Muskegon Conservation District 

Job Posting: Seasonal Natural Resource Technician 

Position Summary 

Muskegon Conservation District is seeking (3) Seasonal Natural Resource Technicians to assist with in-field implementation projects including but not limited to: wildlife habitat management, tree planting, green infrastructure and LID, native plant installations, invasive species management including Hemlock Wooly Adelgid and riparian based stabilization and restoration. 

Work location: Muskegon Conservation District Office, 4735 Holton Road, Twin Lake, Michigan 49457; field work primarily in Muskegon County, with occasional work in surrounding counties. 

Compensation: $16/hr; mileage reimbursement at federal rate for work related travel. 

General Conditions: This is a seasonal position. A successful applicant will work 30-40 hours per week from mid-April through September. Start and end dates can be adjusted to fit candidates' school schedule. A typical work week consists of 4, 10-hour shifts, Tuesday-Friday with periodic voluntary paid overtime. Flexibility in work shifts can be accommodated in some instances. Successful applicant(s) will spend roughly 95% of their time implementing field-based projects and approximately 5% of their time preparing reports.  

Essential functions include: 

• Complete labor-intensive field projects
• Application of herbicide/insecticide
• This job will frequently require the lifting and moving of objects weighing 50 lbs or more
• Work in conjunction with District Staff to implement contract and grant programs
• Manage small portions of larger initiatives
• Coordinate with other District staff for special initiatives, education, and outreach
• Assist local agencies, municipalities, organizations, and individuals with conservation programming
• Ensure that the District adheres to the provisions of grant agreements and contracts while obeying laws covering Conservation Districts.

Qualifications: 

• Education: Coursework or experience related to Natural Resource Management, Botany, Environmental Science, General Biology, GIS, or Ecology preferred. 
• Must be at least 18 years of age as of April 1st, 2025.
• Must either be a Michigan Certified Pesticide Applicator or be able to become certified in April 2025; training materials will be provided, and testing fees are on a reimburse basis. All required Pesticide Applicator licenses must be obtained within the first 2 weeks of employment.
• Maintain a valid Michigan driver’s license or equivalent.
• Be able and willing to work efficiently outdoors in a variety of conditions and terrains.
• Be able to pass an occupational drug screening and background security check.
• Must have sufficient visual acuity to identify spills and other potential hazards in the workplace
• This position works around pesticides, and the employee runs the risk of exposure to such chemicals. Employees must be able to wear all required clothing and equipment.

Experience and Skills 

• Experience in invasive species identification and control
• Experience with map interpretation and GPS usage
• Familiarity or experience with Michigan native plants
• Familiarity with small machinery usage
• Experience with restoration or stabilization
• Computer skills: proficiency with MS Office and data entry platforms a plus.