Cooperative Weed Management Area Invasive Species Specialist

The Grand Traverse Conservation District is a community-serving organization that cares for the people and places that make Northwest Michigan so special. We've been working for over 70 years to keep our local farms sustainable, the Boardman River healthy, our parklands accessible, and our children outdoors.

Position Overview: 

The Invasive Species Specialist is responsible for working with public and private landowners to target high priority invasive species.

The Specialist will frequently be in the field coordinating invasive species removal efforts and meeting with partners, local units of government, and various associations. Field work may involve traversing uneven, boggy and submerged terrain in wide ranges of air temperatures and weather and may require lifting equipment and materials of up to 30 pounds. The Specialist will frequently be in the vicinity of crews using hand tools and power equipment and will be involved in doing so her/himself.

Responsibilities:

Primary responsibilities include: recruiting, managing, and stewarding volunteers; supervising seasonal staff and work crews; assisting with surveying shorelines, streams, and roads for high priority invasive species; working with local units of governments, lake associations, and private property owners in adopting Phragmites control ordinances and planting guides; applying for permits; coordinating control efforts in Benzie, Manistee, and Leelanau Counties; and ensuring the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant requirements are met for the program.

The Specialist will also work with Conservations Districts; volunteers; external Stakeholder; program partners; Townships; garden centers and clubs; landscapers; public and private property owners.

Qualifications:

• At least 1 year of experience in volunteer management;
• Background in natural resource management, particularly invasive species management;
• Experience with hand tools and herbicides;
• Experience with public speaking;
• A minimum of an Associates degree from an accredited college or university with excellent academic performance; preferably in a natural resource or management field. Bachelor's Degree Preferred;
• Strong organizational skills;
• Strong and proven leader and team-player;
• Proficient in use of PC and Microsoft Office Suite;
• Working knowledge of ArcMap and GPS units;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in the English language;
• Exhibits excellent social and interpersonal skills; relates effectively to diverse clientele and work groups;
• Strong knowledge of plant identification and/or regional invasive species;
• Able to work independent of direct supervision and as part of a team;
• Able to lift and handle materials up to 30 pounds without assistance;
• Must be able to work efficiently outdoors in varying conditions and terrain;
• Able to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.
• Maintain a valid driver's license.

Compensation: This position is a full-time, 40 hrs/week, 2 year grant funded position. Salary range: $23,400-$27,040/year. Position is FLSA Exempt. Benefits include paid holidays, 18 paid days off per year, and the District's group health insurance package.

To Apply:

Please email completed application, resume, and cover letter stating your suitability for the position. The application can be found on the Grand Traverse Conservation District website. No calls please.