Natural Resource Specialist 3: Forest Health Technician

The Natural Resources Specialist 3 is a high-level, lead worker seasonal or variable position which provides project leadership in day-to-day and project related natural resource management, i.e., maintenance and restoration, and/or research and monitoring in Cleveland Metroparks and northeastern Ohio. The Natural Resource Specialist 3 provides project leadership, and quality assurance for assigned technical projects. This position performs as crew leaders, project coordinators, and manages projects with supervisor oversight. 

The Forest Health Technician works with the Climate Resilient Forest Manager and Senior Conservation Science Manager on a variety of forest health survey projects. Will be based at the Watershed Stewardship Center in West Creek Reservation; however, will work at reservations across Cleveland Metroparks.

Responsibilities:

• Participates in a variety of early detection field surveys, and plot-based research projects within and surrounding Cleveland Metroparks properties.
• Identifies trees (hosts) and associated pests/pathogens, including but not limited to hemlock (HWA, EHS), beech (BLD), tree-of-heaven (SLF) and Oak Wilt.
• Records and maintains accurate, well-organized data in written and electronic format.
• Assists in control of invasive pests and pathogens using chemical and non-chemical methods.
• Safely operates and maintains equipment including but not limited to forest management and measurement tools, portable data collectors, and other related equipment.
• Assists with forest management activities such as invasive plant management and timber stand improvement with proper training and supervision.
• Collects samples (seeds, branch/twig, soil, picture) for testing.
• Prepares plant voucher specimens.

Expectations:

• Ability to learn standard forest sampling protocols quickly.
• Familiarity with Ohio Flora in particular local trees species.
• Ability to read maps, follow written directions, and navigate through forest and remote locations
• Ability to collect accurate, unbiased information.
• Energy and eagerness for field work and the ability to work independently and in team settings.
• Demonstrated ability to work a flexible schedule as the field work demands.
• Good data entry and management skills, strong skills with Excel preferred
• GIS/GPS familiarity preferred

Term: This is a variable position of approximately 1000 hrs per year.  30-40 hour workweeks expected during summer field season with flexibity in Fall and Spring. 

Work Schedule:  Monday – Friday with ocassional weekend work with advanced notice

Application Deadline:  Open until filled.