Invasive Species Technician – Michigan

Detroit River-Western Lake Erie Cooperative Weed Management Area is seeking qualified applicants for invasive species management. This work focuses on the removal of invasive species from coastal wetlands and prairie ecosystems along the Detroit River and Western Lake Erie Basin (Michigan only) in efforts to return them to native habitat to benefit wildlife and fish species.

The Detroit River-Western Lake Erie Cooperative Weed Management Area (DR-WLE CWMA) is a partnership between 17+ federal, state, local, private, and non-profit partners to restore native habitats in imperiled coastal wetlands and lakeplain prairie. As a member of the Strike Team, duties include late spring and summer surveys of wetlands, prairies, and mesic forests, using GIS software to evaluate invasive species populations (size, density, treatment history, ecosystem quality) throughout the survey areas. Late summer and through mid-autumn, the strike team will engage in treatment and removal of invasive species, beginning with wetland plants before moving on to woody species.

Throughout the year, the Strike Team engages in active outreach through social media and attending community events to provide educational outreach. Strike Team members work closely with both Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge staff and staff for the Refuge’s friend organization, the International Wildlife Refuge Alliance. This is a field-based position, the Strike Team spends 90% of the spring, summer, and autumn outside, hiking, wading, and kayaking. Please note: no housing is provided during employment period.

Duties:

• Early Detection and Rapid Response of invasive species
• Treatment of invasive species by following Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plans and Best Management Practices
• Mapping using ArcPro and Field Maps to track invasive species populations and treatments
• Distribution of educational materials to the public and special event attendance to promote invasive species management
• Use of various methods to treat invasive species, including backpack sprayers, cut stump treatments, mowing vegetation, and treatment from a UTV or Marsh Master

Pay Rate: Starting salary begins at $16/hour for 40 hours/week DOE. This is a seasonal position, running from June 23rd – December 1st, 2025. Duty station is located at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge John D. Dingell Jr. Visitor Center at 5437 W Jefferson Avenue, Trenton, MI 48183.

A qualified applicant will have:

Required:

• Ability to lift and carry 25 pounds for long periods of time
• Willingness to obtain commercial pesticide applicators licens
• Willingness and ability to work long hours and in adverse conditions
• Bachelor’s degree (either completed or in progress) in a related field (natural resources, environment, biology, wildlife, forestry, etc.)
• Valid driver’s license

Preferred:

• Plant identification skills, especially through a dichotomous key
• Experience with ArcGIS software (Pro/Desktop, Collector, Field Maps)
• Experience with data collection in the field
• Experience with herbicide treatment and backpack sprayers
• Current Michigan commercial pesticide applicator license

Skills and trainings gained through this position:

• Plant identification in a field setting
• Use of GIS software
• Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator License
• Environmental education and outreach
• Potential training opportunity for
  • Heavy equipment operation
  • Biological/habitat/ecosystem management