Habitat Management Technician

Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County•Ga, GA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Habitat Management Technician provides technical support for managing natural lands in Athens-Clarke County, with an emphasis on invasive plant management and habitat rehabilitation. The role includes removing invasive plants using chemical and mechanical methods, supporting habitat restoration and monitoring, and assisting with other Sustainability Department activities. The position reports to the Ecological Resources Coordinator and is classified as non-exempt and part-time/non-benefited. It serves at the discretion of the Sustainability Director and is designated safety-sensitive. The technician documents herbicide treatments and habitat management geospatially, assists with native planting and seeding, and supports prescribed burns and habitat maintenance. Work may also include leading or assisting with guided field trips on ACC-owned conservation lands. The role involves outdoor work in varying weather conditions and exposure to hazards such as flames, smoke, snakes, biting insects, and other environmental conditions. Personal protective equipment, including specialized wildland fire PPE, must be worn for certain tasks.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent and six months of landscaping, forestry, agricultural, or general outdoor work experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Valid driver's license.
Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Georgia Commercial Pesticide Applicator License within six months of employment.
Knowledge of basic habitat management techniques, invasive species management, plant ecology and/or wildlife biology, and native and non-native plant identification.
Ability to operate hand and power tools, including chainsaws, trimmers, reciprocating saws, and drills.
Ability to perform computer-based work and use GPS and ESRI GIS products for mapping and data entry.
Ability to work effectively independently and with others, and communicate with coworkers and the public.
Ability to perform mathematical calculations and formulations for herbicide application.
Ability to prepare concise, clear written reports and documents.
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and around flames, smoke, snakes, and biting insects.
Ability to meet the physical demands of heavy work, including exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and up to 50 pounds frequently, and performing activities such as walking, standing, bending, pushing, pulling, lifting, climbing, kneeling, crouching, and repetitive motions.
Must wear personal protective equipment, including specialized wildland fire PPE, for certain land-management tasks.
Regular and predictable attendance is required; must work cooperatively with others.
May be required to work on religious holidays.

Responsibilities

Provide technical support for natural lands management, including invasive plant management and habitat rehabilitation.
Manage invasive plants using chemical and mechanical removal methods while minimizing damage to native species.
Document herbicide treatments and habitat management using geospatial tools such as GPS, Survey123, and Avenza.
Assist with habitat restoration activities and monitoring, including planting and seeding native species.
Assist with prescribed burns by preparing fire breaks and participating in burn activities.
Perform habitat maintenance, including debris removal, brush cutting, perimeter marking, and fence and gate repair.
Assist with or lead guided field trips on ACC-owned conservation lands.
Prepare daily work reports, pesticide application notifications and documentation, and equipment service requests as required.
Operate and ensure the safe operation and readiness of vehicles when required.
Perform other duties as assigned.