The Restoration Assistant performs and participates in preserve operations, maintenance and management. The crew member will be part of a 3-person crew (1 crew leader and 2 crew members) that travels across West Michigan conducting maintenance, restoration, management, and monitoring of Conservancy preserves and partners lands. The Nature Conservancy in Michigan owns and manages three preserves in the West Michigan coastal geography, encompassing more than 1,700 acres.
This is a full time, temporary position with a duration of 4 months.
The Restoration Assistant will work as part of a field crew to implement invasive/exotic species removal using mechanical and/or chemical methods, conducts species monitoring and perform preserve maintenance activities. The applicant will use GPS and geographic information systems (GIS) to identify, record and map native and non-native, invasive species. The applicant will use and maintain equipment, power tools, vehicles, trailers and GPS units. The successful applicant will be able to navigate natural areas with map and GPS. This position requires frequent travel throughout West Michigan. Travel accommodations will be provided by The Nature Conservancy.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Supervises no staff, but may help plan and direct preserve work groups, including staff or volunteers.
- Requires working in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Capable of identifying native and non-native plant species, including winter twig identification, and animal species to complete preserve management activities.
- Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
- Requires long hours in isolated settings, working closely with coworkers.
- Requires use and maintenance of restoration equipment daily.
- Makes day to day decisions as delegated by supervisor.
- May work under infrequent supervision.
- May interact with preserve visitors and the public.
- Experience recognizing native/non-native plant and animal species.
- Experience working on a team.
- Experience performing physical work.
- Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).
- Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application, driver’s license).
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 1-2 years’ experience in natural science related field or related experience in land management.
- Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
- Experience using herbicides for land management activities.
- Ability to operate and maintain various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g.; brush cutter, herbicide sprayers, lawn mower, chainsaw, tractor, trailer, two-way radio, etc.).
- Ability to follow instructions from supervisor and colleagues and work cooperatively with others.
- Ability to communicate clearly via written and spoken in English.
- Ability to perform physical work, often under adverse weather conditions for long periods of time.
- Experience with ARC GIS and GPS units.
- Experience using computers with Microsoft office suite and database systems for maintaining accurate daily work logs, herbicide treatments and other monitoring data.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.