Laborer - Natural Resources Vegetation Management

City of Bloomington, IN; Bloomington (IN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Bloomington, IN is seeking a vegetation management professional to oversee urban greenspace, trails, and natural areas. Responsibilities include directing materials and labor, training staff, and implementing restoration projects in City parks.

The role emphasizes GIS data collection, pesticide application, equipment operation, and safety adherence, with outdoor, year-round work and occasional snow operations. CPR/First Aid certification is preferred within one month of hire.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Three years' experience in vegetation management and safety protocols.
• Two years' experience with pesticide use techniques and equipment.
• Possess or obtain OISC Pesticide Applicator Cat 2 and/or 6 license within two months of hire.
• Ability to operate a range of tools and light equipment safely.
• Ability to identify native vs invasive plant species in the field.

Responsibilities

• Direct allocation of materials and labor for tasks.
• Assist with training and supervision of temporary/non-full-time staff.
• Implement management plans for vegetation and restoration projects.
• Collect GIS data and monitor vegetation; report pesticide applications.
• Operate and maintain tools, vehicles, and equipment used in vegetation management.
• Respond to inquiries and assist volunteers in vegetation efforts.

Skills

GIS data collection

Pesticide application

Equipment operation

Team supervision

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Pesticide applicator license (OISC Cat 2/6) within 2 months

Tools

Chainsaw

Brush cutter

Mowing equipment

Pesticide application equipment

GIS software

Job description

Responsible for vegetation management related to the upkeep of natural areas, urban greenspace areas, trails, and other areas as assigned within City-owned Parks properties.

This job description is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all job functions performed.

The following are essential duties for this position, performed with or without reasonable accommodation:

Primary

• Helps to direct allocation of materials and labor, and to support the safe, accurate, and timely completion of tasks. Assists with the training and supervision of temporary and non-full-time employees, as needed.
• Assists with the implementation of management plans and prescriptions for a range of vegetation management activities, including the site prep, installation, and management of native plantings and other ecological restoration projects.
• Collects GIS data and performs vegetation monitoring. Records and reports pesticide applications in compliance with departmental Integrated Pest Management Plan.
• Utilizes a range of vegetation management techniques, including the mixing and application of herbicides. Mows or trims vegetation in assigned areas according to schedule or as needed.
• Operates, transports, and maintains various hand tools, light equipment, and vehicles to implement vegetation management activities.
• Follows standardized procedures, tracks work assignments, and keeps maintenance records. Assists to maintain inventory of tools, equipment, and materials, as needed.
• Responds to inquiries or complaints from citizens concerning vegetation management and refers valid complaints to the supervisor.
• Supports and helps direct volunteer vegetation management efforts.

Secondary

• Assists with small construction and repair projects such as fence installation, sign posting, trail upkeep, and minor equipment repair, in relation to vegetation management duties.
• Attends required departmental staff/team meetings and participates in periodic professional development opportunities outside the City.
• Performs snow removal activities and assists with operation of tools and equipment necessary for snow and ice removal. Assists with other weather emergency response activities as needed.
• Removes trash and debris from city public areas, parks, cemeteries, and facilities as needed.
• Assists with special event set-ups and tear downs as required by the Operations Superintendent.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

High school diploma or combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position.

Three years' experience implementing vegetation management activities and adherence to related workplace safety protocols,preferred.

Two years' experience with pesticide use techniques and application equipment in a natural area setting,preferred.

Possess or obtain OISC Certified Pesticide Applicator Category 2 and/or 6 license within two months of hire.

Experience in the safe operation, maintenance, and transport of a range of tools and light equipment including hand tools, chainsaw, brush cutter, string trimmer, mowing equipment, pesticide application equipment, high pressure spraying equipment, water tank with pump, pick-up truck, small dump truck, and small trailer.

Ability to accurately identify and distinguish between native and invasive plant species in the field.

Experience using GIS software to monitor and collect vegetation management data, preferred.

Possess or ability to obtain CPR/AED and First Aid certification within one month of hire.

Ability to legally operate a motor vehicle required.

Difficulty of Work

Duties are moderately complex according to both general and specialized instructions from the Natural Resources Working Foreperson and Natural Resources Manager.

Employee performs the majority of duties outdoors on a year-round basis, in a range of weather conditions. This may include extreme conditions such as high heat and humidity and low temperatures. Work sites may involve exposure to ticks, mosquitoes, poison ivy, and stinging insects; as well as to noise, dust, and vehicle and equipment fumes. Safety precautions must be followed to avoid injury and incident.

Moderate to strenuous repetitive physical effort is exerted daily to set up and operate equipment, load and unload materials, and perform duties. This includes walking, bending, stooping, and movement of extremities necessary to navigate terrain, handle equipment controls, lift and load materials, supplies, and equipment.

Employee must be physically capable of lifting heavy objects up to 75 pounds, such as tree limbs, other natural materials, building materials, and fencing. Work duties involve hiking over uneven terrain while carrying equipment, often covering distances exceeding 5 miles per day. This includes the ability to lift and carry a 35-pound backpack sprayer, for extended periods over long distances.

Position is considered Essential Personnel. Rules governing attendance during weather emergencies, as stated in the City’s Bad Weather Policy, apply to this position. On call and weekend/holiday duty may be required for work assignments such as storm clean up and snow and ice removal.

Personal Work Relationships

Work involves moderate computer use for daily email communications and document upkeep across shared platforms. Position requires the daily use of mobile devices for time-sensitive communications and to utilize mobile applications for GIS data collection and asset management tracking.

Position involves frequent contact and communications with superiors, staff, volunteers, and members of the general public for a variety of purposes including explanation of activities and providing program services.