Natural Resources Technician 1 (Intermittent) - Eagle Creek State Nature Preserve

What We Need

We are seeking energetic, passionate people who enjoy the outdoors and want to play a key role for the position of Natural Resources Technician 1, within the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, assigned to Portage county. The address for this position is 11027 Hopkins Rd Garrettsville, OH 44231.

To learn more about the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, please visit the DNAP website, Ohio Scenic Rivers Program, and the Eagle Creek State Nature Preserve.

What You Will Do…

You will work with the Ohio Scenic Rivers Program staff on the following:

• Ecological Management – Duties involve the control of invasive plants and other habitat management on Scenic River Lands and other Division of Natural Areas and Preserves lands. Activities will include use of string trimmers and a variety of hand tools, including hand saws, hand pulling and hand cutting of vegetation, riding and push lawnmowers, and the application of herbicides utilizing a variety of techniques (training provided). Walking over rough, uneven terrain while carrying a backpack sprayer is also required.
• Boundary Monitoring – Walk boundaries of Scenic River Lands and conservation easements and complete reporting documents.
• Monitoring Studies – Assist the Asst. Regional Scenic River Manager and Stream Quality Monitoring Coordinator with routine monitoring of state-designated Wild, Scenic, and Recreational Rivers through our Stream Quality Monitoring Program. This includes Level 1 and 2 surveys of aquatic macroinvertebrates, assisting volunteers, and performing QHEI assessments. Assist with fish surveys. Assist with an amphibian monitoring program. Routinely survey, record, and report data.
• Trails and Facilities Maintenance – Assist with installation of trails. Check trails and parking areas for downed limbs or trees, trim encroaching vegetation, assist in the construction or repair of trail infrastructure (bridges, boardwalks, stairs, etc.), and remove litter and graffiti.
• Equipment Maintenance – Maintenance of state-owned equipment, such as sharpening and cleaning tools following use, cleaning vehicles, etc.
• Office Maintenance – General cleaning of office facilities including common areas and restrooms along with assisting with minor building repairs and upgrades.
• Visitor Assistance and Public Programs – Provide relevant information to the public pertaining to the ecological significance of state-designated Wild, Scenic, and Recreational Rivers, aquatic macroinvertebrates, riparian buffers, and a range of other similar topics. Explain the rules and policies governing the public and restricted access areas of the Scenic River Lands and other DNAP lands. Assist Scenic Rivers staff with planning and conducting interpretive programming, including stream quality monitoring workshops, naturalist hikes and other activities. Assist with tabling events and setting up displays. May assist with canoe floats. Assist with Ohio State Fair programming or other activities.
• Administrative – Assist the Assistant Regional Scenic River Manager and Stream Quality Monitoring Coordinator with volunteer coordination, record ecological management and maintenance activities, provide accurate reports to supervisor, and data entry. Assist Assistant Regional Scenic River Manager in drafting management plans for Scenic River Lands.
• Hourly pay of $18.63/hr.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications...

• Completion of, or working toward completion of an associate degree, at minimum, in Natural Resources Management, Fisheries and Wildlife Management, Environmental Science, or other similar area of study.
• Prior experience in ecological management, public speaking or educational skills, or maintenance is preferred. The ability to identify common native and invasive woody and herbaceous vegetation is recommended but not required. Candidates will be provided training on all equipment use, herbicide handling and application methods, and common woody and herbaceous species identification.
  
  

Duration...

• This is a 1000-hour intermittent (unclassified) position beginning April 2025 running through November 2025 with the potential for extension.
• This position is expected to work 32 hours per week, primarily Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:00am- 3:30pm.
• Report times and duration are subject to change based on operational need, weather, and seasonal sunset times. Some evenings and weekends may be required depending on the event schedule.
  
  

Please Note...

This is a maximum duration, 1000-hour intermittent (unclassified) position for the Division of Natural Areas & Preserves. The location for this position is:

• Eagle Creek State Nature Preserve (Portage County)
  
  

Formal education in arithmetic that includes addition, subtraction, multiplication & division & in reading & speaking common English vocabulary; valid driver’s license; valid Commercial Driver’s License required if motor equipment is of type & size regulated by Section 4506.01 & 4506.12 of Ohio Revised Code.

• Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.
  
  

Job Skills: General Maintenance

Organization

Natural Resources

Agency Contact Name and Information

Allie.Tucker@dnr.ohio.gov or 614-265-6993

Unposting Date

Mar 11, 2025, 11:59:00 PM

Primary Location

United States of America-OHIO-Portage County-Garrettsville

Compensation

$18.63/hr

Schedule

Part-time

Work Hours

Varies, Includes Weekends

Classified Indicator

Unclassified

Union

OCSEA

Primary Job Skill

General Maintenance

Technical Skills

Customer Service, Grounds & Landscaping, Natural Resources

Professional Skills

Attention to Detail, Problem Solving, Time Management

Agency Overview

Who we are:

Did you know Ohio operates 76 state parks, manages over 750,000 acres of diverse wildlife land and more than 2 million acres of water? That’s just the tip of the iceberg of what we do at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) as we seek to ensure a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all!

Across our 12 divisions and support services, we employ office staff, law enforcement officers, geologists, biologists, engineers, attorneys, communicators, managers, and so much more. Whatever your passion, we likely have a position to fit it and pathways for advancement!

Working at ODNR is a special experience. Our employees are afforded opportunities to participate in public events at parks, nature preserves, wildlife areas, and annually at the Natural Resources Park at the Ohio State Fair! We routinely have Lunch and Learn events at our Assembly Center which are streamed on Teams Live as are monthly updates with our Director.