Invasive Species Restoration Technician

Position Summary

The Antrim Conservation District (ACD) Invasive Species Restoration Technician will work in the Charlevoix, Antrim, Kalkaska, and Emmet County Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CAKE CISMA) program. This position is funded by grants from the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, and other local grants. CAKE CISMA’s goal is to protect, restore, and enhance the natural communities unique to our service area. The Invasive Species Technician is a full-time, seasonal position, working 40 hours per week for up to 16 weeks. Primary responsibilities include working under the direct supervision of the Invasive Species Restoration Team Leader to manage invasive species throughout the CAKE service region. Managing invasive species will be done by using multiple treatment methods including manual and chemical treatments and surveying and prioritizing infested sites. 

Compensation

$16/hour – Seasonal position. This position is not eligible for benefits except those required by law.

Position Duration

May 1 – August 31, 2024 (Flexible start/end dates, with possibility of extension dependent on funding.)

Work Location 

Antrim Conservation District office: 4820 Stover Road, Bellaire, Michigan, with fieldwork in surrounding counties, as necessary. 

Essential Functions of Position  

• Work under the direct supervision of the Field Crew Leader
• Conduct surveys for invasive species on both public and private properties
• Maintain a professional level of interaction with the public
• Work with partner organizations and private property owners to treat invasive species on public and private properties (manual, mechanical, and herbicide applications)
• Ensure the use of best management practices while adhering to proper herbicide application procedures
• Use tablets and GPS devices to collect accurate field data and enter it into the appropriate databases
• Assist in troubleshooting minor logistical and mechanical issues related to fieldwork
• Perform other duties related to ACD programs and/or as assigned by the Executive Director.

Required Qualifications  

• Current enrollment in an accredited university or college program with a focus in natural resources, biology, or ecology preferred; or, high school diploma with at least one year of invasive species management experience.
• Must be (or able to become) a certified Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator in Categories 2, 3B, 5, and 6 (paid for by employer).

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in natural resources management, particularly in invasive species management
• Experience with herbicides, including safety, proper storage, mixing, and applications
• Plant identification and knowledge of native and invasive species in Northern Michigan
• Invasive species treatment knowledge

Other Skills/Knowledge

• Commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the workplace and the field of conservation
• This position is housed within the Antrim Conservation District. Candidates should be able to work with a wide range of local partners including land conservancies, watershed councils, and understand the function/objectives of each.
• Proficiency using GPS units, wayfinding and orienteering, and basic skills in ArcGIS applications
• Able to maintain positive interactions with co-workers, partners, and the public
• Able to work flexible hours (occasional weekend or evening)
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license and possess a registered, insured vehicle for use during work hours, if needed (approved mileage will be reimbursed)
• Basic computer efficiency (Windows, MS Office, internet)

Physical Requirements

• Must possess the visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to fieldwork
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds on a daily basis
• Frequent standing, walking, walking on uneven surfaces, carrying, pushing, bending, kneeling, reaching, twisting, turning and repetitive movement
• Able to work efficiently outdoors in varying conditions and terrain

ADA Compliance

This Position Description is intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed by the employee assigned to the position. It is not an exhaustive list of all the essential functions of the position and its related duties and responsibilities.  Employee must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the position with or without a reasonable accommodation. The ACD reserves the right to amend the essential functions of this position to meet organizational needs as necessary. 

The Antrim Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression), national origin, genetic information, political affiliation, marital status, familial status, veteran status, height, weight, or other non-merit factors. We encourage women, BIPOC, and candidates from all under-represented groups in conservation to apply.