Conservation Technician

Kaee; Bowling Green, Northern (KY, KY); Hybrid; USD 49,594,000 - 54,553,000; Full time

Job summary

Lost River Cave is seeking a Conservation Technician to advance invasive species removal and native plant restoration across upland prairie and karst valley meadow. You will collaborate with partners, volunteers, and staff to implement conservation plans and expand restoration efforts.

Responsibilities include operating equipment after training, maintaining detailed records, and coordinating with agencies like KDFWR, KDF, and KNPS.

Qualifications

• Degree in ecology, natural resource management, biology, horticulture or related field.
• Willingness to gain knowledge of regional invasive/native species.

Responsibilities

• Carry out manual, mechanical, and chemical control methods of invasive plants.
• Operate equipment after training (tractor, bush hog, chainsaw, sprayers, etc.).
• Maintain regulatory record keeping and prepare reports.
• Build and maintain partnerships with agencies, universities, and volunteers.
• Coordinate with Maintenance on shared projects and support fundraising events.

Skills

Organizational skills

Project management

Physical stamina

Independent work

Education

Degree in ecology/natural resource management/biology/horticulture

Tools

Tractor

Bush hog

Chainsaw

Backpack sprayer

Weed eater

Hedge trimmer

Job description

The Conservation Technician will help carry out the next phase of Lost River Cave’s natural resource conservation efforts. To date, invasive plant removal and native plant restoration efforts are yielding results in the upland prairie and karst valley mesic meadow. This position will continue to focus on those areas, grow relationships with key partners, volunteers, and plan for possible future restoration expansion.

Reports To: CEO & Executive Director of Philanthropy

Carry out manual, mechanical, and chemical control methods of invasive plants

Operate tractor, bush hog, side by side, chainsaw, weed eater, hedge trimmer, backpack sprayer, and any other needed equipment after being trained and approved to operate

Evaluate and integrate plans from KDFWR, KDF, and past LRC Resource Management Plan

Build on species inventories of flora and fauna

Maintain existing partnerships and build new relationships with key partners which may include KDFWR, KDF, KNPS, WKU, regional universities, County Extension Office, volunteers, and others

Coordinate with Maintenance Department on shared projects

Occasionally support fundraising initiatives by participating in events with donors and prospective supporters

Present occasional programming on invasive species, identification, and best management practices

Maintain accurate, detailed records of work done, results, etc. Prepare reports accordingly.

Maintain all regulatory record keeping in compliance with the UK Department of Agriculture

Help maintain native plant demonstration garden and assist in native plant landscaping

Participate in other duties as assigned which may include trail work, landscaping, special event support, & other

Potentially coordinate conservation grazing

Potentially research grant opportunities and write applications for funding on rainy days or when requested

Requirements

Degree in ecology, natural resource management, biology, horticulture, related field or qualifying real-world experience

Knowledge of invasive and native plant species of this region or willingness to gain that knowledge

Ability to work project list independently

Ability to do solo work on a daily basis

Ability to work in variable weather conditions on difficult terrain

Ability to perform physically demanding work including digging, lifting, bending, carrying a backpack sprayer for long periods of time, and other physical tasks

Mechanical skills and ability to use equipment to maintain natural areas

Willingness to obtain and maintain Herbicide Application Licenses: Category 2 (Forestry), Category 3 (Turf and Ornamental), and Category 6 (Right of Way) – acquiring & maintaining these licenses is required

Willingness to participate in Kentucky Prescribed Fire Council Training, as assigned

Experience with project management is a plus

Organizational skills

Compensation

Schedule : 40 hrs per week – some weekend (and infrequent evening) work required for volunteer events and park special events

Pay : $18/hr with a 90 day review and opportunity for increase based on performance

Health Insurance: Following the employee’s successful 90-day performance review, the employee may elect to enroll in the company’s Health Insurance Program.

Dental and Vision Insurance: Following the employee’s successful 90-day performance review, the employee may elect to enroll in the company’s dental and vision programs.

Retirement Plan: After 12 months of employment, employees may elect to participate in the company’s pre-tax Retirement Plan. The company will match employee contributions up to 3% of the employee’s eligible compensation.

Paid Holidays: The company observes the following paid holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Employees may be required to work on Memorial Day, Independence Day, or Labor Day as part of the team’s holiday coverage schedule. If an employee is required to work on an observed paid holiday, equivalent paid flex time will be provided.

Paid Time Off (PTO):

Vacation: Following the employee’s successful 90-day performance review, the employee is eligible for paid vacation based on length of service:

First year of employment: 40 hours

Years 2–4 of employment: 80 hours per year

Beginning in Year 5: 120 hours per year

Sick Time: Following the employee’s successful 90-day performance review, the employee is eligible for up to 40 hours of sick time per year. Sick time is intended to provide a safety net when an employee is unable to work due to illness, injury, medical care, or another qualifying health-related need.

Employee Discount: Employee discount at the company gift shop.

National Caves Association Benefits: Eligibility for a National Caves Association Employee Reciprocal Benefits Card.