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¢ÒÂEURÃ’Â; 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