POSITION SUMMARY

The Invasive Species Specialist works with the Director and Habitat Management Specialist to implement the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program, the Sustain Our Great Lakes grant, and Good Neighbor Authority grant, which largely funds the position, as well as multiple other grants and subgrants. Primary responsibilities include working with the Habitat Management Specialist to arrange invasive species cost-share treatments and manage seasonal treatment crews day-to-day throughout the Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network’s (ISN) four-county service area. Other duties include data management, creating maps, working with private land owners, assisting with trainings, assisting with permitting and reporting, and engaging volunteers.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network (ISN) is a registered 501(c)3, and 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; Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore; Huron-Manistee National Forest; Michigan Department of Natural Resources; Midwest Invasive Species Information Network; and several other lake associations, local nonprofits, local units of government, and private groups.

RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to: Invasive Species Network Director

Supervises: none

Leads: Invasive Species Network Crew Members, volunteers

Works with: Invasive Species Network HWA Technicians; Invasive Species Network team members and ISN partners

External Stakeholders: program partners; landowners and concerned members of the public

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Program Implementation (90%)

• Works with ISN staff and Partners to coordinate and implement surveying and treatment of terrestrial invasive plants in Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, and Manistee counties
• Leads and coordinates a team of up to 3 Crew Members
• Works with private property owners and Habitat Management Specialist to coordinate high-priority invasive species cost-share treatments
• Enters and edits survey and treatment data in ArcMap and ArcOnline
• Identifies unknown plants collected in the field or brought in by individuals to determine invasive status
• Uses a GPS, Survey123, and/or ArcCollector in the field to navigate and mark invasive species populations
• Creates maps in ArcMap for use in field/depicting current status of invasive species, priorities & completion, and current status of invasive species
• Communicates with partners and the public on invasive species
• Assists Habitat Management Specialist in permit reporting

Volunteer Engagement (5%)

• Leads volunteers, service organizations, and school groups in field work related to invasive species management (surveying, removal, monitoring)
• Works with the Director and Habitat Management Specialist to manage volunteers as needed
• Works with other staff to recognize and thank volunteers for their efforts

Services/Other (5%)

• Performs other assignments as required

STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE 

Success is measured by the degree to which:

• Priority sites (as set by ISN and partners) are surveyed and treated
• Invasive species management goals are met and entered in an accurate and timely manner
• Grant metrics across numerous grants are met
• Volunteers and service organizations engaged in the work of ISN are satisfied with ISN’s field work

WORKING CONDITIONS

ISN’s offices are located within Traverse City, MI. The IS Specialist will frequently be in the field surveying for and/or managing invasive species throughout Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, and Manistee counties. Field work will involve traversing uneven, boggy, submerged and/or snow-covered terrain in a wide range of temperatures and conditions in areas with insect pests, and may require strenuous hikes, wearing snow shoes, 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 clothing.  Must have a willingness to mechanically control invasive plants as well as become certified and work with chemical herbicides.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

Formal Education or Equivalent

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with excellent academic performance; natural resource, biology, or related field of study preferred
  OR
• At least 3 field seasons of experience with invasive species identification and management in a leadership role

Related Work Experience

• Experience with herbicides, including safety, proper storage, mixing, and application
• Experience with leadership in a field setting, particularly where herbicide and power tools (g. chainsaw) are used
• Experience with hand tools and landscaping equipment
• Experience in northern hardwood forest, wetland, and freshwater dune system plant identification

Skills

• 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 or other satellite imagery
• Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certificate (Categories 1C, 2, 3A, 3B, 5 and 6)
  • OR ability and willingness to obtain certificate (required—cost covered by ISN)
• Strong knowledge of plant identification and regional invasive species
• Strong invasive species treatment knowledge
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong and proven team-player; experience directing and coordinating work crews
• Self-motivated worker
• Excellent social and interpersonal skills, particularly with diverse clientele and work groups
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in the English language
• Proficient in use of Microsoft Office Suite
• Proficient knowledge of ArcMap and ArcOnline preferred
• Proficient knowledge of Garmin handheld GPS units preferred

Other

• Able to work flexible hours
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license and possess a (registered, insured) vehicle for use during work hours (approved mileage will be reimbursed)

COMPENSATION

The Invasive Species Specialist is a full-time position for the duration of the grants (October 2027), with the possibility of extension if continued funding is obtained.  Annualized salary range is $37,500 - $42,300 (FLSA-exempt).  As a full-time employee, the Invasive Species 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.

PREFERRED START DATE

May 18, 2026