2025-2026 HWA Survey Technician Position

The Wild Rivers Invasive Species Coalition (WRISC) is a multi-partner organization dedicated to the management of invasive species on our lands and waters through cooperation, education, prevention, and control across the counties of Florence, Forest, Marinette (WI), Dickinson, and Menominee (MI).

WRISC is seeking Field Technicians to conduct early detection surveys for Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) in Menominee County, MI. These are LTE positions for the winter 2025 to spring 2026. WRISC is looking to hire one to two (1-2) technicians.

The positions will be funded by a Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program grant fund and hired through the Dickinson Conservation District (the WRISC fiscal agent). Staff will operate out of the Dickinson Conservation District office in Kingsford, MI, but conduct work duties primarily in Menominee County, MI using a District-owned vehicle or personal vehicle.

Duties of HWA Survey Technician:

Work under the direction of the WRISC Coordinator and/or Project Manager. Maintain a flexible schedule and regular availability. Be willing to work outside in a variety of weather conditions and occasionally long hours with early start times. Survey for and identify Eastern Hemlocks (Tsuga canadensis) on private and public land and record survey locations using a handheld device and field data collection apps. Collect samples and inspect trees for presence of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA), an invasive forest pest. More information here: https://www.michigan.gov/invasives/id-report/insects/hemlock-woolly-adelgid.

Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must have a valid state driver’s license and good driving record
• Be willing to submit to random drug testing
• Current student pursuing, or recent graduate with an associate or bachelor’s degree in a natural resources field (preferred)
• Be able to work in a variety of outdoor terrain and weather conditions
• Able to walk several miles every day, often on moderately difficult/uneven terrain
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative attitude
• Ability to self-start and work independently
• Excellent communication skills with the general public
• Attention to detail and record-keeping
• General knowledge of the threat posed by invasive species and local land/water conservation issues preferred
• Experience with plant identification and GPS use preferred (training provided)
• GIS experience preferred

Trucks will be used to travel between work sites and safely transport any equipment. Technicians must provide their own transportation to the location where trucks will be provided (main office). Technicians may need to provide their own transportation to select work sites and for certain duties depending on truck availability (approved mileage will be reimbursed).

Office Location: Kingsford, Michigan.

Work Period: December 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026; 32-40 hrs/wk
Hours and weekly work schedules will be variable. As these positions are almost entirely field based, with limited office work, applicants should recognize that hours per week and schedules may often change at the last minute due to the weather.

*** Opportunity exists to roll this into a Summer Seasonal Technician position (May – Oct (flexible), 40hrs/wk). Hiring preference will be given to those interested in pursuing summer seasonal role.

Pay: $20.00/hr