Description
JOB SUMMARY
Under the supervision of a higher classified employee, the Natural Areas Stewardship Technician will work with the stewardship team on the management of natural habitats within the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission’s Nature Preserves and Parks. This position will focus on implementation of land management and ecological restoration activities, as well as the construction and maintenance of passive recreational amenities such as nature trails and rustic boardwalks. The Stewardship Technician will also support staffing needs at outreach events including, but not limited to nature interpretive programming and volunteer events. The Stewardship Technician will be required to operate and maintain various pieces of equipment needed to conduct stewardship work. The purpose of this position is to provide WCPARC with the technical expertise and staff coordination it needs to effectively conduct stewardship activities in natural areas. Must have at least basic ecological understanding of natural environments and land management strategies.
Essential Duties:
Performs a variety of semi-skilled tasks to maintain nature trails, including use of chainsaw to remove hazardous / down trees.
Participate in weekly stewardship team meetings to prioritize stewardship activities.
Performs minor repairs and routine maintenance on equipment, such as greasing, oiling, and sharpening blades on a regular basis.
Conduct herbicide application as needed. Ensure compliance with all city and state herbicide-related policies and regulations and maintain logbooks for herbicide
Ability to document and communicate work completed to monitor effectiveness of management techniques for control of invasive species and restoration of native ecosystems.
Maintain trails, public entrances, kiosks including current trail maps, and parking areas, as needed, to welcome and provide safe amenities for visitors.
Ability to effectively organize logistics for field days.
Transports necessary materials and personnel, loads and unloads vehicles with a variety of equipment, tools and materials.
Lead natural areas seasonal crew in conducting stewardship work.
Train other field crew, seasonal staff and volunteers on safe work methods, equipment use, and maintenance.
Report and document changes in natural areas community diversity over time.
Conduct prescribed burns.
Coordinate activities with other stewardship and planning staff, as needed.
Assist with preparation and leading volunteer workdays and other restoration activities in the field.
Track and maintain tools and equipment and order new materials as needed.
Stay current on latest research findings regarding control of invasive species in southern Michigan.
Foster team environment with stewardship and other WCPARC staff.
Assist with other stewardship and maintenance activities as assigned.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.
Requirements
Possession of a valid Michigan Chauffer License is required.
Ability to obtain a Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certificate (Category 5 – Aquatics & Category 6 – Right of Way) from the State of Michigan within 3-6 months from date of employment.
EXPERIENCE
At least one (1) year of experience in ecological restoration and management (specifically the control of invasive species with prescribed fire or herbicides), and the planning of such activities; or any equivalent combination of education and experience, or Basic working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel. Good communication skills and ability to foster teamwork. Experience leading seasonal staff working in field work.
