POSITION SUMMARY

The Invasive Species Survey Technicians (2 positions) work together, along with the Director and Habitat Management Specialist, to implement the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (administered through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore) and the Sustain Our Great Lakes grants, which fund these positions. Primary responsibilities include working as a team to survey natural areas and private properties for smooth false brome, and to survey for invasive species in the Manistee River State Game Area. Other duties include general invasive species survey work in natural areas, roadsides, and waterways, data entry, and engaging volunteers.

COMPENSATION

The Invasive Species Network Survey Technician is a seasonal position, working up to 40 hours/week for up to 15 weeks. This position is not exempt from overtime requirements, with an hourly wage of $16-18/hour depending on experience. Seasonal positions are not eligible for benefits except those required by law.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

Formal Education or Equivalent

• Seeking a degree from an accredited college or university with excellent academic performance
• Natural Resources, Biology, or related field preferred
• At least two seasons of field experience preferred

Related Work Experience

• Experience in northern hardwood forest plant identification
• Strong experience in northern Michigan flora (native and invasive) preferred
• Background in natural resource management preferred

Skills

• Must be able to work efficiently outdoors in varying conditions and terrain
• Able to deal with insect pests and inclement weather
• Must be able to navigate off trail or in the backcountry, doing transects, using a GPS unit and/or a tablet
• Strong knowledge of plant identification and regional invasive species
• Experience with dichotomous keys for plant identification
• 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
• Proficient knowledge of ArcGIS and GPS unit manipulation 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)

WORKING CONDITIONS

The Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network’s office is located at 3334 Veterans Dr, Unit A, in Traverse City, MI. The Technician will frequently be in the field surveying for terrestrial invasive plant species throughout Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, and Manistee Counties. The Technician will be working closely with Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to survey in and around national lakeshore properties, and with the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians to survey for invasive species in culturally significant areas. Field work may involve traversing uneven, boggy, and submerged terrain in wide ranges of temperatures and weather, in areas with incessant insect pests, and may require lifting equipment and materials of up to 40 pounds.  Must have a willingness to travel within a four-county service area. 

PREFERRED START DATE

June 3, 2024 (flexible)