Invasive Species Technician

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is seeking applications for an Invasive Species Technician stationed in Elkins, WV.

The Invasive Species Technician will work under the State Invasive Species and Private Lands Biologist to implement a variety of habitat conservation and restoration projects on State Parks and Wildlife Management Areas statewide. Work includes assisting with statewide surveys of non-native invasive plant species and forest pests, and assisting with priority invasive species removal and habitat restoration projects by conducting manual, mechanical, and/or chemical invasive plant treatments as well as collecting and installing native seeds and plant material. Employee will be required to obtain a WV Certified Pesticide Applicators License within the first three months of employment. Work can be physically demanding and performed in varying climatic conditions. Fieldwork will include both occasional overnight travel and long (>8hr) days.

Other duties may include providing support with surveys of fish and wildlife populations and their habitats and interacting with the public to provide information on wildlife resources projects and programs including the WV Wild Yards Program. Additional duties include data entry and producing preliminary summaries and reports on invasive species distribution and habitat restoration projects.

Minimum Qualifications:

Training: Associate of Science degree from a regionally accredited college or university in fish or wildlife management, natural resources management, fish culture, agriculture or related field.
OR
Substitution: High school diploma or the equivalent.
AND
Experience: Four (4) years of full-time or equivalent part-time paid experience in fish or wildlife management, fish culture or agriculture.
 
Special Requirement: A valid driver’s license is required. Employee will be required to obtain a WV Certified Public Applicators License (in Categories 3-Forest Pests, 7-ROW/Industrial Weed Control, and 13C-Hardwood Tree Release) within first three months of work.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Skill in regional native and invasive plant identification.
• Knowledge of basic techniques related to habitat management and ecological restoration.
• Knowledge of fish and wildlife species and their habitat requirements.
• Knowledge of basic safety regulations and precautionary measures as relates to control and management of non-native invasive species including mixing, loading, and applying herbicides correctly. Current WV Pesticide Applicator Certification preferred, must obtain WV herbicide applicators license within 3 months of employment.
• Knowledge of natural resource software and computer programs including ArcGIS and R.
• Skill in using Microsoft Office and/or Google Drive programs to create professional documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
• Skill in the operation of hand tools and equipment.
• Ability to perform arduous manual tasks for long hours under varying climatic conditions such as hiking over rugged terrain with a pack or while carrying a backpack sprayer.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships by communicating with state, federal, private, academic, and nonprofit partners via email, phone call, video chat, and in-person or in-the-field meetings.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions with general supervision.

Other Information:

• Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated experience in regional native and invasive plant identification and to candidates with experience in typical management techniques for controlling non-native invasive plants (manual, mechanical, and/or chemical). Preference will also be given to candidates with experience operating UAV/UAS (drones).

Depending on employee start date, health insurance coverage may be available through PEIA and optional additional coverage may be available through Mountaineer Flexible Benefits (FBMC).