Position Available: Grant Project Coordinator – Central Michigan Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CM-CISMA) 

Grant Period: May 2025 – May 2026 (Annual Renewal)

Employer: Gladwin Conservation District (GCD) in collaboration with the CM-CISMA

Work Location: Based out of the Gladwin Conservation District in Gladwin, MI. Position covers Clare, Gladwin, Isabella, Midland and Gratiot Counties. While the position is based in Gladwin, the work schedule may involve travel and coverage within the entire 5 county service area.

Job Summary: The CM-CISMA is a collaborative that is located in the Great Lakes region. It is a partnership of multiple organizations who combine their efforts in order to efficiently and effectively prevent and eliminate invasive species within the Saginaw Bay watershed. The Project Coordinator will work in conjunction with Gladwin Conservation District and the CM-CISMA Steering Committee to complete tasks and deliverables outlined in the Strategic Plan for the year’s grant.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Facilitate the growth of the CM-CISMA by increasing partnerships within the service area.
• Coordinate CM-CISMA steering committee meetings and other meetings as needed.
• Work with the CM-CISMA education and outreach committees to develop and deliver educational programming for landowners on the prevention, identification and best management practice for invasive species. This may include: site visits, public meetings, radio broadcasts, newspaper articles, invasive species pocket guides, social media and other outreach materials as needed.
• Work with conservation districts and partner conservation organizations on community outreach and education on invasive species and provide guidance with control efforts of invasive species.
• Identify and take a lead role in writing grants for future funding of invasive species programs. Apply for and administer program grants and work closely with the grantor and fiduciary in preparing program and individual grant budgets and providing timely reporting to grantors, boards, and committees.
• Evaluate data that has been entered in the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) and gather data to determine priority treatment sites as outlined in the Strategic Plan.
• Promote the “Clean Boat Clean Waters” program, the “Michigan Clean Water Corps Exotic Plan Watch,” MISIN, boot cleaning stations, and all other programs that support CM-CISMA’s mission.
• Assist in directing contractor work, including acquiring the appropriate permits, licenses and landowner permissions when applicable.
• Work closely with the grant fiduciary (GCD) in order to effectively manage grant budgets.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in a related field and two years of experience in natural resources or education programming and/or community outreach in the Saginaw Bay watershed is preferred.
• Proficient use of software, such as Adobe InDesign, Canva, etc. to develop education materials.
• Strong knowledge of Michigan flora and fauna including regional invasive species knowledge.
• Knowledge of current invasive species policies, management, and planning across multiple government agencies and interest groups.
• Ability to obtain MDARD pesticides licensing for certified application and/or become an approved trainer.
• Have a valid driver’s license and dependable vehicle.
• Be detail oriented with a greater respect for safety precautions.
• Must be a self-starter and be able to work independently.
• Be able to collaborate with multiple personalities and styles as well as motivate others
• Have excellent communication skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Office programs, database management and development, social media management, and GIS or similar mapping software.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Have successful experience in developing, directing, and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic project goals
• Michigan Pesticide Applicator Certification 
• Proficiency in GIS/GPS for inventory, reporting and treatment of invasive species. 
• Experience safely mixing, storing, and applying herbicides.
• Experience working with handheld gardening tools, backpack sprayers, hand-held sprayers, and herbicides to manage invasive plants. 
• First Aid and CPR certification
• Comfort driving with trailers or larger vehicles. 

Salary & Benefits: $40,000-$48,000, commensurate with experience, 401(a) retirement contribution match up to 6% , paid vacation and sick days, mileage reimbursement when personal vehicle is used, parental leave (eligibility conditions apply).  

Status: Full time (40 hrs./wk.), temporary (position contingent on grant renewal in subsequent years)

Application Procedure: Send resume, list of references and cover letter to Tristan Hewitt – Executive Director at Tristan.Hewitt@macd.org or 750 M-18, Gladwin, MI 48624. Call 989-256-3147 for more information.

Application Deadline: Application Deadline June 13, 2025 or until filled.  

Overview of the Gladwin Conservation District: The Gladwin Conservation District was formed in March 1953 and is a local government entity, governed by an elected board of directors and supported through real property taxes, grants, and tree sales. The Gladwin Conservation District mission is to lead, facilitate and promote exploration, appreciation, conservation and restoration of our natural resources.

Equal Opportunity Employment: Gladwin Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or job applicants on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation or sexual identity, age, national origin, height, weight, handicap or disability, veteran status or any other status or condition protected by applicable state or federal laws.