The Ottawa Conservation District is seeking four Ecological Technicians. These positions will carry out work for the West Michigan Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (WMCISMA) funded through the following funding sources: Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program, Sustain Our Great Lakes, and Good Neighbor Authority.    

Posting Date: March 25, 2025

Closing Date: April 17, 2025

Number of Positions: 4

Location: Based in Grand Haven out of the Ottawa Conservation District office located at 16731 Ferris St., Grand Haven, MI. Assignments will be performed throughout the WMCISMA counties, including Allegan, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, and Ottawa.

Position Details: This is a grant-funded, limited-term position. Sick-time benefits are provided as required by Michigan law. The anticipated time commitment is 40 hours per week, but hours can vary due to workload and weather conditions.

Start Date: June 1, 2025

Estimated End Date: August 28, 2025

Position Description: The Ottawa Conservation District is seeking four individuals to join our team as Ecological Technicians for the West Michigan Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (WMCISMA). This position offers hands-on experience in invasive species management through field-based surveys, mapping, and treatment of invasive plants across multiple counties in West Michigan. The position will be based out of the Ottawa Conservation District office in Grand Haven, but daily travel to site locations using a work vehicle will be required.  

Ecological Technicians will work under the direction of the WMCISMA Coordinator and Invasive Species Specialist to survey, map, and manage invasive plant species on both public and private lands. Primary responsibilities include:

• Conduct field-based surveys and map aquatic and terrestrial invasive plant species.
• Communicate with landowners to discuss projects and obtain necessary permissions.
• Perform manual invasive plant removal and apply herbicides.
• Collect and organize data using handheld GPS units, tablets, and Google Sheets.
• Utilize online and printed parcel and aerial maps for field navigation.  

We are seeking self-directed, responsible, and motivated individuals who have the ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Individuals with the ability to communicate effectively with co-workers and the public in a professional manner, strong organizational and computer skills, and a background or interest in natural resources management or a related field are preferred. Plant identification training will be provided, but prior experience is useful. Individuals will be required to obtain a Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification in Categories 2, 3A, 3B, 5, and 6 upon hire. Individuals will be expected to pay for this testing and will be reimbursed upon the start of work.  

While working in the field, Ecological Technicians will be working in inclement weather such as rain and extreme heat while doing physical work such as hiking for extended periods on uneven terrain while carrying a 40-pound backpack sprayer or kayaking turbulent waters. This position also requires the employee to have sufficient strength to lift supplies weighing up to 50 pounds with little to no mechanical or other assistance. Regular use of herbicides is expected.  

Desired Qualifications:  

• Minimum of high school diploma or GED certificate
• Possession of Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification is preferred
• If not already certified, candidates will be required to obtain Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification in Categories 2, 3B, 5, and 6 upon hire
• Ability to recognize and properly identify aquatic and terrestrial native and invasive plants ● Knowledge of invasive plant species control techniques
• Experience in various invasive species control methods, especially herbicide use
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite (Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, Excel)  
• Experience with data entry and management  
• Must have a valid driver’s license  
• Must be detail-oriented  
• Be able to collaborate well with others  
• Experience working in various field conditions  

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and will consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.