POSITION SUMMARY 

Primary responsibilities include leading seasonal field technicians while implementing invasive species management, ecological restoration, habitat monitoring, and grant-funded conservation projects throughout the CAKE service region. The CAKE CISMA Restoration Crew  Leader will implement invasive and exotic plant management control methods using integrated pest  management strategies, including manual, mechanical, chemical, and biological releases. Day-to-day  job duties will primarily be focused on implementing invasive species management and habitat restoration projects in the CAKE CISMA  service area. This position may assist with grant applications, grant reports, and land management  plans under the supervision of the CAKE CISMA Invasive Species Program Coordinator. 

This position is funded in part by the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program through the Michigan  DNR, Michigan EGLE, and MDARD, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative administered by the  US Forest Service and Environmental Protection Agency with additional funding provided by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and  Chippewa Indians, and Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians. 

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE 

The CAKE CISMA was formed in 2015 with the goal of protecting the natural resources, economy,  and human health of Northern Lower Michigan through collaborative outreach and management of  invasive species. The program serves Charlevoix, Antrim, Kalkaska & Emmet counties in Northwest  Michigan. It operates under the fiduciary oversight of the Antrim Conservation District (ACD). While  CAKE CISMA leads the strategic direction and priorities for invasive species management in the  region, all employees are officially employed by the Antrim Conservation District, adhere to ACD  protocols as outlined in the employee handbook, and have access to ACD resources and benefits. 

COMPENSATION: The CAKE CISMA Restoration Crew Leader is a full time, 40 hours/week, FLSA  exempt position with a pay range of $19-$23  per hour commensurate with experience. Benefits  include paid holidays, up to 13 paid days off per year, retirement, and a health insurance package  including dental and vision. 

STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE: Highest standards of confidentiality are maintained regarding  our donors, volunteers, board, and personnel while representing the ACD with the highest integrity of  customer service and environmental care and conservation concern. 

WORK LOCATION: Antrim Conservation District office - 7915 Cameron Street, Central Lake Michigan with  fieldwork throughout the CAKE CISMA service area, including travel to the Beaver Island Archipelago as needed. 

WORKING CONDITIONS: This is a field position which will require outdoor work in varying weather  conditions, terrains, and locations. Work will require hiking and snowshoe use for long distances.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES 

• Work with the CAKE CISMA Program Coordinator to organize logistics and oversee the daily activities of field technicians to help implement long-term invasive species strategies. 
• Supervise and work alongside seasonal crew members to treat invasive species in the CAKE  CISMA service area (manual, mechanical, chemical, biological). 
• Ensure the safety of crew members and operate independently with minimal oversight. 
• Oversee large-scale invasive species management projects, including coordination with  contractors, landowners, and permitting. 
• Direct crew members to treat high-priority species on private and public lands. 
• Coordinate equipment, vehicles, and field logistics while supporting invasive species prevention and early detection efforts. 
• Coordinate and conduct terrestrial and aquatic invasive species surveys on both public and private land 
• Work with partner organizations, municipalities, and private property owners on invasive  species treatments. 
• Manage invasive species control data, including photo monitoring for grant reports.
• Collect, manage, and enter field data using GIS applications and the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN). 
• Adhere to proper herbicide application procedures to ensure best management practices 
• Assist with implementation of grant-funded projects through permitting compliance, project documentation, and reporting. 
• Provide support and assistance at education and outreach events. 
• Work with partner organizations, municipalities, private landowners, and the public to implement invasive species management projects. 
• Undertake other duties as assigned by the Executive Director or Program Coordinator to  support the effective operation of the CAKE CISMA program and its fiduciary, the Antrim  Conservation District. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

Formal Education or Equivalent  

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a focus in natural resources,  biology, or ecology 
• Has Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Pesticide applicator  certificate categories 2 3A, 3B, 5, 6, and 10; or the ability and willingness to obtain the  certification within 1 month of employment with required costs to be paid by the employer 

RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE & SKILLS 

• Experience leading and directing work/field crews 
• Experience in field data collecting, record keeping, and managing data 
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction 
• Strong organizational skills 
• Excellent social and interpersonal skills 
• Experience safely mixing, storing, and applying herbicides. 
• Experience working with handheld gardening tools, backpack sprayers, hand-held sprayers, and  herbicides to manage invasive plants. 
• Experience using and maintaining hand and power tools, outboard motors, power washers, and  completing their maintenance or the ability to learn.
• Comfort driving with trailers or larger vehicles. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Background in natural resources management, particularly in invasive species management
• Experience with herbicides; including safety, proper storage, mixing, and applications             
• Knowledge of native and invasive plants of the Great Lakes region. 
• Invasive species treatment knowledge 
• Basic computer proficiency (Windows, MS Office) 
• Proficiency using GPS units, wayfinding, and orienteering 
• Skilled in ArcGIS applications 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Must possess the visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to fieldwork 
• Ability to work flexible hours 
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50lbs daily (backpack sprayers, chainsaws, etc) 
• Able to work efficiently outdoors in varying conditions and terrains. Frequent standing, walking,  walking on uneven surfaces, carrying, pushing, bending, kneeling, reaching, twisting, turning,  and repetitive movements are required. 
• Must hold a valid driver's license and be able to drive company vehicles 

ADA COMPLIANCE: This position description is intended to describe the general nature of the work  being performed by the employee assigned to the position. It is not an exhaustive list of all the essential  functions of the position and its related duties and responsibilities. Employees must be able to perform  all essential functions of the position with reasonable accommodation. The ACD reserves the right to  amend the essential functions of this position to meet organizational needs as necessary.  

The Antrim Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on  the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender  expression), national origin, genetic information, political affiliation, marital status, familial status, veteran  status, height, weight, or other non-merit factors.