Ottawa Conservation District Position Announcement: Invasive Species Specialist

The Ottawa Conservation District is seeking to fill the position of Invasive Species Specialist. This position will carry out the work of 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 31, 2025
Title: Invasive Species Specialist
Number of Positions: 1
Location: Based at the Ottawa Conservation District office located at 16731 Ferris St., Grand Haven, MI. Assignments will be performed throughout the WMCISMA counties of Allegan, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, and Ottawa.
Position Details: This is a grant-funded, limited-term, and benefited position. The anticipated time commitment is 40 hours per week, but hours can vary due to workload and weather conditions.. Start Date: May 5, 2025
Compensation: $20-$23/hour, based on experience
Closing Date: April 16, 2025

POSITION SUMMARY

The Invasive Species Specialist furthers the mission of the Ottawa Conservation District (OCD) by assisting the WMCISMA Coordinator with the implementation of CISMA projects. This role leads the OCD Strike Team and Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Crew in conducting field-based surveys, mapping, and treatment of invasive species. The position will be based out of the Ottawa Conservation District office, but travel to site locations using a work vehicle will be required.

Under the supervision of the WMCISMA Coordinator, the Invasive Species Specialist will assist in creating daily work plans to achieve survey and treatment goals and ensure grant deliverables are met. This person will supervise the work of the two, 4-person field crews, participate in invasive species surveys and treatments, and ensure that the quality of work is up to expected standards. Treatments include manual plant removal and pesticide applications. Individuals applying for this position are required to possess their Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification ideally in Categories 2, 3A, 3B, 5, and 6. Experience with plant identification, forest pest identification, and chemical treatment is required.

This individual will work with landowners and other partners to discuss projects and secure permissions. The Invasive Species Specialist will frequently use online and printed parcel and aerial maps. Experience with ArcGIS is prefered Additional duties include maintaining accurate and detailed records, maintaining equipment, and reporting on data.

We are seeking a self-directed, responsible, and highly motivated individual who can 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 resource management or a related field are preferred.

While working in the field, the Invasive Species Specialist 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 pesticides is expected.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Prepare work plans for the OCD Invasive Species Strike Team and Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Crew
• Train OCD seasonal Invasive Species Strike Team and Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Crew
• Assist Coordinator in setting best management practices
• Assist OCD crews with day-to-day needs and problem-solving
• Ensure OCD crews have all the necessary supplies
• Repair and maintain equipment, including backpack sprayers, boat, and trailer
• File legal permits including Aquatic Nuisance Control and National Pollution Discharge Elimination System
• Ensure accurate data collection and maintain treatment data sets
• Ensure safe and legal pesticide use by crews
• Assist the Coordinator in setting and tracking project deliverables and timelines
• Responsible for assisting the Coordinator in hiring, training, and supervising the Invasive Species Strike Team and Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Crew
• Familiarity with pesticide laws and regulations
• Utilize ArcGIS to develop functional maps for various projects
• Work with the Coordinator to answer all landowner inquiries in a timely manner
• Conduct site visits for suspected watchlist species
• Assist the Invasive Species Strike Team and Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Crew with surveys and treatments as necessary
• Assist coordinator with treatment workshops, trainings, and presentations as needed

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, ornamental horticulture, or related field; and at least 2 years of experience in landscape management, nursery work, invasive species control, or land management
• Must possess a Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification (Categories 2, 3A, 3B, 5, 6 preferred)
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Experience developing and coordinating work plans and providing leadership for a team
• Ability to recognize and properly identify aquatic and terrestrial native and invasive plants
• Ability to recognize and properly identify forest pests and diseases
• Knowledge of invasive species control techniques
• Experience applying pesticides
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite (Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, Excel)
• Proficient in ArcGIS Online
• Experience with data entry and management
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in the English language
• Experience collaborating on, developing, and delivering conservation education programs
• Experience working in various field conditions
• Experience with boating is a plus

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.