The Oak Openings Restoration Assistant performs land restoration and management activities in the Oak Openings Region of Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.
The Oak Openings Restoration Assistant performs land restoration and management activities in the Oak Openings Region of Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. This may include seed collecting, seed processing and planting, tree removal, mowing, litter clean-ups, prescribed burning, and weed control using herbicide. He/she will be responsible for preparation and maintenance of equipment used in these management activities. This is a full time, short term position (approximately 6 months from starting date) that involves extensive outdoor physical labor in diverse weather conditions and may require working some weekends. The Oak Openings Restoration Assistant is supervised by the Oak Openings Restoration Manager, does not supervise other staff, but may supervise volunteers. A strong preference will be given to applicants who have previous wildland firefighting training or are willing to complete the training (online) prior to position beginning.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Supervises no staff, but may help plan and direct preserve work groups, including staff or volunteers.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Operates vehicles in a safe manner, including on-road and off-road conditions
- Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
- Requires long hours in isolated settings.
- Makes day to day decisions as delegated by supervisor.
- Consults supervisor on unusual or complex issues
- May work under close supervision or infrequent supervision.
- May resolve preserve management problems independently as delegated.
- Consult with supervisor to develop plans for resolution of unusual or complex problems.
- Monitor the progress of work groups toward achieving preserve management goals.
- Ability to convey work instructions to other preserve management team members, including volunteers
- Ability to interact with preserve visitors and to convey basic preserve information, possibly leading preserve field trips.
- Ability to function productively as a member or leader of a work team.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Must possess a valid driver’s license
- Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
- Experience operating various types of equipment.
- Experience performing physical work
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma and 1 - 2 years’ training in science-related field or related experience in land management.
- Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems in Ohio.
- Ability to recognize plant and animal species to complete preserve management activities.
- Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g.; 4wd truck, lawn mower, chainsaw, tractor, two-way radio, ATV, etc.).
- Ability to follow instructions from colleagues.
- PC familiarity, including database knowledge, and experience accessing the internet.
- Ability to perform physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or inclement weather.
- Training or certifications needed to perform job duties (e.g. prescribed fire FFT2, prescribed fire physical fitness test, herbicide application, driver’s license).
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.