Natural Resources Technician

Position Summary
Muskegon Conservation District is seeking (2) seasonal Natural Resource Technicians to assist with in-field implementation projects including but not limited to: wildlife habitat management, tree planting, green infrastructure and LID, native plant installations, invasive species management including Hemlock Wooly Adelgid (HWA) and riparian based stabilization and restoration.

Work location
Muskegon Conservation District Office, 4735 Holton Road, Twin Lake, Michigan 49457; field work primarily in Muskegon County, with occasional work in surrounding counties.

General Conditions
This is a seasonal position. A successful applicant will work 30-40 hours per week from mid-April through September. Start and end dates can be adjusted to fit candidates’ school schedule. A typical work week consists of 4, 10-hour shifts, Tuesday-Friday with periodic voluntary paid overtime. Successful applicant(s) will spend roughly 95% of their time implementing field-based projects and approximately 5% of their time preparing reports.

Essential functions include:

• Complete labor-intensive field projects
• Application of herbicide/insecticide
• This job will frequently require the lifting and moving of objects weighing 50 lbs or more
• Work in conjunction with District Staff to implement contract and grant programs
• Manage small portions of larger initiatives
• Coordinate with other District staff for special initiatives, education, and outreach
• Assist local agencies, municipalities, organizations, and individuals with conservation programming
• Ensure that the District adheres to the provisions of grant agreements and contracts while obeying laws covering Conservation Districts.

Qualifications

• Education: Coursework or experience related to Natural Resource Management, Botany, Environmental Science, General Biology, GIS, or Ecology preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years of age as of April 1st, 2025.
• Must either be a Michigan Certified Pesticide Applicator or be able to become certified in April 2025; training materials will be provided, and testing fees are on a reimburse basis. All required Pesticide Applicator licenses must be obtained within the first 2 weeks of employment.
• Maintain a valid Michigan driver’s license or equivalent.
• Be able and willing to work efficiently outdoors in a variety of conditions and terrains.
• Be able to pass an occupational drug screening.
• Must have sufficient visual acuity to identify spills and other potential hazards in the workplace
• This position works around pesticides, and the employee runs the risk of exposure to such chemicals. Employees must be able to wear all required clothing and equipment.

Experience and Skills

• Experience in invasive species identification and control
• Experience with map interpretation and GPS usage
• Familiarity or experience with Michigan native plants
• Familiarity with small machinery usage
• Experience with restoration or stabilization
• Computer skills: proficiency with MS Office and data entry platforms a plus.

Working Conditions and Compensation

The is a seasonal position with the Muskegon Conservation District located at 4735 Holton Road, Twin Lake, Michigan 49457. Salary is $16.50 per hour. Benefits include 40 hours of sick leave and federal holidays off. Normal work hours are from 7:00am to 5:30pm Tuesday through Friday. Some flexibility with scheduling is permitted and from time to time may be required. Participation in a limited number of evening meetings and weekend events may be necessary. Travel outside of the office and county on behalf of the District could occur and will be reimbursed at the current federal rate.