The Oak Openings Project Office of The Nature Conservancy serves as a major partner of the Green Ribbon Initiative (GRI). The GRI is a collaboration of conservation partners in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan working to improve the quality and quantity of Lakeplain Oak Openings habitat through protection, restoration, and education. With approval of the Green Ribbon Initiative Steering Committee, partners can pursue shared goals on behalf of the partnership. The Oak Openings Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA) Coordinator supports and coordinates the invasive species control efforts of the GRI partners.
The CWMA Coordinator provides support, coordination, and implementation for CWMA projects including mapping of invasive species, ecological monitoring, early detection/rapid response, data management, partner communication, and implementation of education and outreach.
As a leader of the Oak Openings Cooperative Weed Management Area, the CWMA Coordinator will complete a variety of tasks related to invasive species identification, mapping and control on behalf of the Green Ribbon Initiative Stewardship Subcommittee. They are expected to lead work teams to ensure the coordination, community support and implementation of a region-wide invasive species management program. They will report to and work closely with the Green Ribbon Initiative Partnership specialist to advance the shared priorities of the group including; field evaluation and mapping of invasive species populations, implementation of control measures, creation of best management practices, identification of funding sources, training on management techniques; maintains tools and monitoring equipment (GPS units), performs internal and external communications and outreach related to invasive species, and manages data entry and invasive species reporting. The ideal candidate will have opportunity for professional development as he/she will be networking with land managers and invasive species professionals from across the region on a daily basis.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- May lead or monitor work groups consisting of staff, interns, and volunteers covering a wide geographic area.
- Financial responsibility may include working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development and fundraising targets.
- Networks with diverse groups, including landowners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the general public to recruit support for The Nature Conservancy and the Green Ribbon Initiative.
- May work under minimal and/or distant supervision; may make some independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Coordinate survey and monitoring efforts to ensure consistent, efficient data collection, storage, and dissemination. Use GIS and other tools to upload information to MISIN. Share invasive species location data with stakeholders.
- Will play a key role in Early Detection Rapid Response Efforts in the Oak Openings Region. Proactively work with local, state, and federal partners.
- Communicate regularly with GRI Partnership Specialist, Steering committee, and Stewardship Subcommittee.
- Participate in regional invasive species collaborations to share and obtain knowledge and skills.
- Identify potential funding sources and assist in writing grants to support invasive species control efforts.
- Develop and maintain invasive species outreach materials relevant to the Oak Openings and deliver educational programing for landowners, municipalities, and conservation partners in the Oak Openings Region.
- In consultation with the GRI Stewardship Subcommittee, develop annual work plans for invasive species treatment implementation and other related activities.
- 1-year related experience in custodial and ecological land management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge of invasive species and their impacts on natural systems.
- Experience in ecological land management principles including invasive species policies, management and planning.
- Experience communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English
- Experience working with common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers).
- Must have a valid driver's license.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- 1 – 2 years related experience in custodial and ecological land management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Proficiency in GPS/GIS and data management for inventory, treatment, monitoring, and reporting.
- Some experience managing volunteers or entry level staff.
- Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete ecological monitoring efforts and invasive species mapping.
- Knowledge/understanding of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation/conservation or similar field.
- Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
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.