Seasonal Position (Apply Now): Invasive Species Survey Technician – Southwest Michigan CISMA

POSITION SUMMARY

The Invasive Species Survey Technician organizes and facilitates surveys of public and private property to monitor the presence and absence of the invasive insect, hemlock woolly adelgid (Ãf¢ÒÂEURÃ’ÂoeHWAÃf¢ÒÂEURҝ; Adelges tsugae) throughout southwest Michigan. Primary responsibilities include surveying land for hemlock trees and HWA; data recording, tracking, and submission; and HWA outreach and education. This will be the third season of HWA surveys, and the Invasive Species Survey Technician will pick up where the last technicians left off. Surveys will be conducted with the Strike Team Coordinator and training will be provided.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The SWxSW Corner Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) is a collaborative organization that works with regional partners to minimize the impact of invasive species in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties. The CISMA works to help citizens, land owners, and land managers understand and manage invasive species in our area. The CISMA strives to help municipalities and homeowners recognize and manage the threats of invasive species.

COMPENSATION

The Invasive Species Survey Technician is a seasonal position, working up to 40 hours/week for up to 25 weeks. This position is not exempt from overtime requirements, with an hourly wage of $13-15/hour depending on experience. Seasonal positions are not eligible for benefits except those required by law.

POSITION DATES

Start date: December 16th (flexible)

End date: April-May (flexible; this is dependent upon HWA phenology)

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

-Formal Education or Equivalent

At least one season of field experience

Some education in relevant Natural Resource, Biology, or Ecology field preferred

Related Work Experience

Background in natural resource management (invasive species identification preferred)

Experience with data recording, managing, and tracking

Experience in Michigan plant identification preferred

-Skills

Must be able to work efficiently outdoors in varying conditions and terrain

Able to deal with physically demanding work in inclement weather

Strong organizational skills

Strong and proven team-player AND self-motivated worker

Strong knowledge of plant identification and regional invasive species preferred

Must be able to navigate off trail or in the backcountry, execute transect paths, use a compass & map and/or GPS unit

Excellent verbal and written communication skills in the English language, able to work with the public while completing field work, make phone calls, and send professional emails

Proficient in use of Microsoft Office Suite

Ability to become proficient in HWA visual identification and convey HWA information to the public after on-the-job training

Proficient knowledge of ArcMap, ArcOnline and Garmin handheld GPS preferred

-Other

Able to work flexible hours

Must maintain a valid driverÃf¢ÒÂEURÃ’Â(tm)s license and possess a (registered, insured) vehicle for use during work hours (approved mileage will be reimbursed)

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

-Program Implementation (90%)

Works with Strike Team Coordinator and partners to survey for HWA and elongate hemlock scale

Survey for HWA primarily in Allegan County, with some time in Berrien and Van Buren Counties, and possibly in Cass County

Works with private property owners to obtain written permission to survey their properties

Follows HWA detection survey and decontamination protocols

Works with CISMA staff to submit suspected HWA samples to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

Enters and edits survey data in ArcMap and ArcOnline primarily using tablets for field data collection

Creates maps in ArcMap/QGIS for field use or for depicting survey plans, priorities, completion, and/or current status of invasive species

Communicates with partners and the public on invasive species, especially HWA, both in the field and at events

-Services/Other (10%)

Performs other assignments as required

WORKING CONDITIONS

The SWxSW Corner CISMA works primarily out of the Van Buren Conservation District office, located in Paw Paw, Michigan. When in the field, technicians will primarily survey in Allegan, Berrien, and Van Buren Counties. This will involve considerable driving in company and/or personal vehicles. Field work may involve traversing uneven, boggy, and snow-covered terrain in a wide range of temperatures and conditions, including snow and rain. This may require strenuous hikes and lifting equipment and materials of up to 40 pounds. The Invasive Species Survey Technician must be ready and willing to work in a variety of conditions, as well as travel through the CISMAÃf¢ÒÂEURÃ’Â(tm)s entire service area. Successful applicants must have consistent access to appropriate cold-weather clothing. For decontamination purposes, technicians must launder or tumble dry clothing every night. Applicants should consider the availability of laundry facilities when applying. Due to COVID-19, applicants should be proactive in practicing social distancing, and should be aware that they will share space with at least the Strike Team Coordinator during surveys. Office work can be done on a work-from-home basis until it is safe to return to the office.

TO APPLY

Please email a 1-2 page resume (including references) and a cover letter stating your suitability for the position based on required knowledge and skills to the Strike Team Coordinator, Abbie Bristol at:

abigale.bristol@macd.org

No calls please.

Applications must be received no later than 5 PM EST, Monday, 30 November 2020