Position Summary:
Primary responsibilities include overseeing seasonal field technicians while working to survey and control invasive plants throughout the CAKE service region. The CAKE CISMA Restoration Crew Leader will implement invasive and exotic plant management control methods using integrated pest management strategies, including manual, mechanical, chemical, and biological releases. Day-to-day job duties will primarily be focused on restoring native plant and animal habitats in the CAKE CISMA service area. This position may assist with grant applications, grant reports, and land management plans under the supervision of the CAKE CISMA Invasive Species Program Coordinator. This position is funded in part by the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program through the Michigan DNR, Michigan EGLE, and MDARD, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative administered by the US Forest Service with additional funding provided by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, and Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians.

Organizational Structure: The CAKE CISMA was formed in 2015 with the goal of protecting the natural resources, economy, and human health of Northern Lower Michigan through collaborative outreach and management of invasive species. The program serves Charlevoix, Antrim, Kalkaska & Emmet counties in Northwest Michigan. It operates under the fiduciary oversight of the Antrim Conservation District (ACD). While CAKE CISMA leads the strategic direction and priorities for invasive species management in the region, all employees are officially employed by the Antrim Conservation District, adhere to ACD protocols as outlined in the employee handbook, and have access to ACD resources and benefits.

Compensation: The CAKE CISMA Restoration Crew Leader is a full-time, 40 hours/week, FLSA exempt position with a pay range of $19-$22 per hour commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid holidays, up to 13 paid days off per year, retirement, and a health insurance package including dental and vision.

Standards of Performance: Highest standards of confidentiality are maintained regarding our donors, volunteers, board, and personnel while representing the ACD with the highest integrity of customer service and environmental care and conservation concerns.

Work Location: Antrim Conservation District office - 4820 Stover Road Bellaire Michigan with fieldwork throughout the CAKE CISMA service area, including travel to the Beaver Island Archipelago as needed.

Work Conditions: This is a field position that will require outdoor work in varying weather conditions, terrains, and locations. Work will require hiking and snowshoe use for long distances.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Work with the CAKE CISMA Program Coordinator to organize logistics and oversee the daily activities of field technicians to help implement long-term invasive species strategies.
• Supervise and work alongside seasonal crew members to treat invasive species in the CAKE CISMA service area (manual, mechanical, chemical, biological).
• Ensure the safety of crew members and operate independently with minimal oversight.
• Troubleshoot minor logistical and mechanical issues.
• Oversee large-scale invasive species management projects, including coordination with contractors, landowners, and permitting.
• Direct crew members to treat high-priority species on private and public lands.
• Manage prevention-based activities and coordinate equipment monitoring and maintenance.
• Provide monitoring and management assistance to project partners as needed.
• Coordinate and conduct surveys for invasive species on both public and private land
• Work with partner organizations, municipalities, and private property owners on invasive species treatments.
• Manage invasive species control data, including photo monitoring for grant reports.
• Assists in entering survey data into databases (Midwest Invasive Species Information Network).
• Adhere to proper herbicide application procedures to ensure best management practices
• Assist with grants to ensure permitting compliance and accurate and timely reporting on project progress and outcomes.
• Provide support and assistance at education and outreach events.
• Ensure professional-level communication with the public and stakeholders.
• Undertake other duties as assigned by the Executive Director or Program Coordinator to support the effective operation of the CAKE CISMA program and its fiduciary, the Antrim Conservation District.

Required Qualifications:
Formal Education or Equivalent

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a focus in natural resources, biology, or ecology
• Has Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Pesticide applicator certificate categories 2 3A, 3B, 5, 6, and 10; or the ability and willingness to obtain the certification within 1 month of employment with required costs to be paid by the employer

Related Work Experience & Skills:

• Experience leading and directing work/field crews
• Experience in field data collecting, record keeping, and managing data
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction
• Strong organizational skills
• Excellent social and interpersonal skills
• Experience safely mixing, storing, and applying herbicides.
• Experience working with handheld gardening tools, backpack sprayers, hand-held sprayers, and herbicides to manage invasive plants.
• Experience using and maintaining hand and power tools, outboard motors, power washers, and completing their maintenance or the ability to learn. CAKE CISMA Restoration Crew Leader November 2024
• First Aid and CPR certification.
• Comfort driving with trailers or larger vehicles.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background in natural resources management, particularly in invasive species management
• Experience with herbicides; including safety, proper storage, mixing, and applications
• Plant identification and knowledge of regional invasive species
• Invasive species treatment knowledge • Basic computer efficiency (Windows, MS Office)
• Proficiency in using GPS units, wayfinding, and orienteering
• Skilled in ArcGIS applications

Physical Requirements:

• Must possess the visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to fieldwork
• Ability to work flexible hours
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50lbs daily (backpack sprayers, chainsaws, etc)
• Able to work efficiently outdoors in varying conditions and terrains. Frequent standing, walking, walking on uneven surfaces, carrying, pushing, bending, kneeling, reaching, twisting, turning, and repetitive movements are required.
• Must hold a valid driver's license and be able to drive company vehicles

ADA COMPLIANCE: This position description is intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed by the employee assigned to the position. It is not an exhaustive list of all the essential functions of the position and its related duties and responsibilities. Employees must be able to perform all essential functions of the position with reasonable accommodation. The ACD reserves the right to amend the essential functions of this position to meet organizational needs as necessary.