Invasive Species Program Technician

Overview: The Upper Sugar River Watershed Association (USRWA) is a non-profit organization established in 2000 dedicated to protecting and improving land and water quality. The position  of Invasive Species Program Technician will work closely with the Invasive Species Program Coordinator to coordinate a variety of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) programs within a six-county area in Southwest Wisconsin. 

The ideal candidate will be experienced in invasive species common to Wisconsin and comfortable working with and educating municipalities, the public, and private businesses on proper AIS management, and comfortable recruiting and coordinating volunteers to complete aspects of specific projects independently.

This position will require independent work as well as work as a part of a team. The position is responsible for the completion of the deliverables within grants as well as grant writing, reporting, and data entry.This position is provided support and direction from the Invasive Species Program Coordinator. 

Travel: This position provides assistance in multiple counties across Upper Sugar River Watershed Association’s service areas, travel to field locations and some in-person meetings is required. Candidates will need to provide an automobile for travel around Wisconsin, and will be compensated the applicable IRS mileage rate. 

Compensation:

• $23 per hour starting wage  
• 80 hours paid time off and 10 paid holidays annually
• A $100 monthly healthcare stipend
• Professional development resources
• 403(b) retirement plan available

Position Start Date: Preferred position start date of December 1st. 

Hours:  20 hours per week. Occasional evenings and weekends required.

Responsibilities (include but not limited to):

• Recruit, coordinate, and educate volunteers and the public on invasive species issues, identification, and management strategies.
• Educate recreationalists, water gardeners, aquarists, and bait dealers on limiting the sale and spread of invasive species.
• Implement AIS strategic plans across multiple municipalities and ecosystems through monitoring and biological controls strategies for the reduction of the invasive species purple loosestrife.
• Maintain positive relationships and share time fairly with 6 counties for continuing Aquatic Invasive Species work via the Lake Monitoring and Protection Network grant. Current county participants include Dane, Grant, Green, Iowa, Lafayette, and Sauk.
• Work with the South Central Invasives Partnership (SCIP) to aid in program meetings and events.
• Assist with writing and managing grants to fulfill Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) management needs in the 6-county area as new AIS populations are detected, or as new projects and partnerships emerge.
• Communicate regularly with the Invasive Species Coordinator
• Keep detailed records. 
• Work independently or as part of a team to complete projects and facilitate events
• Attend meetings and program training to stay current on invasive species threats and statewide programs and protocols
• Assist with the coordination and communication with multiple partners on a frequent basis
• Assist with or conduct AIS surveys (early detection, point intercept, etc.)
• Coordinate purple loosestrife biocontrol program in participating counties
• Assist with the develop and design educational materials
• Inventory, handle and manage equipment

Required Qualifications/Skills: 

• Bachelor’s degree or applicable experience in a related natural resources field
• A vehicle to commute to work sites across Southwest Wisconsin
• Computer skills including the use of email, Adobe Acrobat, Excel, and Zoom
• Minimum two years working with or managing invasive species
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the skills to work with and educate varied audiences including stakeholders, professional partners, children, and the public
• Knowledge of aquatic invasive species in Wisconsin and the Midwest (like purple loosestrife, Phragmites Australis, New Zealand mud snail).

Preferred Qualifications/Skills:

• Experience in educating and training a wide range of people with varying levels of knowledge in topics including; the Clean Boats Clean Waters program, the Purple Loosestrife Biocontrol program
• Experience coordinating events and working with volunteers. Ex. Wisconsin Snapshot Day
• General knowledge of Wisconsin conservation programs and ongoing regional efforts
• Hand tool use and maintenance
• Knowledge of herbicides and integrated pest management
• Familiarity with social media platforms like Meta (Facebook)
• Experience managing program and project budgets
• Experience in mapping software like GIS  
• Experience writing and managing grants