|
JOB DESCRIPTION:
LAND STEWARDSHIP TECHNICIAN
Organization:
The Oakland Township Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) is a local elected park agency responsible for almost 1100 acres of Township park land as well as the Oakland Township portion of the Paint Creek Trail. The PRC manages a 10-year park millage as well as a 10-year land preservation millage. These two millages fund all Township park/natural area acquisition, planning, development, operation and maintenance.
Oakland Township has demonstrated its long-term commitment to the identification and preservation of natural areas through the purchase of parks to protect these resources. Ten of the 12 parks acquired by the Township contain defined high-priority natural areas, including glacial lakes, prairie remnants, forests, a heronry, and Clinton River tributaries. Conservation easements have been dedicated to protect key parkland natural areas.
Overview:
PRC is partnering with Six Rivers Regional Land Conservancy (the Conservancy) to supervise and lead stewardship activities on Township parks and natural areas. Six Rivers Regional Land Conservancy works in Oakland, Macomb, Genesee, and Lapeer counties and has conserved over 1,100 acres of land in the Clinton, Bell, Flint, Huron, Rouge, and Shiawassee River watersheds.
Position: The Stewardship Technician position is a full-time, temporary, hourly position to be employed by PRC. Duties include the management of the Township parks’ natural areas under the direction of the Conservancy’s Stewardship Director. Work tasks may include species monitoring, invasive species control, prescribed burning, and assisting on volunteer stewardship workdays. This position will require cooperation with PRC and Conservancy staff, partner organizations, volunteers, and the general public. This position may be ideal for a candidate seeking an academic internship, experience in the natural resource management field, or continued education in stewardship and land management. It is the responsibility of the Stewardship Technician to make any and all arrangements with an accredited institution if an internship is desired.
Three Stewardship Technician positions will be filled.
Supervision/Organization:
Technicians will be supervised and led by the Conservancy’s Stewardship Director. The Stewardship Director will provide weekly work plans, directions, and day-to-day problem solving. The Parks and Recreation Director will be available when employer-related questions arise.
General Duties:
Applied stewardship activities may include:
Implement stewardship plans and activities as directed by the Conservancy’s Stewardship Manager such as: invasive species suppression, fashioning burn breaks, assisting with prescribed fire activities, public outreach, environmental interpretation, plant installation, seed collection, protecting wildlife of concern, and participating in special events.
Data organization, manipulation, interpretation, collection, and entry
Use GIS and GPS to map natural features within parks and create maps
Assisting with natural features monitoring and inventory
Recording all stewardship activities into specific formats
Equipment repair and maintenance
Outreach responsibilities will include:
Assist with and lead volunteer workdays and programs
Assist volunteers with monitoring activities
Coordinate and work with non-paid workers
Interpret stewardship activities to the public in a positive manner
Position Requirements:
Stewardship Technicians must possess an awareness of conservation issues, an ability to effectively function as part of a team, and have a strong work ethic. Technicians will be required to: provide their own transportation if needed; identify animal and plant species; display proficiency in map interpretation; use tools safely; operate GPS units; possess a willingness to attain additional training (provided by township); possess an ability to perform physical work in harsh conditions and inclement weather; and be able to work under minimal supervision.
Physical Requirements: Work requires the ability to operate a motor vehicle, to operate hand controls on equipment, the ability to distinguish colors and to hear audible alarms.
Incumbent may be exposed to hazardous physical conditions and poor atmospheric condition. In addition, the work may require seasonal exposure to extreme weather conditions, including rain, humidity, intense heat and sunlight.
Ability to climb ladders, handle heavy brush, walk for extended periods, stand for long periods, perform routine moderate lifting and to carry up to 50 pounds in a backpack over a minimum of three miles, traverse rough uneven terrain and wet and slippery surfaces.
Special Requirements, Licenses, and Certifications:
Technicians must possess and present a valid Michigan driver’s license (or be willing to obtain one) and a satisfactory driving record. No felony convictions. Driving and criminal background checks will be completed.
Pre-placement physical exam at department’s expense will be required.
Must be able to provide own transportation if needed for work purposes.
Must have reliable transportation to and from worksite.
Commercial herbicide applicator’s license is a plus, but not required.
Must be willing and able to work flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.
Qualifications:
Technicians should be working towards a degree in conservation biology, ecology, natural resources management or related field.
Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems including ecosystem restoration, invasive species control, herbicide application, prescribed burning and seed processing would be preferred.
Experience working as part of a team and with the public.
Ability to recognize Michigan plant and animal species as required in order to implement preserve management activities.
Ability to interpret and work with maps/plans oriented towards natural resources, land use, development, or engineering/construction.
Ability to safely use and maintain tools and equipment: hand tools, power tools, etc.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, Power Point, and Publisher.
Pay Rate, Starting Date and Work Schedule:
Pay shall be commensurate with education and work experience. Three positions are open. These short-term positions will last for a minimum of 10 weeks, and a maximum of 20 weeks. Please indicate position length preference when applying.
To Apply: Submit resume and three professional references to:
Heather Huffstutler, Stewardship Director
Six Rivers Regional Land Conservancy
P.O. Box 80902 Rochester, MI 48308
Email: hhuffstutler@sixriversrlc.org
For More Information, contact Heather Huffstutler, Stewardship Director, Six Rivers Regional Land Conservancy at hhuffstutler@sixriversrlc.org
All resumes must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. on June 5, 2009.
Revised 2009
The Charter Township of Oakland is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Pre-placement physical exam at department’s expense will be required
|
