Stewardship Technician (Forest Health) bei Ottawa County, MI

About the Department

Under the supervision of the Stewardship Supervisor, the forest health technician is primarily responsible for leading staff and volunteers in day-to-day forest health fieldwork throughout Ottawa County Parks and Recreation’s (OCPR) properties. This position will be responsible for leading staff and volunteers in the field, documenting daily progress and updating other staff on management progress, and maintaining equipment and other supplies. The forest health technician will occasionally assist with other invasive species management and restoration projects such as foliar herbicide applications for invasive plants, native plantings, prescribed fire, research projects, and other activities.

This is a part-time, seasonal position working 24 - 32 hours per week. 

Position Duties

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Leads other natural resources staff and volunteers in regular forest health field work, primarily but not limited to Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) survey and treatments and oak wilt mitigation efforts.
2. Trains technicians, volunteers and other natural resources management staff on survey and treatment protocols, GIS software, equipment operation, and the safe and responsible application of pesticide for the control of invasive insects and other forest pests.
3. Carefully documents and provides updates on daily field work activities and maintains records of pesticide application.
4. Maintains standard operating procedures regarding forest health work and collaborates with other natural resources management staff to develop and update forest health strategic plans.
5. Compiles annual reports and management updates for federal and state agencies and presents updates to regional partners in conferences and other formats.
6. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of current regional forest health issues and future threats through attending conferences, webinars, and other training opportunities as available.
7. Works with other technicians to remove invasive plants at various sites throughout the county by hand-pulling, cutting, and applying herbicides.
8. Performs other restoration tasks including site preparation, planting native seeds, plugs, and trees, assisting in the preparation for and application of prescribed fire, 
9. Performs other functions as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age. 
• High school diploma or GED is not required.
• Must possess or obtain (after hire) state certification as a pesticide applicator. 
• May require a valid Michigan driver's license to operate County vehicle and/or be insurable to operate a vehicle under the county's current automobile insurance policy.

Other Qualifications

Additional Requirements and Information
Required Knowledge and Skills

1. Working knowledge of use and management of pesticides, OSHA/MIOSHA rules, safety protocols, best practices, and OSHA/MIOSHA rules, regulations and requirements.
2. Ability to strategize and apply creative problem solving during daily field work.
3. Ability to field questions regarding OCPR’s forest health management strategy and prioritization, especially regarding HWA mitigation efforts.
4. Understanding of invasive species including skills in the identification of exotic and invasive plants and animals as well as control techniques including hand removal, use of pesticides, mowing, and burning.
5. Working knowledge of the proper use of manual and power tools commonly used in land management including but not limited to hand saws, loppers, chain saws, and UTVs.

1. Familiarity with ArborJet Quik-jet Air injection system or other related equipment, especially as it relates to regular maintenance and operation, troubleshooting, and equipment repair.
2. Experience with ESRI Fieldmaps or other similar GIS software in the context of ecological field work.

1. Must be willing and able to work outdoors in all conditions and perform labor-intensive tasks in dunes, forests, wetlands, fields, and other natural settings.
2. Must be willing and able to perform labor-intensive work for extended periods of time. 
3. Must have sufficient visual activity, with or without corrective lenses to visually identify plants, animals and other natural resource elements in the field. 
4. Must be able to physically access all natural resource features and areas including trails, park grounds, dunes, wetlands, and other areas in the course of daily activities. 
5. Must be able to lift and move equipment and materials weighing up to 50 lbs with or without mechanical or other assistance. 
6. Must be able to tolerate exposure to extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, pollen and other airborne particulates; and inclement weather conditions. 
7. Must have sufficient physical strength and dexterity to operate tools commonly used in natural resources land management, invasive plant removal, landscaping trades, and other related tasks. Must be able to tolerate exposure (with personal protective equipment) to pesticides and adjuvants routinely used in the control of invasive species. 
8. Must be able to wear all required protective clothing and equipment.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Ottawa County is an Equal Opportunity Employer