The Conservation Practitioner III leads work teams and supervises staff to ensure objectives of the Potomac Highlands Cooperative Weed and Pest Management Area (PHCWPMA) field crew are being met. The Conservation Practitioner III (field crew leader) performs and participates in natural area operations including the maintenance, management, development and coordination of conservation programs. The field crew leader will act as team lead to implement control and management of non-native invasive species throughout the PHCWPMA. S/he maintains natural areas, removes exotic species, monitors and researches species, maintains tools and equipment, operates heavy machinery, keeps treatment records for regulatory purposes, writes reports, and updates partners of field crew progress. The field crew leader will need to work closely with TNC staff, partners and cooperators along with AmeriCorps field crew personnel.
This full-time temporary position will run from March 19, 2018 to September 14, 2018. This position is primarily based out of Elkins, WV but will include daily travel to work sites. Transportation will be provided for work purposes.
- Invasive species control including herbicide application.
- Operates and maintains tools and equipment.
- Conducts monitoring data collection and entry.
- Assists with land management and restoration planning.
- Tracks and records work progress including herbicide application records.
- Drives 4WD truck with crew and supplies on remote, backcountry roads.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Supervise field crew with responsibility for scheduling, training and development.
- May lead or monitor work groups consisting of staff, interns, and volunteers covering a wide geographic area.
- Networks with diverse groups, including land owners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the general public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy.
- Works under minimal and distant supervision; must make independent decisions based on experience and judgments.
- Works in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Maintain and keep hand tools and power tools in working condition. Must be familiar with the safe use of backpack sprayers, hand tools like loppers and pruners, and mechanical tools such as brush cutters.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with natural systems.
- Experience in ecological land management principles.
- Experience supervising staff.
- Must have a valid driver's license.
- Experience driving 4WD vehicle on unimproved and rough roads.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 1 – 2 years related experience in custodial and ecological land management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete restoration and management activities.
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.
- Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
- Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers).
- Communicating clearly via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.