Keen attention to detail is essential

To apply:

Submit a cover letter, resume, a copy of college transcripts, and 3 references to Brook Baumann, Mecosta Conservation District Manager, at brook.baumann@macd.org. Please combine all documents into one PDF file for review, and state “CISMA Coordinator” in subject line of email. Contact Brook with any questions at 989-309-9229.

Please submit your application materials not later than

9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Interviews expected to take place June 11th and/or June 14th

This project is funded by the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program and by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative through the United States Forest Service. NCCISMA and its fiduciary, Mecosta Conservation District, are Equal Opportunity Employers.