Stewardship Technician

miOttawa.org; Coopersville (MI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Ottawa County Parks and Recreation is seeking a part-time, seasonal technician to help conserve and restore natural resources across the county. The role involves removing invasive plants by hand, cutting, and herbicide applications, along with restoration tasks and native planting.

Applicants must be willing to work outdoors in varying conditions, gain pesticide applicator certification after hire, and comply with safety protocols. Evening/weekend shifts may be required.

Qualifications

• Understanding of invasive species, control techniques incl. hand removal and herbicides.
• Working knowledge of pesticide use and safety.
• Experience with common land-management tools (hand saws, loppers, chainsaws, UTVs).
• Familiarity with OSHA/MIOSHA safety rules and practices.

Responsibilities

• Remove invasive plants at multiple sites by hand-pulling, cutting, and herbicide application.
• Perform restoration tasks such as site prep, planting native seeds and trees.
• Apply pesticides safely for invasive species control.
• Assist in prescribed fire preparation and application.
• Document field activities and pesticide usage.

Skills

Invasive species identification

Pesticide handling

Tools: hand saws, loppers, chainsaws,

OSHA/MIOSHA safety

Tools

Hand saws

Loppers

Chainsaws

UTVs

Job description

Under the supervision of the Stewardship Supervisor, performs tasks related to the conservation and restoration of Ottawa County Parks and Recreation's (OCPR) natural resources. Including the removal of invasive plant species through mechanical and chemical methods including hand pulling, cut-stem, and foliar or basal bark applications, hand pulling, cutting invasive trees and shrubs, and applying foliar herbicide treatments. Participates in other land stewardship activities such as native plantings, invasive species and forest health survey, prescribed fire, and other natural resource related tasks. This position is considered seasonal or part-time.

This is a part-time, limited benefit position working 24-32 hours per week.

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Works with other technicians to remove invasive plants at various sites throughout the county by hand-pulling, cutting, and applying herbicides.
2. Performs other restoration tasks including site preparation, planting native seeds, plugs, and trees.
3. Safely and responsibly applies pesticide for the control of invasive insects.
4. Assists in preparation for and application of prescribed fire.
5. Attends webinars, workshops, and other training events as needed and assigned.
6. Carefully documents field work activities and maintains records of pesticide application.
7. Performs other functions as assigned.

Must be 18 years of age. High school diploma or GED is not required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

1. 1. Understanding of invasive species including skills in the identification of exotic and invasive plants and animals as well as control techniques including hand removal, use of pesticides, mowing, and burning.
2. 2. Working knowledge of the use and management of pesticides.
3. 3. Working knowledge of the proper use of manual and power tools commonly used in land management including but not limited to hand saws, loppers, chain saws, and UTVs.
4. 5. Good working knowledge of OSHA/MIOSHA rules, regulations and requirements. Working knowledge of safety protocols and practices.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

Must possess or obtain (after hire) state certification as a pesticide applicator. May require a valid Michigan driver's license to operate County vehicle and/or be insurable to operate a vehicle under the county's current automobile insurance policy.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must be willing and able to work outdoors in all conditions and perform labor-intensive tasks in dunes, forests, wetlands, fields, and other natural settings.
2. Must be willing and able to perform labor-intensive work for extended periods of time.
3. Must have sufficient visual activity, with or without corrective lenses to visually identify plants, animals and other natural resource elements in the field.
4. Must be able to physically access all natural resource features and areas including trails, park grounds, dunes, wetlands, and other areas in the course of daily activities.
5. Must be able to lift and move equipment and materials weighing up to 50 lbs with or without mechanical or other assistance.
6. Must be able to tolerate exposure to extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, pollen and other airborne particulates; and inclement weather conditions.
7. Must have sufficient physical strength and dexterity to operate tools commonly used in natural resources land management, invasive plant removal, landscaping trades, and other related tasks.
8. Must be able to tolerate exposure (with personal protective equipment) to pesticides and adjuvants routinely used in the control of invasive species.
9. Must be able to wear all required protective clothing and equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

While performing the essential functions of this position, the employee is exposed to moving mechanical hazards; dust, dirt and other airborne particles; inclement weather, including extreme temperatures, wind, and rain; herbicides and pesticides; insects and other outdoor pests; and other outdoor hazards. Some evening and weekend hours may be required.

DISCLAIMER:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Ottawa County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.