Our mission is to protect and enhance the natural resources of Kent County. We accomplish this with voluntary programs available for private landowners in rural and urban areas, such as: habitat restoration assistance, Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assistance Program (MAEAP) verification, Farm Bill Programs, and technical assistance to all landowners. Kent Conservation District is a local provider of natural resource management services that help our citizens conserve their lands and our environment for a cleaner, healthier, economically stronger Michigan. The District has been an active part of the seven county West Michigan Conservation Network’s Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (WMCISMA) since 2011. 

Currently seeking to fill 2-3 positions on our seasonal strike team which works up to 40 hours/week from May-October. Hours can be flexible with adequate notice. Part time seasonal applicants are also encouraged to apply.

The positions will be funded by grants and contracts hired through the Kent Conservation District.  Staff will operate out of the USDA / Conservation District office in Grand Rapids, MI and conduct work duties across Kent and Montcalm county using district-owned vehicles. Work will be weather dependent.

40 HRS / WEEK MAY-OCTOBER (1000 hours)

Compensation will range between $17-$19 an hour or higher commensurate with experience and work performance. Potential for term of employment to be extended based on seasonal projects and for-hire work requests. Potential for advancement if work demonstrated well exceeds expectations. Earlier start date may be negotiable depending on work projects of interest.

Duties of position include chemical treatment of priority invasive plant species with foliar and cut stump applications, chemical treatment of for-hire plant species contracted through homeowners, local parks and game areas, thorough recording of treatment and monitoring data to be submitted to the CISMA, ability to work well in extreme weather conditions, ability to work cooperatively in a group setting, and willingness to work occasional weekend volunteer events instructing and demonstrating proper procedure for invasive control.

Required qualifications:

Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator or ability to obtain certification within 3 weeks of start date. Recommended categories: 2, 3B, 5, 6. Experience identifying and controlling high priority invasive species in the Midwest, experience with data collection.

Native plant ID, habitat restoration experience, knowledge of conservation districts and CISMAs are a plus.

Ideal candidate will be

• attentive to detail, well organized, punctual, self-motivated, comfortable with public speaking, interested in taking on additional projects and communicative to their supervisors.
• Able to work outside in all weather conditions.
• Open to a non-traditional work schedule that includes some weekend days, possibly evenings, and call offs due to unforeseen weather conditions.