POSITION SUMMARY

The HWA Specialist works with the Invasive Species Specialist and other HWA Specialist to implement the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program, which funds the position. Primary responsibilities include working with the Invasive Species Specialist and HWA Specialist to survey forests and trees in 4 counties for invasive hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), conduct delimitation surveys to prepare sites with active HWA infestations for summer treatments, and treat HWA on prepped sites.  Other duties include creating maps, working with private landowners, assisting with training, engaging volunteers, and other duties as needed.

COMPENSATION

The HWA Specialist is a full-time position, as long as grant funding is available (current funding is through March 2027). Annualized salary is $37,960 -  41,500 (FLSA-exempt), depending on experience. As a full-time salaried employee, the HWA Specialist is entitled to the Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network’s benefit package, which includes medical insurance, paid time off, and other benefits as described in the Employee Handbook. 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION 

The Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network (ISN) is a registered 501(c)3, and is a collaboration of over 60 highly motivated and respected organizations in the region.  ISN’s mission is to protect, enhance, and promote northwest Michigan's natural communities through terrestrial invasive plant management and outreach. Its service area includes Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, and Manistee Counties.  More information can be found at HabitatMatters.org

Major ISN partners include:  Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, and Manistee Conservation Districts; Leelanau Conservancy; Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy; Inland Seas Education Association; The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay; Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore; Huron-Manistee National Forest; Michigan Natural Features Inventory; Michigan Department of Natural Resources; Midwest Invasive Species Information Network; and several lake associations, local units of government, and private environmental groups.

PREFERRED START DATE

 April 13th, or as soon as possible

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

Formal Education or Equivalent

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with excellent academic performance
• One year field experience in invasive species or forestry management preferred 

Related Work Experience

• Experience in northern forest plant identification 
• Background in natural resource management, preferably in invasive species identification
• Experience with pesticides, including safety, proper storage, mixing, and application preferred

Skills

• Ability to recognize and properly identify tree species and forest pests
• Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certificate (Categories Core, 2, 3A, and 6) preferred, OR ability and willingness to obtain certificate (required – cost covered by ISN)
• Must be able to work efficiently outdoors in varying conditions and terrain
• Able to deal with physically demanding work in inclement weather
• Must be able to navigate off-trail or in the backcountry, doing transects, using Field Maps
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong and proven team-player AND self-motivated worker
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in the English language
• Proficient in use of Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong knowledge of plant identification and regional invasive species preferred
• Proficient knowledge of ArcMap/ArcOnline/Survey 123/Field Maps preferred

Other

• Able to work flexible hours
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license 

WORKING CONDITIONS

The Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network’s office is located at 3334 Veterans Dr, Unit A in Traverse City, MI. The Specialist will frequently be in the field surveying and treating invasive hemlock woolly adelgid throughout Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, and Manistee counties. Field work will involve traversing uneven, boggy, submerged, and snow-covered terrain in a wide range of temperatures and conditions, and may require strenuous hikes, wearing snowshoes, and lifting equipment and materials of up to 40 pounds.  Must have a willingness to travel within a four-county service area. While field equipment such as snowshoes will be supplied, the successful applicants must have consistent access to appropriate cold-weather and field clothing.