Conservation Technician

Job Title: Conservation Technician

Department: Environmental

Reports To: Stewardship Specialist

Location: Administration Building

Status: Non-Exempt (NE-9)/Part Time/Seasonal

Open Date: January 20, 2025

Close Date: January 30, 2025

Wage: $19.98 - $27.11

SUMMARY

The Conservation Technician will assist with Environmental Department projects, including but not limited to our Tribal and GLRI funded nmé (lake sturgeon) rehabilitation efforts, aquatic and terrestrial invasive species management, mnomen (wild rice) conservation and Jijak Youth Camp. The Conservation Technician will have frequent long days in the field (including lunches). The Conservation Technician will perform functions for the Tribal Government in compliance with Tribal policy and Federal Government standards.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED and 1 (one) year of experience
• Must possess valid driver’s license and be insurable on company policy

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to the following:

• Report to assigned project lead on a daily basis
• The majority of work assigned will take place in the field
• Must dress appropriately for the conditions
• Performing work in areas highly visible to the Tribe and public requires maintaining a high standard of professionalism
• Assist with lake sturgeon efforts that will include, but are not limited to, chemical and physical habitat data collection, habitat restoration, gill netting, tracking, drift samples, egg mats, etc.
• Assist with rearing facility responsibilities including feeding fish, recording data and cleaning
• Invasive species identification and monitoring
  • Document the species, location and area of infestation using GPS, Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) and other applicable programs
• Treat invasive species using identified best management practices
  • Conduct manual and chemical invasive species control including removal of phragmites, Japanese knotweed, purple loosestrife, European frogbit, garlic mustard, autumn olive, multiflora rose and honey suckle, among others
  • Areas where invasive species are treated must be documented in a pesticide application log book, as well as entered into the appropriate data management tool(s)
• Survey waterbodies and Tribal properties for native vegetation and invasive species
  • Identify aquatic and terrestrial native and invasive species
  • Identify signs of invasive species
• Survey and monitor water bodies supporting and suitable for wild rice
• Harvest and transplant wild rice
• Safely utilize equipment, including but not limited to watercraft, chainsaws, herbicide sprayers, UTVs and hand tools
• Assist with mapping, publications, data entry and outreach activities
• Attend classroom and field trainings as requested
• Assist in maintaining equipment (vehicle, boats, sampling gear etc.)
• Work as a Camp Counselor and/or another role at the Jijak Youth Camp
• Conduct field work related to water quality, wild rice, native prairie, ash tree management, ecosystem management, etc.
• Collect and maintain field data
• Data entry into Microsoft Excel and Access
• Assist Environmental Departmental staff with day-to-day activities when needed

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must be punctual and reliable
• Must have general knowledge of aquatic plant taxonomy
• Must be able (or learn) to identify aquatic and terrestrial invasive species of Michigan
• Must know how to (or learn to) use a dichotomous key
• Must have excellent interpersonal, self-starter, organizational, multi-tasking and time management skills
• Must have a desire to work outside
• Flexible, highly organized and able to work independently
• Ability (or willingness to learn) to drive and trailer utility vehicles and watercraft, including loading and unloading
• Must be self-motivated and able to work independently at times

Physical Requirements

• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 lbs., and occasionally lift and/or move 75 lbs.
• Requires normal, corrective vision range, the ability to see color and the ability to distinguish letters, numbers and symbols
• Manual dexterity to operate job-related equipment
• Performance of job duties will require standing, walking, lifting, reaching, pushing, pulling, twisting and grasping

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Willing to obtain certifications including pesticide applicator license, first aid and CPR, as required at Tribe’s expense
• Frequently working non-traditional hours including evenings, weekends and holidays
• Ability and willingness to travel for fieldwork, meetings and continuing education
• Field duties can require working in harsh weather conditions including regularly exposed to wet and/or humid and other outside weather conditions for extended periods of time
• This position may be subject to frequent exposure to extreme levels of temperature, air pollution, noise pollution and chemicals
• The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and other potentially hazardous equipment

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this job. These statements should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

All applicants must be able to demonstrate their U.S. work authorization during the employment verification process. The pre-employment process also requires the ability to pass a criminal background investigation and a drug/alcohol test.

INDIAN PREFERENCE

The Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi recognizes Native American preference in its hiring and employment policies.

EMPLOYER BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION

This is a seasonal non-benefitted position.