Heartland Restoration Technician

Position: Heartland Restoration Technician

Location: Gaylord, Michigan

Responsible To: Habitat Specialist

Employment Term: Full-Term is May 5th-November 13th, partial-term positions are also available

Huron Pines: Huron Pines is a nonprofit conservation organization with a mission to conserve and enhance Northern Michigan’s natural resources to ensure healthy water, protected places and vibrant communities. Our vision is conservation driven by engaged, empowered communities. We are committed to understanding the many ways in which people connect with nature and the outdoors in Northern Michigan and how our work can support those experiences while at the same time recognizing that while we believe that a strong connection with the outdoors is important for health and wellbeing, not every individual or community’s experience or opportunity to create those connections is the same. Through our work to continue learning and understanding, we will strengthen our awareness of the barriers and inequities that exist at the individual and community levels in order to advance more equitable opportunities to experience the outdoors in our region.

Scope and Purpose of Work: The Heartland Restoration Technician will participate in implementing a variety of habitat restoration projects across aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems within the heart of Northeast Michigan. Heartland Restoration Technicians will be completing tasks on behalf of the Huron Heartland Invasive Species Network (HHISN), a collaboration of local, state, and federal partners working together to address invasive species concerns across six counties. We are looking for motivated individuals who have a passion for the stewardship of our natural resources, will be strong team members, help problem solve, work efficiently and confidently without direct supervision, and maintain a high level of professionalism in field and office settings.

Position Duties/Responsibilities May Include:

• Approximately 85% field work, 10% office work, 5% education/outreach
• Collaborate with staff, outside agencies, volunteers, and landowners to manage invasive species through chemical and physical removal techniques and surveys
• Assist with the monitoring of threatened and endangered species
• Assist with native plantings and seed collections to enhance grassland communities
• Assist with tree and brush removal to enhance wildlife habitat
• Ensure safe and responsible operation and decontamination of Huron Pines equipment
• Maintain a high level of communication with Stewardship Staff
• Submit accurate reports that include electronic forms, digital photos, and GPS/GIS data
• Assist the Coastal Restoration Team and other staff as needed in other project areas such as education, water resources, and land protection
• Occasionally stay overnight via camping or provided lodging to complete project tasks
• Complete project tasks within the Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center

Required Qualifications:

• Familiarity with navigational tools such as GPS and paper maps, Microsoft Office and Google Suite
• Must maintain reliable transportation to and from work
• Ability to work in a team setting
• Commitment to the mission and goals of Huron Pines, a passion for Michigan’s natural resources, and a willingness to learn
• Must be able to represent Huron Pines in a professional manner in the field and office setting.
• Be willing and able to obtain the Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certificate, including categories 2, 5 and 6 (associated fees are covered by Huron Pines, certification is valid for 3 years)
• Must be able to work efficiently outdoors in varying weather conditions and terrain while maintaining a positive attitude
• Ability to comply with safety regulations and protocol administered by Huron Pines staff
• Ability to pass a background and/or security check
• Ability to hike while carrying a backpack sprayer or other equipment weighing up to 30 pounds (reasonable accommodations may be made)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Possess a valid driver’s license and up-to-date car insurance
• A minimum of one year’s experience completing natural resource management projects and/or a relevant Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Ability to identify invasive, native, and at-risk plant species common to the state of Michigan
• Experience with herbicides, including safety, proper storage, mixing, and application
• Experience with GIS mapping and data collection, specifically Field Maps and Avenza Maps
• Experience in safely operating watercraft, off-road vehicles, and pickup trucks while towing loaded trailers, chainsaws, brushcutters, and other power tools

Benefits and Learning Outcomes:

• This position pays $16-$17/hr. with the opportunity for an end-of-season bonus
• 3 day weekends! The work week is generally four, ten-hour days
• Employees receive three paid federal holidays plus 3 hours of flexible PTO accumulated biweekly (42 hours if working the full 28-week term)
• 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
• A work vehicle is provided, if you must use a personal vehicle you will be reimbursed for mileage
• Apparel that you can keep - Huron Pines shirts, hat, and a pair of muck boots
• Have a hand in directly influencing the health of Northern Michigan's natural resources

How to Apply:

This is an at-will, seasonal, non-exempt position. Huron Pines plans to fill multiple positions with this announcement. Please send your resume and three references to: info@huronpines.org with the subject line ‘Heartland Restoration Technician Application’. Huron Pines is additionally hiring Coastal Restoration Technicians (based in Alpena, MI), please indicate if you are also applying for that position. Huron Pines is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, job interview, or to otherwise participate in the hiring process please contact Jennie Zoll, Director of Finance and Administration at 989-448-2293 ext. 22 or jennie@huronpines.org. If you have questions regarding the specific responsibilities of the position please contact Shelby Bauer, Senior Conservation Coordinator at 989-448-2293 ext. 13 or shelby@huronpines.org. This rolling application will be open until the positions are filled. By applying for this position, you are certifying that all of the statements made in your application are true, correct, and complete to the best of your knowledge.

Huron Pines provides equal employment opportunity and will not discriminate against an individual with respect to employment, compensation, term, condition, or privilege of employment, because of religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), sexual preference, height, weight, disability, genetic information, marital status or other legally protected status.

Job Type: Temporary

Pay: $16.00 - $17.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16 - $17