eCentral
INTERNAL UNION APPLICANTS WILL BE GIVEN FIRST CONSIDERATION FOR UNION POSITIONS
Apply for This Position Online
DATE:8/30/21
STATUS:Regular, Part Time
SALARY RANGE:29,816.80-$44,557.97
TITLE:NATURAL AREA STEWARDSHIP TECHNICIAN I/II/III
GRADE:17,19,21
LOCATION:Parks Administration - 2230 Platt Road
UNION AFFILIATION:AFSCME 2733 Unit B
 
JOB SUMMARY
Under the supervision of a higher classified employee, the Natural Areas Stewardship Technician will work with the stewardship team on the management of natural habitats within the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission's Nature Preserves and Parks. This position will focus on implementation of land management and ecological restoration activities, as well as the construction and maintenance of passive recreational amenities such as nature trails and rustic boardwalks. The Stewardship Technician will also support staffing needs at outreach events including, but not limited to nature interpretive programming and volunteer events. The Stewardship Technician will be required to operate and maintain various pieces of equipment needed to conduct stewardship work. The purpose of this position is to provide WCPARC with the technical expertise and staff coordination it needs to effectively conduct stewardship activities in natural areas. Must have at least basic ecological understanding of natural environments and land management strategies.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Essential Duties:

  • Performs a variety of semi-skilled tasks to maintain nature trails, including use of chainsaw to remove hazardous/down trees.
  • Participate in weekly stewardship team meetings to prioritize stewardship activities.
  • Performs minor repairs and routine maintenance on equipment, such as greasing, oiling, and sharpening blades on a regular basis.
  • Conduct herbicide application as needed. Ensure compliance with all city and state herbicide-related policies and regulations and maintain log books for herbicide application.
  • Ability to document and communicate work completed to monitor effectiveness of management techniques for control of invasive species and restoration of native ecosystems.
  • Maintain trails, public entrances, kiosks including current trail maps, and parking areas, as needed, to welcome and provide safe amenities for visitors.
  • Ability to effectively organize logistics for field days.
  • Lead natural areas seasonal crew in conducting stewardship work.
  • Train other field crew, seasonal staff and volunteers on safe work methods, equipment use, and maintenance.
  • Report and document changes in natural areas community diversity over time.
  • Conduct prescribed burns.
  • Coordinate activities with other stewardship and planning staff, as needed.
  • Assist with preparation and leading volunteer workdays and other restoration activities in the field.
  • Track and maintain tools and equipment and order new materials as needed.
  • Stay current on latest research findings regarding control of invasive species in southern Michigan.
  • Foster team environment with stewardship and other WCPARC staff.
  • Assist with other stewardship and maintenance activities as assigned.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.
EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • At least one (1) year of experience in ecological restoration and management (specifically the control of invasive species with prescribed fire or herbicides), and the planning of such activities; or any equivalent combination of education and experience, or
  • Basic working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.
  • Good communication skills and ability to foster teamwork
  • Experience leading seasonal staff working in field work.
  • Previous fieldwork experience in the Great Lakes region is preferred.
  • Ability to identify the native and non-native flora of southern Michigan.
  • Ability to lead, direct and motivate employees and volunteers to conduct ecological stewardship activities in the field.
  • Ability to safely use and maintain (and train others to safely use and maintain) chain saws, brush blades, herbicide applicators, and other field equipment. Knowledge of relevant safety regulations and procedures for equipment.
  • Willingness and ability to work with a flexible schedule.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • Duties require sufficient mobility to work in a normal park and recreation setting and use standard equipment including lawnmowers, trimmers and chainsaws, and hearing and speech sufficient to communicate in person or over the telephone.
  • Requires work primarily outside, with seasonal exposure to extreme (both hot and cold) weather conditions, including snow and ice.
  • Ability to walk on rough, off-trail, uneven terrain, as well as wet and slippery surfaces.
  • Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
  • Physically capable of completing the tasks as outlined with the physical agility to occasionally lift up to eighty (80) pounds.
These requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

LICENSE & CERTIFICATION
  • Possession of a valid Michigan Vehicle Operator's License is required.
  • Ability to obtain a Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certificate for the State of Michigan within 3-6 months of date of employment.
EDUCATION
  • Possession of a high school diploma.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Level I - Grade 17:

  • A minimum of one (1) year experience in ecological restoration and land management.
  • Proficiency in the use and repair of mechanical equipment such as sprayers, chainsaws, and mowers.
  • Six (6) months probation/break-in period.
Level II - Grade 19:

  • Promotion to Grade 19 will be based on proficiency of skills gained, job performance and supervisor approval. Minimum two (2) years of progressively more responsible experience working in ecological restoration and land management. All of the following licenses/certifications must be obtained before moving to a Grade 19:
  • Demonstrated proficiency in the use, service, and repair of natural areas equipment such as chainsaws, off-road vehicles, sprayers, tractors, and service vehicles.
  • Maintained status as a Commercial Pesticide Applicator through the State of Michigan.
  • Certificate of completion from the National Wildfire Coordinating Group S190/S130 coursework including the necessary fieldwork, or equivalent, as approved by the Department Head.
  • A minimum of 50 hours of fire experience with WCPARC.
  • Documented completion of 24 hours of courses or seminars in native or invasive species identification, ecology, ecosystem dynamics, restoration or natural areas trail construction, as approved by Supervisor.
Level III - Grade 21:

  • Promotion to Grade 21 will be based on proficiency of skills gained, job performance and supervisor approval. Possession of a bachelor's degree preferred, or at a minimum more than four (4) years of progressively more responsible experience in ecological restoration and land management. All of the following licenses/certifications must be obtained before moving to a Grade 19:
  • Documented completion of 30 hours of courses or seminars in native or invasive species identification, ecology, ecosystem dynamics, restoration, or natural areas trail construction, as approved by Supervisor.
  • Documented equivalent prior experience, or completion of two classes in the following fields, as approved by Supervisor: Welding, Carpentry, Plumbing / Pipe Fitting, Electrical, Small Engine Repair, Pumps / Motors, or HVAC.
This class description intends to identify the major duties and requirements of the job and should not be interpreted as all inclusive. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related duties other than those outlined above.

FILING DEADLINE: 9/28/21

CONTROL NUMBER: 2108-69-1751-0003

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Return to the Job Posting List
Washtenaw County Seal