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Invasive Species Restoration Technician

CAKE CISMA

Bellaire, Michigan

Job Type Temporary
Salary Details $16.00 - $17.00 per hour
Deadline Mar 03, 2025
Experience 0 - 1 years

Position Summary

The Restoration Technician will work for the Charlevoix, Antrim,  Kalkaska, and Emmet County Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CAKE CISMA) program. This position is funded with grants from the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program, the Great Lakes Restoration  Initiative, and other local grants. CAKE CISMA's mission is to protect, restore, and enhance the natural communities unique to the service area. The Restoration Technician is a full-time, seasonal position, working 40  hours/week for approximately 16 weeks (see position duration). Primary responsibilities include working under the direct supervision of the Restoration Field Crew Leader to manage and survey for invasive species throughout the CAKE service region.  Managing invasive species will be done by using multiple treatment methods including manual and chemical treatments and surveying and prioritizing infested sites.  

Organizational Structure 

The CAKE CISMA was formed in 2015 to protect 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 Technician is a full-time seasonal position, 40 hours/week, FLSA-exempt position with a pay range of $16-$17 per hour commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid time off as described in the Antrim Conservation District Employee Handbook. 

Benefits & Learning Outcomes: 

  • 3 day weekends! The work week is generally four, ten-hour days. This is decided by a vote between you and your fellow crew members
  • Employees receive paid holidays and paid time off as described in our employee handbook
  • On-the-job training and the opportunity to learn about and explore Northern Michigan!
  • The opportunity to build a professional resume including the addition of a 3-year certification.
  • $100 gear stipend
  • Have a hand in directly influencing the health of Northern Michigan's natural resources!

Position Duration

May 1 – August 31, 2025 (Flexible start/end dates, with the possibility of extension dependent on funding)

Standards of Performance

The 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 paid travel to the Beaver Island Archipelago as needed. 

Working 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. A work vehicle is provided, if you must use a personal vehicle you will be reimbursed for mileage. Approximately 85% field work, 10% office work, 5% education/outreach

Essential Functions of the Position

  • Work under the direct supervision of the Restoration Field Crew Leader 
  • Conduct surveys for invasive species on both public and private properties 
  • Maintain a professional level of interaction with the public 
  • Work with partner organizations and private property owners to treat invasive species on public and  private properties (manual, mechanical, and herbicide applications) 
  • Ensure the use of best management practices while adhering to proper herbicide application procedures 
  • Use tablets and GPS devices to collect accurate field data and enter it into the appropriate databases 
  • Assist in troubleshooting minor logistical and mechanical issues related to fieldwork 
  • Perform other duties related to the ACD program and/or as assigned by the Executive Director or CISMA program coordinator. 

Required Qualifications

  • Current enrollment in an accredited university or college program with a focus on natural resources,  biology, or ecology preferred; or, high school diploma with at least one year of invasive species management experience. 
  • Must be (or ability to become) a certified Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator in Categories 2,  3B, 5, and 6 (paid for by employer)

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 native and invasive species in Northern Michigan 
  • Invasive species treatment knowledge 

Other Skills & Knowledge

  • Commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the workplace and the field of conservation 
  • Candidates should be able to work with  a wide range of local partners including land conservancies, and watershed councils, and understand the  function/objectives of each 
  • Proficiency using GPS units, wayfinding and orienteering, and basic skills in ArcGIS applications 
  • Able to maintain positive interactions with co-workers, partners, and the public 
  • Able to work flexible hours (occasional weekend or evening) 
  • Must maintain a valid driver’s license and possess a registered, insured vehicle for use during work  hours, if needed (approved mileage will be reimbursed) 
  • Basic computer skills (Windows, MS Office, Internet) 

Physical Requirements

  • Must possess the visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other  hazards related to fieldwork 
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds on a daily basis 
  • Frequent standing, walking, walking on uneven surfaces, carrying, pushing, bending, kneeling,  reaching, twisting, turning and repetitive movement 
  • Able to work efficiently outdoors in varying conditions and terrain 

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 of the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. The ACD reserves the right to amend the essential  functions of this position to meet organizational needs as necessary.  

The Antrim Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race,  color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression), national origin, genetic  information, political affiliation, marital status, familial status, veteran status, height, weight, or other non-merit factors. We  encourage women, BIPOC, and candidates from all under-represented groups in conservation to apply.

HOW TO APPLY

To Apply

Please email your resume and cover letter to cakecisma@macd.org . Any specific questions can be directed to the same address. Please apply by 5:00 pm on March 3rd, 2025 

When you apply, please indicate that you are responding to the posting on Conservation Job Board.

Category Botany, Restoration
Tags GIS